When you are in the market for a new showerhead, you might be wondering if they all come off.
Because of the numerous advantages of having a detachable showerhead, most newer showerheads are removable. However, some of them are stationary, and you can’t detach them from the wall. They only allow you to use them in their fixed position.
Can you install a removable showerhead?
A handheld showerhead adds versatility to a shower and makes it more pleasant. If you have an aching joint, you’ll be grateful that you have a handheld showerhead as it makes it easier to get hot water to the joint directly. It is also an excellent option for those with mobility limitations as it allows them to bathe while seated.
Many handheld showerheads readily connect to the existing shower arm, which is a short, bent pipe that runs from the wall to the showerhead. You can also connect it to a tub spout with a special diverter fitting.
You can convert an existing shower or tub into a handheld shower with one of several adapter kits available:
● A standard fitting that replaces your old showerhead with a flexible pipe and a handheld shower. The unit connects with the existing shower arm, and you can use it either as a handheld showerhead or a stationary showerhead.
● A cross-tee diverter fitting that comprises a flexible hose and handheld showerhead. The unit serves a secondary showerhead, with the primary one being the existing fixed showerhead. The cross-tee diverter fitting has two outlets. One connects to the original showerhead, and the other connects to the handheld shower unit.
● A tub spout diverter valve would mean replacing your existing tub spout with one that has a handheld shower diverter. Most people use this when they wish to add a shower function where there was no showerhead before.
Preparing to install a removable showerhead
There are a few preparations to make before replacing your standard showerhead with a handheld showerhead.
What You’ll Need
Tools
- Channel-lock pliers or an adjustable wrench.
- A hex key (optional)
- Drill and bits (optional)
Materials
- Plumber’s tape
- Handheld showerhead kit
- Tub spout with diverter
- A heavy cloth
Grab channel-type pliers or an adjustable wrench and use it to remove your existing showerhead. To loosen the showerhead nut, turn it counterclockwise. More often than not, the showerhead turns with the nut.
This shouldn’t worry you. If you want to use the showerhead somewhere else, you will do well to line it with a heavy cloth before grasping it with the pliers or wrench. This will help protect the finish.
Then, to remove old pipe compounds, mineral deposits clean the threads on the shower arm. Remove any plumber’s tape wound on the thread as well. Get new tape and wind it around the clean threads in a clockwise motion.
Make the coating adequately thick to make the seal watertight. If you connect the shower fitting without the tape, the junction would constantly leak because of the spaces between the threads.
Make sure to wrap the tape around the threaded area only so it doesn’t show when you install the new showerhead.
Are all showerheads removable?
Removable showerheads are, without a doubt, the most popular type of showerheads. It provides you with a very versatile option regardless of whether you’re installing a new shower or replacing your old one.
You will find handheld showerheads in sets that contain a detachable flexible pipe and a holder to aid you in mounting the showerhead. Once you install it, you can choose to use it as a fixed showerhead, and you can also remove it from the wall.
This is particularly handy when you wish to clean your bathroom walls, fill a bucket or even rinse the soap from your body while showering.
Detachable hoses are especially ideal for showering children and older people who may have to sit while taking a shower. All you need to do is pull the showerhead away from the wall to direct the flow of water.
Handheld showerheads are not the only type of showerheads available, however. There are fixed showerheads that remain stationary on the wall.
Fixed ShowerHeads
The majority of individuals have a fixed showe head, also known as a wall mount showerhead. This is the way to go if you only want a modest shower with good water pressure.
You can upgrade to a multi-function fixed showerhead if you wish to be a little more opulent. The multi-function option gives you control over the spray patterns, which generally range from a soothing wide spray setting to a focused message.
You could also go for rain showerheads, which are similar to fixed showerheads but significantly larger. It allows you to expand the width of the water spray hence making you much warmer in the shower.
What are removable showerheads for?
There are several reasons you should get a removable showerhead. The following are some of them.
Water Conservation
With a handheld showerhead, you can save water and have more efficient showers. Showers with fixed showerheads waste a lot of water when you’re showering. A handheld showerhead, on the other hand, allows you to direct water to where you need it.
This allows you to not only conserve this valuable resource but also keep your costs in check by reducing the amount of heat energy you use to heat up the water.
Many handheld showerheads have a shut-off switch right on the handle, which helps you save even more water. You’ll be more likely to turn off or turn down the water when you have this switch in your hands rather than on the wall.
With the new low-flow handheld showerhead design, you’ll get the best showering experience and significantly reduce the amount of water wastage.
They comprise special aerators that boost pressure to the water spray by adding air from the atmosphere. Choose one with a flow rate of 2 GPM or less to save a great deal of water a year.
Better Control
While handheld showerheads are beneficial to everyone, people with limited mobility will reap the greatest benefits from their versatility. Most handheld showerheads have a 3 to 6 feet hose.
The lengthy hose makes it the best option for people who have to sit while taking a shower, for example, the elderly and people with arthritis, injury, or disability.
Handheld showerheads allow disabled people and the elderly to clean properly while seated, even without assistance. This will enable them to maintain their independence.
Caregivers also have a much easier time bathing people in their care thanks to the handheld showerhead’s enhanced flexibility allowing them to easily direct water to where they need it.
Families living with disabled relatives or older people should think about including handheld showerheads in their showers.
Keep Your Shower Clean
Do you usually have trouble removing unsightly mildew and soap scum from your shower walls?
The most effective way of keeping your shower clean is wiping it out every time you shower, but most people either don’t have the time or don’t like the idea of going out to get cleaning supplies after each shower.
On the other hand, with a handheld showerhead being so close at hand, you can always give your walls a quick cleaning after showering, and it wouldn’t demand a lot from you.
If you’re too busy to clean the shower daily, when you get time, a handheld showerhead will help you wash and rinse away soap scum more quickly than having to use buckets to distribute the water.
With this unit, you can spray down the walls before washing and then rinse them afterward to restore the tile and grout appearance.
Conclusion
While many handheld showerheads come in complete packages with all the necessary components, there are many options for purchasing only the showerhead without the hose and holder. Check with the manufacturer or distributor, to be sure.
One thing remains constant, however; you’ll never regret getting a removable showerhead.
