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

Gather all the necessary tools and materials in your work area. Unpack your new handheld shower head kit and ensure all parts are present: the handheld shower head, the flexible hose, the shower arm diverter, the wall-mount bracket, and any included rubber washers or plumber's tape. Lay down a soft towel in the bottom of the tub or shower stall to prevent scratches from dropped tools or parts.

Using your hands, attempt to unscrew the existing shower head from the shower arm by turning it counter-clockwise. If it's too tight, wrap a soft cloth around the base of the shower head where it connects to the arm. Then, use an adjustable wrench or channel-lock pliers over the cloth to grip the base and turn it counter-clockwise to loosen and remove it.

Once the shower head is removed, inspect the threads on the end of the shower arm. Use a rag to wipe away any water and debris. If there is old, shredded plumber's tape or mineral buildup, use an old toothbrush or a small wire brush to gently clean the threads until they are clear of any residue.

Take the roll of plumber's tape (Teflon tape) and wrap it tightly around the cleaned threads of the shower arm. Wrap in a clockwise direction 3 to 4 times. Wrapping clockwise ensures that the tape will not unravel when you screw on the diverter. The tape should conform to the shape of the threads.

Take the shower arm diverter and ensure its internal rubber washer is properly seated inside the female connection. Thread the diverter onto the tape-wrapped shower arm by turning it clockwise. Hand-tighten it as much as you can. If it needs further tightening to be secure and properly aligned, use your soft cloth and adjustable wrench to give it an additional quarter-turn. Do not over-tighten.

First, take your original fixed shower head. You may want to apply a fresh wrap of plumber's tape to its threads as well. Screw it onto the designated outlet on the diverter (usually the forward-facing one). Hand-tighten it securely. Next, take the flexible hose for the handheld unit. Ensure there is a rubber washer in the connecting nut, and screw it onto the other diverter outlet (usually the downward-facing one). Hand-tighten this connection.

Take the other end of the flexible hose and ensure its rubber washer is in place. Screw this end onto the handheld shower head itself. Hand-tighten securely. Next, determine the best location for the wall mount. Clean the chosen area of the shower wall thoroughly with a cloth and let it dry completely. If your mount uses an adhesive strip, peel the backing and press it firmly against the wall for at least 30 seconds. Place the handheld shower head into its new holder.

Turn on the water supply to the shower. Check all new connections for any drips or leaks: where the diverter meets the shower arm, where the fixed head meets the diverter, and where the hose meets both the diverter and the handheld head. Operate the diverter valve to switch between the fixed head, the handheld head, and both (if applicable). If you see any leaks, turn off the water, and gently tighten the leaking connection another eighth of a turn. If it still leaks, you may need to disassemble, re-tape, and reassemble the connection.