Save Water: Installing a Low-Flow Shower Head

If you have made a commitment to purchase a low-flow shower head in an effort to conserve water, before making a firm decision on which shower head to buy, make sure that the GPM (gallons per minute) rating is less than 2 GPM.

Just because it says "low-flow," does not always mean it is energy-efficient. In fact, it could have the same or slightly less than your current shower head. Replace any shower head that flows more than one gallon in 20 seconds.

It's time to enjoy your showers again knowing you are helping the environment while saving money in the process!

Level of Difficulty: Easy

• Adjustable wrench;
• Thread sealing tape (commonly known as Teflon Tape).

A company named Bricor makes two very low-flow shower heads with claims of a powerful shower experience. One uses less than one gallon per minute, while the other flows at a rate of 1.25 GPM.

Clasp the shower head with one hand while utilizing an adjustable wrench to firmly grip the water pipe. Loosen the shower head by rotating it in a counter-clockwise motion.

Continue unscrewing by hand until you are able to remove the shower head completely from the water pipe.

Remove any remaining old thread sealing tape or sealing compound from the threads of the shower pipe. Wipe down if necessary and clean the threads thoroughly with a damp cloth.

Re-wrap the threads of the shower pipe in a clockwise motion with new pipe thread tape, beginning at the opening of the pipe while overlapping the tape through the entire length of the threads; however, avoid going beyond the threads.

Gently press on the tape with your fingertips to insure the tape is firmly in place.

Remove the new shower head from the packaging. If there is no rubber washer within the packaging, the shower head is designed to be hand tightened.

If a rubber washer is included in the packaging, place this on the pipe before the shower head.

Place the new shower head onto the end of the pipe and begin turning it in a clockwise motion by hand until it is securely in place.

Turn on the shower to check for any leaks. If water leaks are present from any area other than from the shower head, cautiously tighten slightly with the adjustable wrench clockwise. Continue checking until the shower head ceases leaking.

IMPORTANT: Over-tightening may lead to stripping of the threads inside the shower head (without washer), or may cause the rubber washer to go inside the arm of the water pipe (with rubber washer) and render the shower head useless.