How to Install a Body Shower
More in Plumbing
Highlights:
- Step 1: Choose a Shower
- Step 2: Expose the Valve Body, and Turn Off the Water
- Step 3: Relieve the Pressure
- Step 4: Remove Parts, and Cut the Water Line
- Step 5: Replace the Adapter
- Step 6: Apply Teflon Paste, and Tighten the Adapters
- Step 7: Drill Into the Tile
- Step 8: Install the Anchor
- Step 9: Attach the Water Line, and Mount the Shower
- Step 10: Install the Side Panels
- Step 11: Attach the Hose, and Connect the Water Lines
- Step 12: Turn on the Water and Finish Installation
Step 1: Choose a Shower
There are several types of body showers on many price levels. Choose one that will fit your budget and existing shower.
Step 2: Expose the Valve Body, and Turn Off the Water
To ensure there's room to install the body shower, take off the cover plate to expose the valve body and the water lines. Shut off the water at the main using a curb key. Close the valves at the water heater, and turn off the power to the water heater.
Step 3: Relieve the Pressure
Open the hot and cold at the bathroom faucet to relieve the pressure in the lines. Then, open the valve to let the remaining water out.
Step 4: Remove Parts, and Cut the Water Line
Remove the shower arm using slip-joint pliers to loosen it first. Remove any parts you can from the valve body (Image 1). Use a hacksaw to cut the water line, leaving as much copper pipe as possible above the valve body (Image 2), then cut either the hot or cold line.
Step 5: Replace the Adapter
Using slip-joint pliers, unscrew the old valve off the male adapter and remove (Image 1). Install a compression fitting to replace the adapter that was just removed from the hot or cold line (Image 2).
Step 6: Apply Teflon Paste, and Tighten the Adapters
Apply Teflon paste to the threads on the end of the cold and hot water line (Image 1). Hand tighten the factory provided female adapters to the threads, then tighten down with pliers (Image 2).
Step 7: Drill Into the Tile
Before installing the anchors, place a piece of painter's tape over the spot where the hole will be drilled. This helps prevent damage to the tile. Using a drill with a tile bit, drill the hole into the tile.
Step 8: Install the Anchor
Apply silicone caulk to the anchor for a good seal. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing anchors. Place the anchor into the hole, then set the screw.
Step 9: Attach the Water Line, and Mount the Shower
Attach the stainless steel water line to the adapters installed earlier, then tighten with pliers (Image 1). Mount the body shower by lining up the bolts over the keyholes on the back of the unit. Start with the top and work your way to the bottom (Image 2).
Step 10: Install the Side Panels
Tighten the nut onto the shower bolt located on the bottom of the body shower, then tighten with pliers. Install the two side screws using a Phillips-head screwdriver. Next, install the side panels.
Step 11: Attach the Hose, and Connect the Water Lines
Place the shower arm into the holder, and attach the hose to the male adapter on the unit. Connect the water lines to the female adapter on the back of the cover plate. Put the cover plate on, then snap on the decorative plates around the jets.
Step 12: Turn on the Water and Finish Installation
Turn on the water at the main, then turn on the water and power to the water heater. Turn on the shower and allow the water to cycle through, then test the temperature to ensure the anti-scald valve is working properly. Finally, install the handle and tighten the setscrew.
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