A handheld shower has four parts that wear: the hose, the washers and screen at each end of it, the wall bracket or slide bar holder, and the spray head itself. All of them use the standard 1/2 inch connection, so a hose or head from any brand fits any other. Delta states its hoses fit any standard 1/2 inch shower thread.
Before you start. No need to shut off the water for this one; the valve stays closed while you work on the head, arm, or spout. You will need a towel to protect the finish, slip-joint pliers or an adjustable wrench, and a roll of plumber’s tape (thin white thread tape, about $2). If anything is corroded and will not loosen with moderate force, stop and see when to call a plumber. New to this? Start here explains the parts and tools in plain language.
Hose leaks at either end
- Unscrew the leaking end by hand (counterclockwise). Hoses have conical or flat rubber washers at each end; one may be cracked or missing.
- Replace the washer. Hardware stores sell shower hose washers for under $3; a new hose also comes with them.
- Thread the end back on by hand. Hose connections are hand tight only; pliers crush them.
Weak spray from the handheld
Unscrew the hose from the head and look in the head’s inlet. There is a small screen there, and in the end of the hose at the wall. Rinse both, and soak the head in half vinegar and half water for 30 minutes if the nozzles are scaled; see cleaning a shower head. If the hose itself is kinked or collapsed inside (common on cheap hoses after a few years), replace the hose. Standard length is 60 inches; stretchable hoses reach about 82 inches and Delta’s longest is 84 inches.
Hose leaking along its length or split
Replace the hose. Unscrew both ends by hand, thread the new one on with its washers in place. Metal hoses last longer than plastic ones.
Bracket or holder broken
Wall brackets on inexpensive handheld sets are plastic and the clip that grips the head breaks. A replacement wall mount holder is under $15 and screws to the wall or the arm. If you want adjustable height, a slide bar (about $40 for a basic one; Delta’s 24 inch bar is more) replaces the bracket; the bar mounts to the wall with two screws and the hose connects at a wall elbow.
Combination head and handheld
Sets that have a fixed head and a handheld share a small diverter at the arm. If one side dribbles while the other runs, the diverter’s seal is worn; these are replaced as a unit, not repaired.
Shower heads and tub spoutsFind your brandStart hereWhen to call a plumber
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