Guide: How to change a shower hose

Whether your shower hose is leaking or you just fancy a change, installing a new hose is a very straightforward process. It's also low-cost, meaning you won't be out of pocket. A new hose is a great way to make your shower look better, making it more functional.

The best thing about it is that whether you need to replace a shower hose or a new shower installation, doing these small tasks yourself will not take more than a few minutes of your time. And, with the correct aftercare, there's no reason why a new hose can't last your shower's lifetime.

How To Choose A Replacement Shower Hose

Having a shower should be a relaxing experience. Your shower must not only be reliable but practical and functional too. One of the essential parts of ensuring these three features are met is to choose the correct shower hose unit.

The purpose of shower hoses is to allow water delivery from the shower valve to the showerhead, and ensuring you choose the right one for the job is critical.

When deciding on a new shower hose, you should consider the following:

Features

There is a range of features available when deciding which hose you want. Many shower hoses have a specialised finish, so there won't be any pesky watermarks left, while some are extra flexible hoses. Some feature anti-twist devices to stop the hose from tangling.

Whichever features attract you the most, it's essential to invest in a make and model that will not let you down in durability and resistance. Still, a flexible hose proves to be a popular option for many.

Material

There are a few different materials to consider, and shower hoses with higher-quality materials are the most expensive. Don't let this put you off; it is a worthwhile investment. We'll talk you through two of the most popular options:

Metal

Metal hoses can be made of stainless steel, regular steel, or brass, making them less likely to bend. While they last a significant length of time, they demand hygienic cleaning regularly, and they can be prone to scuffing.

PVC

PVC Hoses are becoming an increasingly popular option amongst householders because they are relatively strong, durable, require little cleaning and are more hygienic than their metal counterparts. The downside, however, is that they are more likely to bend than metal ones and could eventually leak.

Length

There's no right or wrong hose length; it depends on how long or short you need it to be. However, you don't want a hose that overhangs in your shower unit or bath. Generally speaking, it's advisable to have the hose at least 20 cm longer than the tallest person who usually uses the shower area.

Preparation And Planning

Firstly, ensure your shower is turned off, and you have thoroughly dried the entire shower unit.

Turning your shower off is beneficial in two ways: you will need the area to be completely dry to grip properly, and from a safety perspective, it means less chance of slips and falls.

There will inevitably be a few drips here and there from the showerhead as you work with a water flow. It is best to leave a towel on the bottom of your bath or shower to mop this up, ensuring the shower tray and plughole are also fully covered.

Equipment Needed

There are some pieces of equipment you will need to get started:

• A replacement shower hose
• Pliers
• Old towel
• Old rag
• Two new washers

A Step-By-Step Guide To Changing a Hose Fitting

There are two sections to the guide: the first section deals with disconnecting an old hose - you can skip this bit if you have already done it - and the second part focuses on how to replace a shower hose.

Disconnecting the old shower hose

1. Take the old shower head from its holder and unscrew the head (this is where water might begin to escape). If the showerhead is too tight, use pliers for extra grip to help you loosen it. Use a rag to wrap around to avoid damage.
2. Avoid losing or throwing out your old washers - if they are in good condition, you can use them again.
3. Next, hold the shower hose close to where it connects to your shower unit.
4. Unscrew anti-clockwise, again preparing for some water to escape.
5. Unscrew the hose in an anti-clockwise motion, and it should easily separate.

Fitting the new hose

You have successfully removed the old hose; it's time to get the new shower hose fitted. It entails performing the same actions as the removal stages, but this time in reverse.

1. Add a washer to the end of the new hose.
2. Once again, grasping the hose towards where it connects to the shower, hand tighten the hose, this time in a clockwise rotation.
3. Add one of the washers to the opposite end of the hose.
4. Screw the entire showerhead back into position clockwise.
5. Finally, turn the shower on and allow the allow to run for several minutes. There should be no problems, but if you see a leak, the fittings are not tight enough. To make it completely watertight, turn the fittings slightly until completely hand tight. However, try to avoid over-tightening.

You're finished. You have now successfully fitted a brand new shower hose.

Aftercare

To get the most from your new shower hose and shower head, it's essential to keep it well-maintained and clean. Limescale presents as an ever-present threat to your shower and the whole bathroom, for that matter, so descale regularly.

If you're looking for more DIY advice to help get the jobs done in your home, our guides on how to install a shower head and how to install an electric shower should come in handy.