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Check Home Depot® and American Standard® for this project.

How to Install a Spa Showerhead

Learn how convert an existing shower to a spa shower; details include removing the old showerhead and installing a spa shower fixture.

Replacing a standard showerhead with a spa showerhead can bring a bit of luxury into the everyday routine.

The Verti-spa Shower System from American Standard easily converts an ordinary shower head into a hydro-massage, spa-style fixture with five positionable water jets.

Showerhead
   

Begin by removing the existing shower head. It should unscrew from the shower arm relatively easily.

Remove existing head
   

To remove the arm itself, use a rubber jar opener or even better, slip the handle sleeve of a pair of pliers over the end of the pipe and give it a twist. (This technique is a great way to tighten a shower arm without damaging the finish.)

 

Remove shower arm
   

Wrap a plastic pipe nipple with two or three layers of Teflon tape to make sure the thread will tighten properly. (This will help prevent leaking.)  Use this plastic pipe nipple to replace the shower arm you just removed.

Plastic pipe nipple
   

Screw the plastic nipple securely into place, and trim the end of the pipe an inch or two from the wall, as specified in the instructions.

Cut off nipple
   

The combination shower head and diverter screws directly onto the shortened plastic nipple, leaving it completely concealed.

To install the vertical spa unit, first draw a plumb line downward from the center of the shower head. Place the vertical spa squarely over the center of the line and mark the locations for the top and bottom mounting screws.

 

New shower head and diverter
   

A hammer drill with a carbide-tipped masonry bit works best for drilling into the hard tile surface. When drilling through the glazed face of tile, it is a good idea to mark the location of the hole with a center punch. This will make a small dimple in the tile face, which will prevent the bit from skating and ensure that the hole ends up exactly where you want it to go.

 

Center punch
   

Insert plastic anchors into the holes and tap them into place.

Plastic anchors
   

The vertical spa attaches with screws at the top and bottom.

Verticle spa attaches top and bottom
   

Slip on the end caps and attach the water supply hose to the outlet on the shower head.

End caps and supply hose
   

The spa unit makes an attractive and luxurious addition to a bathroom. With five water jets and a rail system that allows it to move up or down, this shower unit is perfect for anybody's height.

Spa-like shower head
   
 

 

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