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A hand held shower head upgrade is one of the fastest ways to make a tub more practical. It improves rinsing, makes cleaning the tub easier, supports bathing kids or pets, and can help users with limited mobility. Most installations do not require opening the wall, but the correct method depends on your current tub setup. Some tubs have a standard shower arm coming out of the wall. Others only have a tub spout and no shower riser. This guide explains both scenarios, shows the parts you need, and covers common mistakes that cause leaks or weak flow.
Start by identifying which of these two tub layouts you have. The installation steps change based on the plumbing.
Tub with a shower arm and existing shower head
You have a threaded shower arm coming out of the wall. This is the easiest path. You can add a handheld using a diverter or a handheld kit.
Tub with only a tub spout, no shower arm
You may have a tub filler only. Adding a handheld can still be possible, but it usually requires a deck-mounted tub faucet with a hand shower port, a tub spout diverter kit designed for handheld use, or a plumbing upgrade. Many quick add-on spout adapters work, but they are not ideal for long-term use in higher-pressure systems.
A quick visual check:
For a clean retrofit, most users prefer a wall-mounted handheld kit with a diverter and holder. COIGN provides a complete handheld solution line for this style of upgrade: hand held shower head.
Most handheld installations are tool-light. The main goal is to prevent leaks at threaded joints and mount the holder securely at the correct height.
Common parts:
Common tools:
A quality handheld kit usually relies on gaskets rather than heavy tape. Tape is mainly for the metal-to-metal thread at the shower arm connection. Over-taping can cause cross-threading and makes future service harder.
This is the most common tub-shower combo installation. You will either install a diverter tee at the shower arm or replace the existing shower head with a diverter-style head.
Turn off the shower water supply at the valve
You do not need to shut off the entire house if your shower valve closes properly. Confirm the valve stops flow fully.
Remove the existing shower head
Use a wrench only if needed. Protect the finish with a cloth.
Clean the shower arm threads
Remove old tape and debris so the new connection seats correctly.
Install the diverter tee onto the shower arm
Wrap a small amount of thread seal tape on the shower arm threads if needed, then hand-tighten the tee and snug it with a wrench.
Reinstall the fixed shower head onto the tee
Hand-tighten and align it. Do not over-torque.
Connect the handheld hose to the tee outlet
The hose connection should use a rubber washer. Hand-tighten firmly. A wrench is rarely necessary and can crush washers.
Attach the handheld shower head to the hose
Again, use the washer. Hand-tighten.
Test and switch the diverter
Turn on water, check for leaks, and test switching between fixed head and handheld.
This option is faster and reduces parts, but it may limit flow performance compared to a dedicated tee depending on the design.
The steps are similar: remove old head, clean threads, install the new diverter head, connect hose, and test.
If your goal is stable switching and a clean setup, a diverter tee often provides a more predictable user experience.
If your tub has no shower head outlet, you cannot install a standard wall handheld the same way because there is no threaded shower arm to connect to. You still have options, but you need to choose the right path for long-term reliability.
Common upgrade paths:
Replace the tub faucet set with a model that includes a hand shower outlet
This is the cleanest and most durable approach. It is commonly used in hotel renovations and higher-end residential upgrades.
Use a tub spout diverter adapter designed for handheld use
This can work as a retrofit, but choose a quality adapter with secure sealing and a hose connection designed for shower pressure. Many low-cost adapters leak or loosen over time.
Add a wall supply elbow and diverter valve
This is a more involved plumbing upgrade and typically requires professional installation.
If you choose an adapter approach, focus on secure connection and leak control. Any connection at the tub spout is exposed to frequent splashing and movement, so a loose joint becomes a maintenance issue quickly.
For many property upgrades, this is where consistent accessory quality matters. COIGN handheld sets are designed for stable connection and comfortable daily use: hand held shower head.
A handheld shower is only as useful as its mounting position. Poor placement makes the hose kink, the head fall, or the spray hit the wall.
Placement guidance:
For a tub-shower combo, mount the holder high enough to use as a temporary fixed shower
Many users position it so the handheld can function like a standard head when docked.
Keep the hose path smooth
Avoid sharp bends that stress the hose and reduce flow.
Avoid drilling into tile joints that are already cracked or hollow
If mounting on tile, use proper tile drill bits and drill slowly to avoid cracks.
Consider a slide bar for shared households
A slide bar allows height adjustment for kids and adults, and it is popular in hospitality upgrades because it accommodates many user heights.
Mounting methods:
Screw-mounted bracket
Strongest option and best for long-term use.
Adhesive bracket
Useful for rentals and quick installs, but choose a high-quality adhesive system and allow full cure time before use.
In high-use bathrooms, screw mounting is typically the reliable choice.
Even a small drip at the shower arm can cause water to run behind tile or down the wall. Always test thoroughly.
Leak test steps:
Flow optimization:
A clean, properly sealed install improves both performance and longevity.
A handheld shower is a frequent upgrade in renovation packages because it improves daily usability without changing the tub footprint. COIGN’s handheld shower head line focuses on comfortable grip, reliable connection design, and finish options that coordinate with modern bathroom hardware sets. For contractors and project buyer teams, consistent part geometry and stable supply are essential because the same kit often needs to be installed across multiple units without on-site modification. COIGN supports wholesale and OEM needs where product consistency, packaging readiness, and installation predictability matter. View the product options here: hand held shower head.
To install a hand held shower head in a tub, first confirm whether your tub already has a shower arm. If it does, installation is usually a straightforward diverter tee or diverter head upgrade, followed by hose connection and holder mounting. If it does not, the best long-term path is a tub faucet set designed to support a hand shower, or a high-quality spout diverter solution when plumbing upgrades are not planned. Finish by mounting the holder at a practical height, keeping the hose path smooth, and performing a careful leak test at every connection. With a well-built handheld kit such as COIGN’s hand held shower head, the tub becomes easier to use, easier to clean, and more flexible for everyday routines.
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Privacy statement: Your privacy is very important to Us. Our company promises not to disclose your personal information to any external company with out your explicit permission.