Not all apartment owners take the time to invest in quality and modern showerheads. So, some are often frustrating, compelling you to replace them. But can you change the shower head in an apartment?
Yes, you can change a shower head in an apartment. But first, you need to confirm if the lease agreement allows it. Alternatively, inquire from your landlord or whoever oversees the property or whom you pay rent.
So, while changing the showerhead in your apartment may mean a better-looking shower and better water spray, it’s equally important not to break any of the lease clauses, and that’s why making inquiries is essential.
This guide will explain everything to know about changing showerheads in apartments. That includes when you can or cannot change your apartment’s showerhead, the signs for doing the replacements, and the installation process.
Let’s get into it!
When Can You Change the Shower Head in an Apartment?
Essentially, you can change your apartment’s showerhead if:
1. The Lease Agreement Allows It
Before you can change a shower head in your apartment, you need first to confirm if your landlord allows it. Though most lease agreements don’t specify the fixtures that you cannot replace, they usually mention whom the repairs and the replacement falls on.
If they fall on the tenant, then you can replace the showerhead.
2. If the Property Owner or Manager Allows It
Sometimes, the lease may not be apparent, which puts you in a dilemma. If that’s so, give the apartment owner or whoever manages it a call to inquire directly from them.
Remember, the reason for inquiring from the property owner is to avoid getting charged with property damage when moving out.
Signs for Changing Shower Heads in Apartment
Not many tenants recognize that it’s time to change their showerheads. If that includes you, then you should do it if you notice any of these signs:
a. Mold Around the Showerhead
Since shower heads are always moist, they create a suitable environment for mold growth. Remember, mold can have serious health issues as it interferes with your respiratory system.
While removing the mold may work, it’s much work that requires expert input. So, instead of going through all that, replace the showerhead.
I’m going to show you just how in a few seconds.
Overall, you can identify mold by green or black gunk around the showerhead. Mold usually blocks the showerhead, reducing water spray. So, that’s another sign to watch out for.
b. Low Water Pressure
Who would like to shower in a slow-running shower? I guess no one. But do you know the reason why your shower water runs slowly?
One primary reason is that of clogged shower head nozzles. That happens over time when mineral deposits accumulate slowly in your shower head holes, thus blocking water flow.
So, if you experience a drop in your shower water pressure, you can first remove the showerhead and soak it in a solution of water and vinegar overnight.
If the problem doesn’t go away, then it’s time to replace your shower head.
c. Leaky Shower Head
If you hear a dripping sound coming from your shower even when no one is using it, and the water is off, then you have a leaky shower head.
The showerhead could be loose or just too old in such a case. If it’s the latter, you should replace it, but consider retightening it if it’s the former.
Remember, a leaking shower head may cause your monthly water bill to fluctuate. So, it’s good to take action.
d. Mineral Deposition
Generally, you should change your shower head after 6 to 8 months of use. That may sound crazy, but it’s because water entering your house is usually treated with minerals.
These minerals may accumulate over time on the showerhead, clogging it and decreasing water flow.
And if you are living in areas where you shower with hard water, change the showerhead more often as it’s likelier to accumulate mineral deposits.
e. Outdated Design
You can also change your showerhead if it looks unsightly or doesn’t match your bathroom décor. That allows you to find a showerhead that’s trendy and complements your bathroom space.
How to Change a Shower Head in an Apartment
The process of replacing the showerhead is DIY, and it involves the following:
Step 1: Get A Showerhead of Your Choice
Before removing your old showerhead, you need to have a new one for replacement. You should buy one that you most prefer and one that blends well with your shower area.
However, don’t worry about the size of the showerhead to buy as showerheads are interchangeable.
Step 2: Get The Tools Ready
Next, assemble all the tools you will be using for easy access. They include the following:
- A brush
- Teflon tape
- Channel-lock pliers
- Two pieces of dry cloth
Step 3: Turn Off Shower Water Supply
Now that you have the tools ready, you should turn off your shower water supply by tightening the knob tightly. You can also do it from the house’s main supply.
Step 4: Remove The Old Shower Head
First, you need to hold the shower arm firmly. This pipe extends from the wall and holds the showerhead into place.
You can do this by using a piece of cloth and wrapping it around the arm. Then you can use channel lock pliers over the cloth to help you not wiggle the shower arm when removing the showerhead.
When you rotate the arm, you may have to deal with leakage when you turn the arm, or the shower head won’t sit well in place.
You can buy the Knipex 00 20 09 V02 Pliers Set (View on Amazon) to help you with the job. These lock pliers will help you hold the arm with one hand while unscrewing the showerhead with the other head counterclockwise.
After one or two turns, your shower head will be loose, and you can use your hands to unscrew it. It’s good to observe caution not to damage or dent the original shower head.
Step 5: Clean The Shower Arm
Now, it’s time to clean the shower arm threads and get rid of all dirt and grime. You can do this by using a regular toothbrush.
Remove Teflon tape if there is one and scrub thoroughly. You can also use water to loosen the dirt if it sticks to the arm.
Step 6: Apply Teflon Tape
Once all the threads are clean, you can wrap 2-3 layers of Teflon tape around the arm threads. Ensure that you wrap the tape as close to the pipe end as possible.
However, you can read the manufacturer’s instructions before wrapping the Teflon tape, as some showerheads fit perfectly without the tape.
Step 7: Install The New Shower Head
First, align the base of the showerhead with the end of the shower arm. When the two are close, screw the shower head gently clockwise.
You can use pliers to tighten the arm to the showerhead if you cannot tighten it by hand.
But when using pliers, ensure you place a piece of cloth on the showerhead not to scratch it.
Step 8: Test The Shower Head
Once you are through, you should turn on the water supply and the shower to see leakage.
If the shower works perfectly, you can go ahead and enjoy your shower, but if there is a leakage, you should remove the showerhead and wrap the Teflon tape tightly to the arm threads.
However, keep in mind to reinstall the original shower head when vacating the apartment by following these same steps.
People Also Ask
1. Can You Change Shower Head in Apartment?
Generally, you can change a shower head in your apartment if the lease allows it. If it doesn’t, you have to honor it, but if it does or doesn’t mention it, you can change the showerhead to your preference but ensure that you reinstall the original shower head when moving out.
2. Do You Need Landlord Permission to Change Shower Head?
If the lease agreement forbids it or does not state if you can change your apartment shower head, it will be a good idea to ask permission from your landlord.
That ensures that your landlord does not charge you for property damage. But if you change it, store the original shower head correctly, as you will need to reinstall it when moving out.
3. Are You Allowed to Change the Shower Head in an Apartment?
Some landlords allow you to replace fixtures prone to wear and tear in an apartment. Others don’t say it but are open to suggestions if you consult them. But if they don’t allow it either by stating on the lease agreement or after direct inquiries, then don’t change it.
4. After How Long Should You Change Your Shower Head?
Showerheads wear out over time and need replacing after every 6 – 8 months of use. However, if you live in an area where you use hard water to shower, you should ensure you change your shower head sooner.
Can You Change the Shower Head in an Apartment? Closing Remarks!
You can change your shower head in your apartment. However, you need to confirm if the lease allows shower head replacement or not.
You can also contact your landlord and ask permission to change your shower head. And if you have already replaced it, make sure to reinstall the original shower head before moving apartments.
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