How To Remove a Stuck Shower Head
There are many important appliances in the average home, but for sheer comfort the Shower Head is one of the most important. Just about everyone loves the feel of a long relaxing shower, and choosing the right Shower Head can make bath time the best time of day.
Of course before that great new Shower Head can be installed, the existing one must be removed, and in many cases that old worn out Shower Head simply will not want to budge. Whether the problem is an accumulation of lime deposits caused by years of hard water or simply a matter of a Shower Head that has been installed too tightly, it is important to use care when removing it. Careless removal can damage the plumbing and make it more difficult to install the new Shower Head. Removing the existing Shower Head the wrong way can even do enough damage to require the intervention of a professional plumber, certainly an expense that is best avoided.
In order to remove the stuck Shower Head properly it is important to determine what has caused it to become stuck in the first place. If there are obvious lime deposits and hard water stains, applying a lime remover like CLR can often free the Shower Head enough for it to be removed easily.
If no hard water stains are visible, be sure to look for rust around the Shower Head connection. If rust is visible apply WD-40 or a rust penetrating oil to deal with the rust. After the rust penetrating oil has been allowed to work for a few minutes try removing it again. Be sure to wrap a thick cloth around the Shower Head fitting to prevent scratches and other damage.
As with any type of home repair or home improvement project, the right tools are important when dealing with a stuck Shower Head. For most standard Shower Heads that right tool will be either a pair of angled pliers or a good pipe wrench. Apply the pipe wrench or pliers and slowly turn the fitting counterclockwise. If the Shower Head is still stuck it may be necessary to add some more oil or lime remover. In many cases simply letting the oil or lime remover sit for 15-20 minutes can make even the most stubborn Shower Head a bit more cooperative.