How to Remove a Stubborn Showerhead: From Logical to Extreme

How to Remove a Stubborn Showerhead: From Logical to Extreme

That showerhead’s been with you through it all—singing marathons, existential crises, shampoo in the eye—but now it’s time to say goodbye. Only, it won’t. It’s stuck. Like really stuck.

Don’t worry. Here’s your ultimate guide to removing a stubborn showerhead, from perfectly sane to “you might need to explain this to your landlord.”

1. Hand Loosen

Remember... righty-tighty, lefty-loosey. So, we're going counterclockwise here, people. This occasionally works and lets you pretend you're strong enough to be cast in a Marvel movie.

✅ Easy, clean, no tools required.

 


2. Wrench + Rag Combo

Wrap a rag around the base to protect the finish, then grab a wrench or pliers and turn with steady pressure.

✅ Basic tools. Minimal risk.


3. WD-40 or Penetrating Oil

Apply some WD-40 or Liquid Wrench to the threads. Let it sit 10–20 minutes. Try again with the wrench. Smells awful, but hey—progress!

✅ Mild mess. Effective.


4. Vinegar Bag Soak (Overnight Spa Treatment)

Tape a vinegar-filled plastic bag around the showerhead and joint and let it soak overnight. This dissolves mineral buildup and makes your bathroom smell like a salad bar.

✅ Requires patience, but not yet the power tools.


5. Pliers + Wrench Torque Party

Clamp pliers on the shower arm for stability, and use a wrench on the showerhead itself. This gives you maximum torque and minimal risk of unscrewing the shower arm. Make sure to wrap rags around both the shower arm and the showerhead base prior to protect the finish!

✅ Requires pliers, a wrench and one good arm workout.


6. Call your Plumber (or Landlord)

Ok, you did your best! You've got more important things to do though. But you want your upgrade, dammit. Just call in a plumber! Or if you're lucky enough to have a landlord, make it their problem ;)

Make it someone else's problem!


7. Cut It Off with a Saw

Ok, you've tried everything. At this point, you’ve declared war. R.I.P. showerhead. Send us a video of your destruction and we'll send you a free Tandem Shower.

✅ 100% overkill. 100% badass. 0% recommended.


Final Thoughts:

If all goes well, you'll get that old showerhead off somewhere before step 6. But if you find yourself sawing and welding in a towel at 2am… just know you’re not alone. Someone out there has surely been there too.

Stay safe, stay ridiculous—and may your water pressure be forever strong.

Back to blog

Leave a comment