Domakihub Replace a Shower Head in 30 Minutes — No Plumber Needed
A simple DIY fix that stops leaks, boosts water pressure, and refreshes any bathroom.
Reviewed by Domakihub home & decor pros · 2026-06-23 · 4 min read
Replacing a shower head is one of the quickest plumbing tasks you can do yourself — no specialist licence required and no need to shut off the mains. The video above walks through the process visually, while the steps below give you a reliable sequence you can follow in any home, holiday rental, or hotel room in Greece. Whether you are upgrading for a better spray pattern or fixing a persistent drip, the whole job typically takes under thirty minutes.
Why Shower Heads Need Replacing
Shower heads in Greece are exposed to hard water with high mineral content. Over time, calcium and lime deposits clog the nozzles, reducing flow and creating uneven spray patterns. A new head restores pressure instantly and is far cheaper than calling a plumber.
Holiday rentals and hotels face the added wear of frequent use. A blocked or corroded shower head is one of the most common guest complaints — and one of the easiest to prevent with a periodic swap.
Choosing the Right Replacement Head
Most shower arms in Greece use a standard G1/2 (half-inch BSP) thread, the same international standard you will find at any hardware store (praktiker, Leroy Merlin, or a local hydraulika). Check your existing connection before buying — measure the arm diameter if unsure.
For rental properties, a rainfall or multi-function head adds perceived value without major cost. For water-scarce islands, look for a model with a flow restrictor rated at 6–8 litres per minute to keep utility bills and eco-certification scores in check.
How to Replace a Shower Head: Step-by-Step
- 1
Gather your tools and supplies
You need an adjustable spanner or slip-joint pliers, PTFE (Teflon) tape, a soft cloth or rag to protect chrome finishes, and your new shower head. No soldering or cutting is involved.
- 2
Remove the old shower head
Wrap the shower arm with your cloth to prevent scratches, then grip the connector nut with the pliers and turn counter-clockwise. Most heads unscrew by hand once the initial resistance breaks. If mineral build-up has fused the joint, a brief soak with white vinegar on a cloth loosens it in minutes.
- 3
Clean the shower arm threads
Once the old head is off, wipe the threaded end of the arm with a dry cloth to remove debris, old tape, and limescale. Inspect the threads for cracks or corrosion. If the arm itself is damaged, replace it at this stage — arms use the same G1/2 fitting and cost only a few euros.
- 4
Apply PTFE tape to the threads
Wrap PTFE tape clockwise around the threads three or four times, pulling it taut so it sits snugly in the grooves. This creates a watertight seal and makes future removal easier. Do not skip this step — it is the most common cause of dripping after a DIY swap.
- 5
Attach the new shower head and test
Thread the new head on by hand, turning clockwise until it is finger-tight. Give it one quarter-turn more with the spanner — do not over-tighten, as this can crack plastic components. Turn the water on and check for leaks at the connection point. If a drip appears, tighten slightly; if it persists, remove the head, add another layer of PTFE tape, and refit.
Rather have a pro handle it?
Get a vetted plumbing pro in your city — one number, booked in EN/EL/DE.
FAQ
- Do I need to turn off the water supply to replace a shower head?
- No. Because the shower head sits downstream of both the mixer valve and the isolator, you simply leave the tap closed while you work. There is no need to shut off the mains or drain any pipes.
- How do I stop the new shower head from leaking after fitting?
- Leaks almost always come from insufficient PTFE tape or cross-threading. Remove the head, check that the threads are clean and undamaged, wrap three to four layers of PTFE tape clockwise, then refit carefully by hand before adding a final snug turn with a spanner.
- Can I replace a shower head in a rented apartment in Greece?
- Yes, a shower head is a consumable fixture and tenants may replace one with a like-for-like unit without modifying the plumbing. Keep the original head so you can reinstall it when you move out, and inform your landlord as a courtesy.