How to Add a Handheld Shower Head to an Existing Shower
Adding a handheld shower head is one of the simplest ways to make an existing shower more flexible.
You do not always need to remove your current shower head or change the plumbing behind the wall. In many bathrooms, a handheld shower can be added using the shower connection you already have.
Depending on the setup, you can either replace your current shower head with a handheld model or create a dual shower system that keeps both the fixed shower head and a handheld sprayer.
Here is how it works.
Can You Add a Handheld Shower Head to Any Shower?
In many cases, yes.
Most standard showers use a threaded shower arm coming from the wall. That connection can often support:
- A handheld shower head
- A handheld shower with hose
- A dual shower head
- A diverter with two water outlets
- A rain shower and handheld combination
The easiest installations use the existing shower arm without moving pipes or opening the wall.
Before buying a system, check that the fittings are compatible with your existing shower connection.
Option 1: Replace the Existing Shower Head
The simplest option is to remove your current shower head and install a handheld shower head in its place.
A typical setup includes:
- Handheld shower head
- Flexible hose
- Wall bracket or shower-arm holder
- Washers
- Connection hardware
The hose connects to the water outlet, while the handheld shower sits in the holder when you are not using it.
This gives you handheld flexibility, but you lose the original fixed shower head.
Option 2: Keep the Existing Shower Head and Add a Handheld
If you want both, use a dual shower setup.
A diverter connects to the shower arm and divides the water between two outlets.
This can allow you to use:
- Fixed shower head only
- Handheld shower only
- Both at the same time
A setup like the MakeFit Classic Dual Shower Head is designed around this idea, combining multiple shower outlets without requiring a complete bathroom remodel.
What Is a Shower Diverter?
A shower diverter controls where water flows.
In a dual shower system, it sits between the water supply and the shower heads.
Depending on the model, the diverter may allow you to switch between different combinations of outlets.
For example:
Setting 1: Fixed shower head
Setting 2: Handheld shower
Setting 3: Both outlets
This makes it possible to add handheld functionality without permanently giving up your existing shower experience.
What You Need
For a typical installation, you may need:
- Handheld shower head
- Shower hose
- Diverter
- Holder or bracket
- Rubber washers
- Plumber's tape
- Adjustable wrench
- Soft cloth
Many complete shower systems include most of these components.
Check what comes in the box before buying additional parts.
Step 1: Turn Off the Shower
Make sure the shower valve is completely off.
You usually do not need to shut off your home's main water supply for a standard shower head replacement.
Place a towel on the shower floor to protect the surface and catch small parts.
Step 2: Remove the Existing Shower Head
Try unscrewing the current shower head by hand.
Turn it counterclockwise.
If it is too tight, use an adjustable wrench.
Wrap a soft cloth around the fitting first to help protect the finish.
Once it is loose, remove the shower head from the shower arm.
Step 3: Clean the Shower Arm
Remove any old plumber's tape or residue from the threads.
Check for:
- Mineral buildup
- Dirt
- Damaged threads
- Corrosion
A clean shower arm makes it easier to create a secure connection.
Step 4: Install the Diverter
If you want to keep both the existing shower head and the new handheld shower, attach the diverter to the shower arm.
Start threading it by hand.
Make sure it is straight.
If the connection becomes difficult after the first few turns, stop and check that the threads are aligned correctly.
Do not force it.
Step 5: Reconnect the Fixed Shower Head
Attach your existing fixed shower head to one outlet on the diverter.
Make sure any supplied washer is correctly positioned.
Tighten the connection securely, but avoid excessive force.
Step 6: Connect the Handheld Shower Hose
Attach one end of the shower hose to the second outlet.
Connect the other end to the handheld shower head.
Check that the hose washers are seated correctly.
Many hose connections create their seal with washers, so plumber's tape may not be necessary.
Follow the instructions supplied with your specific system.
Step 7: Install the Handheld Holder
The handheld shower needs a place to rest when it is not in your hand.
Some holders attach directly to the shower arm.
Others attach to a shower rail or use a wall-mounted bracket.
If you are renting, choose an installation method that avoids permanent drilling whenever possible.
Position the holder so the handheld shower is easy to reach and the hose can hang freely.
Step 8: Check the Hose Position
A twisted hose can reduce water flow and make the shower difficult to use.
Make sure the hose:
- Hangs naturally
- Does not wrap around other fixtures
- Is not sharply bent
- Can move freely
- Reaches the areas you want to rinse
A slightly longer hose may be useful if you plan to use the handheld shower for cleaning the bathroom or washing pets.
Step 9: Turn On the Water
Slowly turn the shower on.
Check each connection for leaks.
Pay attention to:
- Shower arm
- Diverter
- Fixed shower head
- Hose connections
- Handheld shower head
If water appears around a fitting, turn the shower off and inspect the washer or threaded connection.
Small installation leaks are often easy to correct.
Step 10: Test the Diverter
Switch through the available water settings.
Confirm that water flows correctly to:
- Fixed shower head
- Handheld shower
- Both outlets, if supported
You may notice a difference in spray strength when both outlets operate simultaneously.
This is normal because both shower heads share the same household water supply.
Can You Add a Handheld Shower to a Rain Shower?
Yes.
A rain shower and handheld combination can give you both wide overhead coverage and directional rinsing.
This is useful if you want:
- A relaxing overhead spray
- Easier hair rinsing
- More control when cleaning
- A flexible shower hose
- Multiple shower options
A system such as the MakeFit Rain Shower 2.0 combines overhead shower coverage with handheld flexibility and replaceable filtration.
Can You Add a Handheld Shower Without Drilling?
Often, yes.
Some handheld systems use a shower-arm-mounted holder, which means the entire setup attaches around the existing water outlet.
This is especially useful for renters.
Other systems may use adhesive or suction-mounted holders, although their strength and suitability depend on the bathroom surface.
If you want the easiest reversible installation, look for a shower-arm-mounted design.
Is a Handheld Shower Good for Renters?
A handheld shower head can be one of the most renter-friendly bathroom upgrades.
Many systems require no permanent plumbing changes.
You can often:
- Remove the original shower head.
- Install the handheld or dual shower system.
- Keep the original fixture.
- Reinstall it before moving out.
Check your rental agreement before making changes if required.
Can You Install One Without a Plumber?
Usually, yes, if you are simply replacing or adding fixtures to an existing shower arm.
A plumber may be needed if:
- The shower arm is damaged
- The connection inside the wall is loose
- You need to move the water outlet
- You want new in-wall plumbing
- The shower valve needs replacement
- There is a leak behind the wall
Adding a handheld fixture and changing the plumbing are two very different projects.
Does Adding a Handheld Shower Reduce Water Pressure?
Not necessarily when only one outlet is being used.
However, if a dual system runs both shower heads simultaneously, the available water is shared between them.
The experience depends on:
- Household water pressure
- Flow rate
- Shower head design
- Diverter design
- Number of outlets running
If maximum spray strength is important, try using one outlet at a time.
What About a Filtered Handheld Shower Head?
A handheld shower can also include filtration.
This combines the flexibility of a movable shower head with a replaceable cartridge.
Filtration and shower configuration solve different needs:
- The handheld design controls how you use the water.
- The filter changes how the water is treated before it reaches you.
If you want to understand filtration in more detail, read our guide to the benefits of using a shower filter.
Why Add a Handheld Shower Head?
A handheld shower is useful for much more than regular showering.
It can make it easier to:
- Rinse shampoo from hair
- Clean shower walls
- Wash a bathtub
- Rinse pets
- Help children shower
- Direct water to specific areas
- Clean hard-to-reach corners
When combined with a fixed shower head, you get more flexibility without giving up the shower setup you already enjoy.
Upgrade Your Existing Shower Without Remodeling
You do not always need to rebuild your bathroom to create a more flexible shower.
By using your existing shower arm, a diverter and handheld shower can add another water outlet with relatively little installation work.
If you want a simple dual-shower upgrade, explore the MakeFit Classic Dual Shower Head.
For a larger overhead setup with handheld flexibility, explore the MakeFit Rain Shower 2.0.
Both approaches allow you to make a noticeable shower upgrade while keeping the plumbing you already have.