How to Add a Handheld Shower Head Using a Shower Arm Diverter

Begin by gathering all necessary tools and supplies. Unpack your new handheld shower head kit and verify that all components are present: the handheld wand, the flexible hose, the shower arm diverter, and the wall-mount bracket. It is also wise to check for included rubber washers and plumber's tape. To protect your work area, lay a large, soft towel on the floor of your bathtub or shower stall. This will prevent any scratches or damage from dropped tools or parts. Also, place a small rag over the drain opening to stop any small screws or washers from being lost.

With the shower valve confirmed to be off, attempt to unscrew the existing shower head from the shower arm by turning it counter-clockwise by hand. If it is too tight due to age or mineral deposits, you will need to use a tool. Wrap a soft cloth or rag around the base of the shower head where it connects to the arm. Then, use channel-lock pliers or an adjustable wrench over the cloth to grip the base firmly and turn it counter-clockwise. The cloth is crucial for preventing the tool's teeth from scratching the finish of the shower head or the shower arm.

Once the old shower head is removed, inspect the exposed male threads on the end of the shower arm. Use a small, stiff-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works well) or a rag to carefully remove any old, shredded plumber's tape, plumber's putty residue, or mineral scale. For stubborn buildup, you can use a cloth dampened with a calcium/lime remover. A clean, smooth threading surface is essential for creating a new, watertight seal with the diverter.

Take your roll of plumber's tape (also known as Teflon tape or thread seal tape). Starting one or two threads back from the end of the shower arm, wrap the tape tightly around the threads in a clockwise direction. Overlap the tape by about half its width with each rotation. Make three to four complete wraps around the threads. Wrapping clockwise is critical because it prevents the tape from bunching up or unravelling when you screw the diverter on in the same direction. Smooth the tape down with your fingers to ensure it conforms to the threads.

Take the shower arm diverter from your kit. Identify the female threaded connection, which is typically at the back or top of the diverter. Align it with the freshly taped shower arm threads and begin screwing it on clockwise by hand. Tighten it until it is snug and pointing in the correct orientation (the fixed head outlet facing forward, the hose outlet facing down). If you cannot get it tight enough by hand, use your adjustable wrench with a soft cloth to give it a final quarter-turn. Be very careful not to overtighten and crack the diverter body.

First, take your original fixed shower head (or a new one if you are replacing it) and screw it onto the forward-facing male threads of the diverter. Hand-tighten this connection securely. Next, take the flexible hose. Check that a rubber washer is seated inside the nut at each end. Connect one end of the hose (typically the hex-shaped nut) to the downward-facing male threads on the diverter. Screw it on and hand-tighten. Attach the other end of the hose (typically the cone-shaped nut) to the base of the handheld shower wand and hand-tighten. Place the wand into its holder on the diverter or wall mount.

Determine the best location for the handheld shower wand's wall-mount bracket. It should be within easy reach and high enough that the hose doesn't touch the shower floor. Most kits include a bracket with a strong adhesive backing. Thoroughly clean the selected area of the shower wall with rubbing alcohol and a clean cloth to remove any soap scum or residue. Allow the area to dry completely. Then, peel the backing off the bracket, press it firmly against the wall, and hold it for the time specified by the manufacturer (often 30-60 seconds). It is critical to let the adhesive cure for the recommended time (which can be up to 24 hours) before hanging the shower wand in it.

With all components installed, it's time to test your work. Turn on the shower water supply slowly. Observe all new connections: where the diverter meets the shower arm, where the fixed head meets the diverter, and both ends of the flexible hose. Look for any drips or sprays. Use the diverter's lever or knob to cycle through all functions: fixed head only, handheld wand only, and both simultaneously (if available). If you spot a leak, turn the water off. For a leaking threaded connection (like the diverter to the arm), gently tighten it another eighth of a turn and re-test. For a leaking hose connection, ensure the rubber washer is flat and tighten the nut a bit more by hand. If a threaded connection still leaks, you may need to disassemble it, clean the threads, and re-apply the plumber's tape.