How To Install A Rain Shower Head: In The Ceiling & Wall-Mount

written by: Michael Lamew

With so many options available, having a general idea of how to install a rain shower head in 2020 is crucial.

On this page, you’ll learn both, how to install a rain shower head in the ceiling, and how to install a wall-mounted rain shower head.

Please note, in order to install your rainfall shower head properly, you’ll need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly.

In most cases, it’s recommended that you hire a licensed, professional plumber, to ensure a perfect installation.

Again, this page is intended to give you a general idea for installation, not exact instructions (as that would be impossible, given every model is slightly different).

After you’re done reading, if you’re looking for some fantastic options, check out our best rain shower heads page with 11 of the most highly reviewed models all-in-one place.

Also, check out our top rain shower head pros & cons if you’re wondering if adding one to your bathroom is right for you.

Now let’s jump right in!

What You’ll Need To Install A Rain Shower Head

• Plumbers’ tape
• 2 Towels
• Adjustable wrench, or pliers
• Allen wrench
• Tile caulk
• Ruler

What To Do BEFORE You Install

Consider hiring a licensed, professional plumber

For best results, its highly recommended that you hire a licensed professional plumber, to install your rain shower head.

This is especially true when regarding ceiling rain shower heads, as their installation, in most cases, proves more difficult, when compared to wall-mount models.

Read your owner’s manual

Make sure you read your owner’s manual carefully, making sure you have all the parts you need before you start the installation process.

Remember, each rain shower head’s installation instructions will be slightly different, model to model, so its key to follow your unit’s exact instructions.

Check your shower valve

Most rain shower heads require a compatible shower valve, to ensure proper use. For example, a rain shower head may need: “an automatic compensating valve,” rated at 2 GPM, or less, from a specific manufacturer.

Furthermore, to prevent scalding injury, make sure your shower mixing valve has a maximum output temperature, that doesn’t exceed 120 degrees F (for USA), or 112 degrees F (for MA). For more details on this, check out this article, from PHCPPROS. (1)

This should go without saying, but just for good measure, remember to only shower at temperatures that are safe, and that you are comfortable with, to prevent potential injuries.

How To Install A Ceiling-Mounted Rain Shower Head

1. Lay down an old towel to cover your shower’s drain (to prevent any parts/screws from falling down the drain)
2. Unscrew / remove your old shower head, using your wrench, wrapped in your towel (to protect the finish)
3. Install a properly anchored NPT ½ drop-eared ell
   • Must have 2 ¾” (max) of space between finished wall, and ell
4. Temporarily install your rain shower head’s “mounting nipple”
5. Once your “mounting nipple” is all the way screwed into your ell, using your ruler, mark points at ⅝” & 1” (both measured from the wall, going down)
6. Once marked, remove your “mounting nipple” from the el
7. Using your saw, carefully cut your “mounting nipple” at the 1” mark
8. Wrap the base of your “mounting nipple” (part that will screw into your el) with plumbers tape
9. Screw in your “mounting nipple” wrapped in plumbers tape, into your el, tightening with an allen wrench (usually, some models are screwed in by hand)
10. CAUTION IMPORTANT STEP: Using your waterproof tile caulk, seal your ceiling around the screwed in “mounting nipple”
    • Failure to caulk properly, can result in potential water damage
11. Now that your “mounting nipple” is screwed in properly, and sealed with your tile caulk, wrap the exposed threads with plumbers tape
12. Then, get your base of your rain shower head (usually looks like a circle, or square washer), and slide it on your “mounting nipple,” so it sits flush with your ceiling
13. Once you’ve slid on your base, screw in your shower arm to your “mounting nipple” (usually using an Allen wrench, some models can be screwed in by hand)
    • Optional Step: Some rain shower head models have shower arms that can be “stacked,” or in other words, connected in series. So, if you have a rain shower model that supports “stacked” shower arms, now is the time to install them
14. Finally, now that your shower arm(s) are properly screwed in, you can screw in your rain shower head, and you’re done

How To Install A Wall-Mounted Rain Shower Head

1. Lay down an old towel to cover your shower’s drain (to prevent any parts/screws from falling down the drain)
2. Remove your old shower head, using your wrench, wrapped in your towel (to protect the finish)
3. Install a NPT ½ male nipple, or “mounting nipple,” that extends ⅝” from your finished wall
4. Slide on the base of your shower arm (comes with your shower arm kit), that will eventually sit flush with your wall
5. Wrap your exposed “mounting nipple” with plumbers’ tape
6. CAUTION IMPORTANT STEP: Using your waterproof tile caulk, carefully seal your wall around the screwed in “mounting nipple”
   • Failure to caulk properly, can result in potential water damage
7. Screw in your shower arm, with base attached, to your exposed “mounting nipple” that’s wrapped in plumbers tape, and sealed tightly with your caulk
8. Once your shower arm is properly screwed in, slide your base until it sits flush with your finished wall
9. Lastly, screw in your wall-mounted rain shower head, into your properly mounted shower arm, and you’re done

Conclusion

Congrats!

You’ve successfully completed your research for installing rain showerheads, both in the ceiling and in the wall.

For another reminder, please remember to follow your rain showerhead manufacturer’s instructions exactly, to ensure proper installation. Hiring a licensed professional plumber is highly recommended.

Now that you have a good idea of how to install a rain shower head, would you like to know the top options available in 2020?

If so, check out our rainshower reviews with 11 of the most highly reviewed models of the year all-in-one spot.

Or, if you’d like to learn more about what makes them different from regular shower heads, check out our rain shower head pros and cons page.

Resources:

1. https://www.phcppros.com/articles/1828-hot-water-system-temperatures-and-the-code

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