I am not a very handy person. In fact, I am what you would call “all thumbs.” Even though there are entire cable channels devoted to remodeling and do-it-yourself projects, I still get nervous just looking at a box of tools.
With some friendly encouragement, I decided I was up to the task of switching out my showerhead. Sounds simple enough, and if some websites are to be believed, I should be able to do it with only one tool—an adjustable wrench. Only one? It sounded a little bit like a hoax, or at least a mean trick perpetrated by the competent fixer-uppers of the DIY world. Needless to say, I had my doubts that anything can be done with only one tool.
After a reluctant trip to the hardware store, I managed to find a new showerhead. I purchased a low-flow one so I could reduce the amount of water being used in the shower every day by my family. The good news—there are a lot of great choices out there that blend beautifully with almost any bathroom décor.
So, I gathered together an adjustable wrench, the new showerhead, Teflon tape and my courage. I stepped into the shower (while it was turned off) and bravely faced my DIY fears. Following a somewhat shaky start, I was able to replace my old showerhead in just five steps. And as promised, with only one tool!
So throw caution to the wind, watch some how-to videos and you could become a DIY star. Or at least your family’s own handy person.
What DIY changes have you made to your bathroom? Did you do it for aesthetic reasons or to save water? Or maybe both? Tell us what modifications you’ve made to your bathroom or your house in the comments below.
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I LOVED THIS, AMY — what an easy way to save water! Thank you so much for sharing — your personal experience is such an inspiration!
I don’t have much confidence as a DIY-er! This was encouraging! Thank you!
In my county, when doing NEW construction, it is illegal to put in a showerhead without scald protection. This can limit my options for water saving too.
I’m thankful to be married to a DIY Expert while I make an expert assistant except when given the task of finding a tool I’ve never heard of before. 😉 We have changed out many shower heads and toilets in past homes and our current home to reduce the use of water but also because the newer technology works so much better with less.
Thanks for sharing, Vicky! We agree, sometimes the tool box can be a bit daunting! Thanks for all you and spouse are doing to save one of our planet’s most precious resources!
I am single, so I have had to “attempt” DIY in various areas in order to try to save a few bucks. I, too, replaced a shower head b/c the old one was ucky, but I replaced it with a water saver. There was a ding on my bathroom sink that I easily painted with some appliance paint.. flappers and other toilet parts replaced.. installation of a new dishwasher and garbage disposal… replaced the pig tail on the dryer a few times.. but I do know when to call the experts. HVAC, frige, washer/dryer noises or leaks, and (after my plumbing attempts) anything above flapper status now requires a call 😉 I’ve learned which ones are economical for me to do and which ones are cheaper to have done by someone else. Good job on tackling this one!!
We turned down our hot water heater (tankless) from the standard 120 degree F. to 116 degrees. It is much more comfortable and saves energy.
We have a valve behind our shower head. This allows us to turn the water down to a trickle while sudsing up or full blast to get the suds out of my hair.
What a great idea! I’ve heard of these kinds of valves in camper trailers, but not in homes. Makes total sense! Thanks for sharing, Kim.
We changed out our shower heads to filter out the chlorine as well as to save water.