Replace a shower head
Save £40–80 in 15 mins — no plumber needed
Most people call a plumber for this. You probably don't need to.
Last updated: March 2025
Only basic tools needed — most homes already have them.
Before you start
Replacing a shower head is one of the easiest plumbing jobs — in most cases you just unscrew the old one and screw on the new one.
Standard UK shower hoses use a universal ½-inch BSP connection. Any shower head from a hardware shop will fit. You do not need to turn off the water.
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Tools & materials
- ✓Adjustable spanner or pliers— to grip the connection — wrap jaws in a cloth to avoid scratching
- ✓Old cloth— to grip and protect the chrome
- !Replacement shower head— buy from any hardware shop or supermarket
- !PTFE tape— buy — recommended for a reliable seal
Want everything in one go?
Prices shown on retailer sites. Always check current pricing before purchasing.
Unscrew the old shower head
Grip the connection between the hose and the shower head with your hand or pliers (wrap in a cloth to protect the chrome). Twist anticlockwise — it should come off easily. If stiff, use the spanner.
Most people get this done in under 5 minutes.
Where beginners go wrong
Not wrapping PTFE tape — the joint will almost certainly drip without it.
Overtightening and cracking the plastic head — hand-tight plus a quarter-turn is plenty.
Buying a shower head without checking the hose thread — though almost all UK showers use ½ BSP, it is worth checking.
Stop and call a plumber if...
The hose itself is damaged or the connection to the wall valve is leaking
Water is coming from inside the shower tray or wall rather than the head or hose
Cost breakdown
Recommended starter kit
Five tools that cover most home repairs.
- →Adjustable spannerAmazon·Screwfix
- →Screwdriver setAmazon·Screwfix
- →PTFE tapeAmazon·Screwfix
- →Spirit levelAmazon·Screwfix
- →Tape measureAmazon·Screwfix
Want everything in one go? Get it on Amazon
What you just learned
You now understand BSP shower connections and can confidently replace hoses and heads. This transfers to fitting a shower rail, replacing a bath mixer spout, and understanding flexible pipe connectors.
What this unlocks
You can now replace the shower hose, fit a shower riser rail, or upgrade to a rainfall shower head — all using the same skill.
Most people would pay a tradesperson for this.
⚠️ Watch out if you rent
A like-for-like shower head replacement is reasonable maintenance in most tenancies. Keep the old head and receipt, and let your landlord know if it was damaged to avoid deposit issues.