after you check the threads, run the water for a second before putting the new head on. Sometimes a bit of grit gets stuck in the pipe and that can mess up your new shower head pretty quick.
Ever tried using plumber’s tape on the threads too? I’ve seen folks skip that and end up with leaks or weird spray angles. Curious—was the clog just mineral buildup, or did you find any rubber gasket bits in there? Sometimes those break down and cause all sorts of chaos...
Plumber’s tape is my new best friend—learned that the hard way after my first attempt ended with a surprise indoor rainstorm. I wrapped the threads like a mummy this time and it actually worked, no more leaks or sideways geysers. As for the clog, it was mostly crusty white stuff (I’m guessing mineral buildup?), but there was also this sad little chunk of black rubber that looked like it’d seen better days. Didn’t realize those gaskets could just fall apart like that... Homeownership: where every shower is a new adventure. At least now the water goes mostly down instead of attacking the ceiling.
Didn’t realize those gaskets could just fall apart like that... Homeownership: where every shower is a new adventure.
Man, I totally get that. First time I tried swapping out a showerhead, I didn’t even know there was a gasket in there—just cranked it on and wondered why water was spraying out the sides like a busted fire hydrant. Turns out, those little rubber bits get brittle way faster than you’d think, especially if your water’s hard. Now I keep a pack of assorted washers and gaskets on hand… never thought I’d be that person, but here we are.
Now I keep a pack of assorted washers and gaskets on hand… never thought I’d be that person, but here we are.
Same here. I used to think all those little parts were just extras or something you could ignore. Learned the hard way when my “quick fix” turned into water spraying all over the ceiling. Ended up spending more on towels than the actual repair.
Hard water’s a pain too—mine eats through rubber gaskets in no time. I started buying the bulk packs from the hardware store, way cheaper than running out for just one every few months. Not glamorous, but it saves a headache later.
Funny how you start noticing this stuff after a while. Never thought I’d have opinions about plumbing supplies, but now I’m picky about which brand of washers I buy. Guess that’s just part of keeping the budget in check...
I hear you on the hard water—mine’s brutal on everything, especially those cheap washers. I’ve learned to keep a stash of the good ones, and honestly, it’s saved me from late-night emergencies more than once. One thing I’d add: I always double-check for leaks after swapping anything out, even if it looks fine. Had a tenant once who thought “hand tight” was enough… ended up with a slow drip that warped the cabinet over months. Now I’m borderline paranoid about checking twice. Not glamorous, but it beats replacing cabinets.
