Hand-held shower kit (the kind that includes the spout)
Allen wrench (if your existing spout has an Allen set screw)
Pipe wrench or metal rod
Electric drill
Carbide-tipped drill bit
Regular drill bits
Expansion anchors
If your tub doesn't already have an existing shower head, you can install a hand-held shower to your tub spout. Although a bit more complicated than simply replacing a shower head, swapping your existing tub spout for one made with a special diverter is not that much trouble. The same kinds of multi-nozzle shower heads that can be mounted to a shower arm are available for this type of setup too.
1.
Remove Your Existing Spout
If your spout has an Allen set screw on the underside, remove it with an Allen wrench and pull the spout off the pipe. If there is no screw on the spout, use a pipe wrench to unscrew the spout or, alternatively, insert a metal rod or a comparable object into the spout hole to use as a lever. (Fig. 1)
2.
Connect Your New Spout
Screw on the new spout with your hands; then tighten it with a pipe wrench or pliers so that the outlet points down. The new spout comes with an adapter that diverts water either to the shower head or the tub. Thread the shower hose onto the adapter and tighten it (Fig. 2). Then turn on the water and check for leaks. If there is leaking, tighten the slip nut connecting the shower hose to the adapter. (If the spout itself appears to leak, try applying a little Teflon tape to the threaded connection.)
If your spout features a cradle-like support for the shower head, your project is completed at the end of this step. If not, go to Step 3.
3.
Install the Holding Bracket
Mark the wall where you want to mount the bracket that holds the shower head (Fig. 3). If the wall is clad in tile or stone, drill holes with a carbide-tipped bit and insert expansion anchors. For wall surfaces such as fiberglass, regular drill bits will work fine. Screw the bracket in place (Fig. 4).
