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For making your bath a lot more comfortable as well as easy, a handheld shower is a must. It allows you to control the water pressure and lets you reach every single part of your body, which is the best thing ever! On the other hand, a regular shower is unable to reach every part of your body!
You may be wondering how to install a new handheld shower with a slide bar. But, the process of installing is rather daunting right?
Well, you will be happy to hear that you don't even need to hire a plumber to install! As it is a DIY project, you can easily set a handheld shower in your tub by yourself. Just make sure to read the whole article on how to install handheld shower head with slide bar and watch the YouTube video.
Have a look at this comprehensive YouTube Video which explains the process perfectly. For your convenience we have linked to the tools that will be required below the video:
Tools that are Required:
Here is a quick list of what pieces of equipment you need to start working as well as the Amazon Links should you need to purchase any:
•Safety Gloves
+ Safety Glasses
•Pencil For Marking
•Level
•Drill + Ceramic Drill Bits
•Hammer
•Slide Bar
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If your require a shower head with slide bar set then our top recommendations can be found on this link.
Benefits of Using the Handheld Shower Instead Of the Regular Shower
Before moving on to the installation process, you need to know why a handheld shower is more beneficial than a regular shower. These are:
•It is handy, you don't even need to stand while showering. You can complete your bath by sitting down.
•Rather efficient for parents who want to bathe their children.
•Ideal for elders. children and for those who are disabled.
•Pet owners feel more comfortable while bathing their pets, as it is burden-free.
•After completing the bathing tasks, you can rinse out the tub with ease.
Shut the Water Line Off
Before starting, make sure to turn off the waterline. You can shut it from the main supply or if you have a valve it can be turned off from the valve at your tub.
Step by Step Guide of How to Install Handheld Shower Head with Slide Bar
The way of installing a handheld shower is not as hard as you think. Just make sure that you have got all the necessary tools available. Now, we are going to provide the step by step guide of how to install handheld shower head with slide bar:
Step-1: Remove the Existing Shower Head
When you are going to install the new one, make sure to remove the old shower first. With your bare hand, you can turn it counterclockwise.
In case you feel that the shower head is too tight, then it is obvious that it has been installed for a long time and may be difficult to remove. It is better to use a wrench in this instance.
If you want to get the maximum benefit from a wrench, then it is better to wrap up the teeth by using regular tape. Below you will find the Amazon link to the wrench if required:
Grab the wrench to unscrew the head of the shower by twisting swiftly. If you feel that it is loose, then you can take it off by hand.
Step-2: Get the New Shower Arm ready
Now for the next step, is to prepare the new shower arm. Use a regular toothbrush or even a cloth to rub off all the debris, dust as well as make sure to remove the old Teflon tape from the shower arm area. Use a little bit of water to clean correctly, then use a cloth for wiping it.
Now, apply the new Teflon tape and wrap it up firmly over the thread area for around 3 to 5 folds. Keep in mind that you don't need to wrap the tape all over the area, just make sure you're wrapping around the thread area.
You can use your fingers to rub the tape area, and make it stiff. Now, your shower arm is prepared to have the latest shower head installed.
Step-3: Attach the Slide Bar
It is also known as a holder or bracket. You have to install it directly to the arm. Adjust the holder to the new shower arm thread and make sure to tighten it by using your hands. Now, the holder or bracket is ready. It arrives with one opening to fit with your handheld shower head.
If the tub walls are tiled, make a starting mark in the center of each screw hole with a hammer and nail set.
Then, using a 3/16-inch carbide-tipped masonry bit, drill through the tile on each mark.
Bore the screw holes with a regular twist-drill bit if the shower walls are made of fiberglass, acrylic, or a solid-surface material.
Attach the slide bar with stainless-steel screws if you're lucky enough to hit a wall stud.
If the screw holes fall between the studs, which is much more frequent, widen them with a 1/2-inch-diameter bit.
Then, in each screw hole, put a hollow-wall anchor, such as a Toggler SnapToggle.
1/4-20 machine screws are used to secure the slide bar to the toggle bolts.
Snap the end caps onto the mounting brackets at the top and bottom of the slide bar to hide the screw heads.
Finish by clipping the showerhead into the slide-lock mechanism and connecting the flexible shower hose to the wall-supply elbow.
Step-4: Install the Shower Head and Hose
You may have to find out which part connects to what, as there are a couple of hoses, which come with a difference in the opening. If the showerhead is connected incorrectly to the other side, it will not match with the holder. So, be careful!
After finding the right side, make sure to install the hose as well and the wand to the hose. It is time to pick up the wrench again to tighten the nut, but not too much! While tightening the conical nut, we prefer to use your hands only.
Step-5: Fix the Slide Bar
Fix a perfect place to install the slide bar on the wall. It is designed to hold the shower head conveniently. Make sure to choose an average place so that everyone can put the shower head into the slide bar after completing the bathe. You can pick that one which can be moved to adjust to a short, average, or even a tall shower user.
Step-6: Check Out for any Leaking
After completing the installation task, let's check out for any leak. Look at both ends of the hose to ensure the whole area has not got any leak. Tighten the connection a bit more if you see any leaking.
If you are feel it does not work correctly, then uninstall the connection as soon as possible and use a bit more Teflon tape on the thread area and re-install it.
If you can't see any leakage, then we are giving a 'BIG' congratulations to you, as you've accomplished the whole procedure successfully!
Also Read: best handheld shower head for pleasure
Expert Tip Regarding the Handheld Shower Head
Clean the mouth of the shower head regularly (if possible). For cleaning purposes, you can either use a regular toothbrush or a piece of clean cloth.
Final Words
Take a deep bath with your new handheld shower after completing the tiring workday. See, the installation of a handheld shower head was a piece of cake! From now, you can do this job with ease, if you've gone through the entire write-up about how to install handheld shower head with slide bar.
