How to Use a Handheld Showerhead? [Solved]

Last updated on November 15, 2023

It might seem funny that you can’t find a way to turn on your showerhead, but it’s a prevalent problem. The way you use it is different per shower so you might find it confusing at first. Here are all the ways to use it.

Turning a handheld showerhead on is easy if you know what the problem might be. If not, then this article will help you figure that out. It’s important for homeowners to understand their plumbing system so they can fix any problems before something bad happens. This guide covers everything from turning off handheld showers to fixing leaks in toilets.

If you are having trouble getting water pressure or hot water when using a handheld showerhead, there could be several reasons why. The first thing to check is whether your faucet has been leaking and causing damage to your pipes. Check all of the connections on both sides of the sink/faucet as well as behind it. Make sure that none of them have come loose. Also, make sure that no pipe joints are cracked or damaged.

How to Turn on Handheld Shower Head?

The first thing you need to do when turning on a handheld showerhead is to attach the showerhead to the shower arm. The showerhead should be attached firmly so as not to fall off during operation.

The next step would be to adjust the angle of the showerhead according to where you want the stream of water to go. Most showerheads come with an adjustable mechanism that allows you to move them up and down.

You can also rotate the showerhead left and right using another adjustment mechanism. Once these adjustments are done, test the water flow rate. Adjustments may require some trial and error until you get the desired result.

Because the showerhead is usually connected to the faucet, how you turn it on depends on its type. Here are the different kinds of faucets you may encounter.

Single Handle Faucets

To turn on a single-handle showerhead, follow the same steps mentioned above but instead of attaching the showerhead to the arm, connect the showerhead directly to the spout of the faucet.

Double Handle Faucets

Double handles usually consist of two separate knobs located at either side of the faucet body. To turn on a double handle showerhead, simply press one knob while simultaneously pressing the other.

Triple Handle Faucets

Triple handles are similar to double handles except that each knob controls three different functions. For example, one knob turns on the cold water supply, while the second knob adjusts the temperature setting. The third knob activates the shower function.

Knob Handle Faucets

These types of faucets don’t need any additional hardware to work. Just twist the knob to adjust the amount of water flowing out. You can even set up multiple outlets using one knob.

Pull Out Handle Faucets

This type of faucet uses an external lever instead of a knob. It’s more convenient than other pullout designs because you don’t have to reach into the bathroom when adjusting the water output.

Cross Handle Faucets

This type of faucet uses cross handles instead of traditional ones. It’s similar to double handle faucets but easier to operate because there are no levers to get stuck. Cross-handle faucets can be installed anywhere in the bathroom.

How to Turn Off a Handheld Shower Head

There are different ways to shut off a handheld showerhead depending upon its type. For example, most handheld showerheads include a switch that turns them on and off. However, some models don’t have such switches.

How to Use a Shower Diverter

A diverter valve lets you control how much hot or cold water goes through your handheld showerhead. This feature comes in handy if you’re trying to save money by reducing the overall usage of water.

Diverters are available for both fixed and handheld showers. They allow you to choose between full power and half power. If you prefer warm water, then it makes sense to select 50% mode. On the contrary, selecting 100% will give you maximum pressure.

Showers equipped with diverters often offer several settings including:

Full Power – The entire volume of water is allowed to pass through the showerhead.
Half Power – Only half of the total water passes through the showerhead. In this case, only half of the spray pattern appears.
Low Pressure – Water flows slowly from the showerhead.

The best way to determine what kind of diverter works well with your showerhead is to try it first before buying it.

What Kinds of Diversions Are Available with a Handheld Showerhead?

Most handheld showerheads come with built-in diverters. These devices let you change the flow rate without having to buy another device separately. Some manufacturers also provide their customers with extra accessories like soap dispensers, shampoo bottles, etc.

If you want to add a diverter to your existing showerhead, here are the options available:

Manual Diverter Valve
Automatic Diverter Valve
Dual Flow Diverter Valve
Electronic Diverter Valve
Variable Speed Diverter Valve
Multi Function Diverter Valve
Rainfall Diverter Valve
Steam Generator Diverter Valve
Temperature Control Diverter Valve
Two Way Diverter Valve
Multiple Way Diverter Valve

What If the Showerhead Isn’t Working Properly?

If you find that your handheld showerhead isn’t working properly, here’s how to turn it back on:

Unscrew the top cap.
Remove the hose by pulling up on the rubber band holding it down.
Pull the plastic cover away from the nozzle.
Screw the top cap onto the handle again.
Put the hose back into place.
Replace the plastic cover over the nozzle.
Reattach the hose to the wall with the rubber band.
Test the flow rate.

FAQ

How do you turn on a detachable showerhead?

Detach the showerhead from the wall and place it over the drain hole. Then press down firmly until the showerhead clicks into position. You may need to adjust the angle slightly so that the stream hits where you want it to go.

How do you turn on the showerhead without a button?

If there are no visible buttons or knobs to turn on your shower head, check the faucet and look for a way to pull it. Such shower setups have a pull-out faucet nozzle that turns on the shower head.

What size hose should I attach to my shower head?

You’ll find two sizes of hoses commonly used with shower heads. One has a diameter of 1/2 inch, while the other measures 3 inches.