A Delta shower head typically lasts 10 to 20 years, depending on usage and water quality. However, you may need to remove your Delta shower head for various reasons, such as reduced water flow, clogging, corrosion, or upgrading to a newer model.
Guide to Remove a Delta Shower Head
Tools Required
- Adjustable Wrench
- Teflon Tape
- Clean Cloth
Detailed Instructions
Turn Off Water Supply
Ensure the water supply to your Delta shower head is completely turned off. This prevents water from gushing out when you start the removal process. It’s essential for avoiding unnecessary mess and potential water damage.
Protect Shower Surface
Place a clean cloth over the shower drain and surrounding areas. This step is vital to prevent any dropped tools from damaging the shower surface. The cloth also catches any debris that may fall while removing the Delta shower head.
Loosen the Delta Shower Head
Using the adjustable wrench, gently grip the base of the Delta shower head. Apply steady pressure in a counterclockwise direction to loosen it. Be careful not to apply excessive force, as this might damage the shower head or the connecting pipe.
Remove the Shower Head
Once loosened, continue unscrewing the Delta shower head by hand. This allows for better control and prevents the shower head from falling abruptly. Remove the shower head completely from the arm and set it aside safely.
Clean the Threads
Inspect and clean the threads on the shower arm. Removing any old Teflon tape or debris is important for ensuring a good seal when installing a new shower head or reattaching the Delta shower head after maintenance.
Prepare for Reattachment or Replacement
If you plan to reattach the same Delta shower head after cleaning or maintenance, or if you’re replacing it with a new one, wrap fresh Teflon tape clockwise around the threads of the shower arm. This helps in creating a water-tight seal and prevents leaks.
How to Dissemble a Delta Shower Head?
- Tools Required: You’ll need an adjustable wrench, pliers, Teflon tape, and a soft cloth. The wrench and pliers are used to loosen and remove nuts, while Teflon tape and a soft cloth are used for cleaning and reassembly.
- Turn Off the Water Supply: Before you start, make sure to turn off the water supply to the shower to avoid any accidental water flow.
- Remove the Shower Head: Hold the shower head firmly and use the adjustable wrench to loosen it by turning counterclockwise. Continue until it’s completely detached from the shower arm.
- Disassemble the Shower Head: Look for screws or clips holding the shower head together and use pliers to remove them. Note the order of components as you remove them, which will be helpful during reassembly.
- Clean the Components: Rinse each component with warm water to remove debris or mineral deposits. Use a soft cloth for wiping.
- Check for Damage: Inspect each part for signs of wear or damage, like cracks or worn-out gaskets. Replace damaged parts as necessary.
- Apply Teflon Tape: Before reassembly, wrap the threads of each component with Teflon tape for a watertight seal.
- Reassemble the Shower Head: Put the components back together in the reverse order of disassembly, ensuring each part is securely in place.
- Attach the Shower Head to the Shower Arm: After reassembly, reattach the shower head to the arm and turn on the water supply to check for leaks. Adjust as necessary.
How to Remove a Flow Restrictor on a Delta Shower Head?
- Turn Off the Water Supply: It’s important to turn off the water supply to avoid any accidental water flow during the process.
- Detach the Shower Head: Use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the shower head from the pipe or connector. Wrap a soft cloth around the shower head and connector to protect them from scratches.
- Remove the O-ring Gasket: Locate the O-ring gasket inside the shower head, using a flashlight if necessary. A paper clip can be used to gently remove the gasket.
- Take Out the Flow Restrictor: Inside the center of the shower head, you’ll find the flow restrictor, which can be removed with needle-nose pliers.
- Clean the Shower Head (Optional): If needed, clean the shower head, especially if there’s any buildup.
- Reassemble the Shower Head: Put everything back together, ensuring the O-ring gasket or washer is back in place. Use Teflon tape on the threads of the hose before reattaching the shower head.
- Run a Test: Turn on the water supply to ensure there are no leaks and that the shower head is functioning as expected
How to Fix a Leaking Delta Shower Head?
Replacing Worn or Damaged O-Rings and Washers
Often, leaks in Delta shower heads are caused by worn or damaged O-rings or washers. These components create a seal to prevent water from leaking out. To replace them, you must first remove the shower head and unscrew the retaining ring to expose the O-rings or washers. Check these parts for any signs of wear or damage. If they are damaged, replace them with new ones. After replacing, screw the retaining ring back on and reattach the shower head.
Shower Cartridge Replacement
If your Delta shower head has a cartridge-style faucet, replacing an old cartridge with a new one might be necessary. To do this, turn off the water supply to the shower, remove the handle cap with a small tool like a pocketknife to expose the internal handle screw, and then remove the shower faucet handle. The next step is to remove the shower cartridge, which may require a special cartridge puller, depending on how it’s secured in the faucet body. Once removed, replace it with an identical new cartridge, align it properly, and reassemble the parts.
Regular Maintenance and Checks
Regular cleaning and inspections can prevent future leaks. Clean the shower head regularly to prevent mineral buildup, check the condition of O-rings and washers, and use the plumber’s tape during installation for a watertight seal. Tighten any loose connections with a wrench, but be careful not to overtighten as this might cause more leaks.
How to install a Delta In2ition Shower Head?
Prepare the Shower Arm
Before attaching the Delta In2ition shower head, ensure the shower arm is clean and free from old Teflon tape. Wrap new Teflon tape around the shower arm threads, making sure to leave the last two threads bare. This step is important to prevent Teflon tape from entering the shower head’s ball connector and restricting water pressure.
Attach the Shower Head
You can hand-tighten the ball connector of the Delta In2ition shower head to the shower arm. You can use channel locks with a rag for an extra turn to ensure a secure fit if needed. Be careful not to overtighten, as this could damage the shower head.
Connect the Flexible Hose
The Delta In2ition shower head comes with a flexible hose. Each end of the hose should have a rubber washer to create a watertight seal. Connect one end of the hose to the shower head and the other end to the hand shower. These connections can be hand-tightened, making the process simple and convenient.
Secure the Hand Sprayer
The hand sprayer of the Delta In2ition is attached to the shower head by gently sliding it into the base and pushing it down. If the shower head moves during this process, tighten its ball connector using the rag and channel locks.
Test the Installation
Turn on the water supply and check for any leaks. Make sure that the shower head and hand sprayer are securely in place and functioning properly. The Delta In2ition shower head has different modes, including showerhead only, showerhead and hand shower, or hand shower only, which can be selected based on your needs.
