Relocating poses many challenges, especially if you’re moving into an apartment.
For instance, you’re oblivious of the status of the appliances. Shower heads are one of the many appliances that may concern you.
Thus, you need to know beforehand whether you can change it or not.
Can You Change Shower Heads in Apartments?
You can change shower heads in apartments, but keep the original shower head and reinstall it before moving out.
However, before making any changes, check with your landlord or the management company. Read the lease agreement to be on the safe side.
Consult a professional plumber if you’re still unsure about changing shower heads in apartments. Doing so saves you time, money, and effort in the long run.
How Do I Check my Lease for Shower Head Rules?
With the advancement of internet technology, many landlords and management companies post their lease agreements online.
If not, request a copy from your landlord or the management company.
Leases typically have a section that covers alterations to the unit. The section includes any changes made to the apartment’s structure, appliances, and fixtures.
The following steps will help you determine whether your lease permits you to change the shower head:
Step 1: Open the Lease
Most leases are available both in soft and hard copies. If you have the lease agreement in a physical form, open it and locate the rules and regulations section.
Use the search feature to look for the relevant section of the soft copy leases.
Step 2: Open Search Bar
Once you have the lease agreement open, press “Ctrl+F” on your keyboard, doing so opens a search bar.
Step 3: Enter Appropriate Keywords
You may start with keywords such as “shower heads” or “alterations.” The search results will reveal whether the lease agreement permits tenants to make changes to the shower head.
If there are no results, try other keywords such as “appliances” or “fixtures.”
Step 4: Understand the Clauses
The fine print is the most challenging section to understand in a lease agreement. The best way to understand it’s by reading it thoroughly or consulting a professional.
If you still can’t figure out the clauses, don’t hesitate to ask your landlord or the management company for clarification.
When in doubt, always remember that it’s better to seek permission than beg for forgiveness.
How to Change Shower Heads in Apartments?
After confirming that you can change the shower head, how do you proceed? For instance, do you hire a professional plumber or do it yourself?
However, if you opt for the latter, ensure that you’re knowledgeable about the process.
Shop for a New Shower Head
Purchase your preferred shower head from the hardware store.
Perhaps you aren’t sure about the size or type of shower, don’t worry because shower heads are universally sized.
Assemble Equipment and Materials Needed
You’ll need the following items:
- A wrench
- Teflon tape
- Brush (old or new one)
- Adjustable pliers
- New shower head
- Channel-lock pliers.
Moreover, you’ll need a rag during the installation process.
Remove the Old Shower Head
After assembling everything you need, it’s finally time to replace the old shower head.
First, wet the rag and use it to cover the shower arm. Doing so prevents the wrench from slipping and scratching the surface.
Next, use an adjustable wrench to loosen the old shower head. If you can’t remove it by hand, use the channel-lock pliers.
After removing the old shower head, inspect the hose or arm for any damage. If there’s any damage, replace the shower arm before proceeding to the next step.
Install the New Shower Head
Use Teflon tape to wrap the threads of the shower arm clockwise. Doing so creates a watertight seal that prevents leaks.
Screw the new shower head by hand and tighten it using the wrench. Again, don’t over-tighten to avoid stripping the threads.
Test the New Shower Head
Turn on the water and check for any leaks.
If there are no leaks, you’ve successfully replaced the shower head in your apartment. Now, clean up the area and enjoy your new shower head.
How Often Should I Replace my Shower Head?
The shower head is an imperative appliance in every household.
While most people don’t think about replacing them, it’s essential to do so from time to time.
Depending on the water quality in your area, you may need to replace your shower head every six months or once a year.
If you have hard water, limescale buildup can restrict water flow and reduce the lifespan of your shower head.
In such cases, it’s advisable to descale the shower head monthly or as often as possible.
Doing so removes limescale buildup and improves water pressure.
Can You Change Shower Heads in Apartments: FAQs
Does changing my shower head increase water pressure?
Depending on the shower head you install, it can increase or decrease water pressure.
For instance, installing a low-pressure shower head is an excellent way to reduce water consumption without compromising performance.
Do all shower heads have flow restrictors?
Its the requirement of the National Energy Act that all shower heads have flow restrictors.
The act was designed to conserve water and energy.
What’s the best way to clean my new shower head?
Soak the shower head for about 30 minutes in a mixture of vinegar and water.
This removes any build-up of minerals and debris; using a brush, scrub away any remaining build-up. Rinse the shower head thoroughly before use.
Final Thoughts
If the shower head of your apartment is old or damaged, you can replace it.
However, before replacing the shower head, check with your landlord or management company to see if you need permission.
Changing shower heads transform your showering experience and it’s a relatively easy task. Follow the steps outlined in this article for a successful installation.
