Is replacing a shower head a DIY job?

Yes, replacing a shower head is one of the easiest DIY plumbing tasks that most homeowners can handle with basic tools and about 15-30 minutes of time.

What you'll need is typically just an adjustable wrench or channel-lock pliers, and possibly some plumber's tape (Teflon tape). Most shower heads simply screw onto the existing shower arm that comes out of the wall. Start by unscrewing the old shower head by turning it counterclockwise - you may need to grip the shower arm with one hand to prevent it from turning in the wall.

Before installing the new shower head, clean the threads on the shower arm and wrap them with 2-3 layers of plumber's tape in a clockwise direction. This prevents leaks by creating a watertight seal. Then screw on the new shower head by hand until snug, and give it an additional quarter-turn with your wrench - but don't overtighten as this can crack the fitting or damage the threads.

In Ottawa, this type of work doesn't require a permit since you're not modifying any plumbing connections or moving water lines. The only time you'd need professional help is if the shower arm itself is damaged, corroded, or if you're changing the height or location of the shower head, which would involve opening walls and potentially moving pipes.

Test for leaks by turning on the water and checking where the shower head connects to the arm. A few drops initially is normal, but any steady dripping means you need to tighten it slightly more or rewrap the threads with plumber's tape. This simple upgrade can improve your shower experience significantly while saving you the cost of a service call.