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How to Replace the Ball Fixture on a Shower Head

Whether your shower head is clogged with hard water deposits and does not work as well as it once did or you simply want to update your shower fixtures, you can remove your current shower head and replace it with a new model. Some shower head models come installed over a ball joint, which allows the shower head to swivel and gives it a greater range of motion. If your ball joint is rusted or does not allow your shower head to turn properly, replace the ball joint before installing a new shower head.

Things You'll Need

  • Socket wrench
  • White vinegar
  • De-greasing agent
  • Coarse cloth
  • Shower ball
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Instructions

    • 1

      Unscrew and remove the shower head.

    • 2

      Turn the ball joint counterclockwise with a socket wrench until it comes loose.

    • 3

      Clean and lubricate the interior structure. This is particularly important if the previous ball joint was rusted in place. If the shower head structure is detachable, submerge it in white vinegar to break up rust and hard water deposits. If it's not detachable, clean it with a de-greasing agent and a coarse cloth.

    • 4

      Fit the new shower ball onto the existing fixture. Turn the shower ball in a clockwise direction with the socket wrench until it is secure.