If you’re tired of standing under a fixed showerhead that doesn’t quite reach all the crucial areas, it’s time to consider installing a handheld shower with a slide bar. This nifty little contraption allows you to adjust the height and angle of your shower head, ensuring maximum coverage and comfort. But if you’re not particularly handy or well-versed in plumbing, the installation process may seem daunting. Fear not! Follow this step-by-step guide on how to install a handheld shower with a slide bar, and you’ll be enjoying your new shower experience in no time.
How To Install Hand Held Shower With Slide Bar
1. Preparing the Hose and Hand Shower
Before installing a hand-held shower with a slide bar, it’s important to prepare the hose and hand shower. Start unscrewing the old showerhead with a wrench and cleaning the pipe’s threads. Next, wrap Teflon tape around the spindle’s threads to ensure a tight seal. Attach the regular nut end of the hose to the mounting bracket in a clockwise direction and tighten it by hand. Ensure the hose is free of kinks and tangles, which can affect the water flow. By preparing the hand shower and hose correctly, you’ll be ready to move on to the next steps of the installation process, including mounting the slide bar and attaching it to the wall.
2. Using a Towel to Protect the Pipe
To ensure that the shower arm remains undamaged, it is important to protect it while installing a hand-held shower with a slide bar. One simple but effective way to do this is by using a towel. Begin by wrapping a thick towel around the pipe, specifically the part of the pipe that is closest to the wall. This will safeguard the arm against any scratches or nicks resulting from the pliers’ tightening. Carry confidently with the installation process, knowing the pipe is covered and protected.
3. Mounting the Slidebar
After preparing the hose and hand shower, using a towel to protect the pipe, and determining the location for the slidebar assembly, it’s time to mount the slidebar. This involves creating a template for marking holes, drilling pilot holes in the wall, and attaching the bar. The slidebar brackets should be installed to align with the pilot holes using screws and brackets. Finally, snap-on covers can be added to the brackets for aesthetic purposes. Before the installation, it’s important to lock the wrench onto the pipe to properly attach the hand shower with slide bar. Installing a handheld shower with a slide bar can be a breeze with these steps!
4. Creating a Template for Marking Holes
Next, creating a template for marking holes is crucial in installing a handheld shower with a slide bar. It helps to ensure that the holes for the brackets are in the correct locations and levels. To create the template, tape it to the wall and use a level to ensure the holes are even. Then, mark the spots for the stud and grab bar mounting holes. After that, drill a small hole at one of the marks over a stud. It is recommended to have a professional plumbing contractor carry out the installation, especially when dealing with several holes that need to align correctly. Once the template is complete, the next step is drilling pilot holes in the wall to begin the installation process.
5. Drilling Pilot Holes in the Wall
Once you’ve created a template and identified where the slide bar will be mounted, it’s time to start drilling pilot holes in the wall. This can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re working with a tiled surface. However, you can get the job done quickly and easily with the right tools and a steady hand. Start using a 1/4” carbide tip drill bit to create pilot holes through the tiles. Then, switch to a 5/32” drill bit to continue drilling through the wall. Be sure to drill straight and steady to avoid damaging the surrounding area. Once the pilot holes are made, it’s time to insert wall anchors and screws to secure the slide bar in place. Take your time and patience – this step ensures a safe and secure installation.
6. Locating the Slidebar Assembly
Once the desired location for the slidebar assembly has been determined and the wall anchors have been drilled, it’s time to locate the slide bar on the finished wall. This is where the template created in the previous section comes into play. For stability, the slide bar must be mounted onto stud framing supports at both the top and bottom mounting points. Once the bar is positioned correctly, the next step is to attach it to the wall using screws and brackets. To complete the look, snap-on covers can be added to the brackets. With the slidebar assembly securely mounted, it’s now ready to hold the hand shower in place for daily use.
7. Attaching the Bar to the Wall
After drilling pilot holes in the wall and determining the location of the slide bar, it is time to attach the bar to the wall. Using the top post as a template, the locations on the shower wall were marked using a pencil. The slidebar has a mounting bracket that allows you to move the hand shower sprayer up and down, making it easier to adjust according to your height preference. The next step is to install the upper and under base with screws in the wall. After placing the bar into the under slide bar body and installing the screw, it is time to tighten them. Once the screws are in place, the brackets are covered with snap-on covers for a sleeker look. With the bar securely attached to the wall, the next step is to lock the wrench onto the pipe for installation. By following these steps, a hand-held shower with a slide bar can be installed quickly.
8. Installing Screws and Brackets
Once the slidebar is in place and the location has been marked and drilled, it’s time to move on to the next step: installing screws and brackets. First, hold the slidebar to the wall and align the screw holes with the pre-drilled holes. Then, attach the longer conical end of the hose to the hand shower and place rubber washers into both ends of the hose. Once the hose is secure, slide each bracket cover over its respective wall bracket and snap it into place. This will ensure the slidebar is firmly attached to the wall and won’t wobble or move around during use. The cover also adds a finished look, making the slidebar appear seamless on the wall. With the brackets securely in place, the installation is almost complete.
9. Covering the Brackets with Snap-On Covers
After firmly attaching the slide bar and brackets to the shower wall, it’s time to give the installation a polished finish with snap-on covers. These covers hide the hardware and add a sleek look to the overall installation. Slide each bracket cover over its wall bracket and snap it into place. It’s that easy! With the snap-on covers in place, there will be no visible screws or brackets, making for a cleaner and more professional appearance. This small step can make a big difference in the final look of the installation, enhancing the appearance of your bathroom and making it feel more luxurious.
10. Locking the Wrench onto the Pipe for Installation
Once the bracket and screws are in place, it’s time to lock a wrench onto the pipe to install the slide bar assembly. This step is essential to secure the bar and prevent leaks. The wrench should be locked onto the pipe connecting to the showerhead, and turned counterclockwise to remove any existing showerhead. If you encounter difficulty, wrap a towel around the pipe to protect it from scratching. Once the current showerhead is removed, attaching the new connectors to the plumbing is time. Lock the wrench onto the pipe and turn it clockwise until it’s hand-tight. Don’t forget to wrap the plumber’s tape around the pipe threads before connecting the new slide bar assembly to prevent leaks. Lastly, place the hand shower onto the slide bar and adjust the angle and height to your liking. Installing a hand held shower with slide bar is a simple way to enhance your shower experience and create a functional and stylish look in your bathroom.