Can I replace a shower head myself? Rules by state

A new shower head is one of the cheapest bathroom upgrades there is, and a water-efficient one can cut your water and hot water bills. Whether you can fit it yourself depends on your state.

The rules by state

State	Replace a screw-on shower head
Queensland	DIY OK
Victoria	DIY OK (water-efficient shower head)
Western Australia	DIY OK
Tasmania	DIY OK like-for-like, including the hose
New South Wales	Repair only, check before replacing
SA, ACT, NT	Check with the regulator first

What the regulators say:

• Queensland: replacing a shower head is on the QBCC’s list of unregulated plumbing work.
• Victoria: changing over to a water-efficient shower head is exempt from the plumbing licensing rules.
• Western Australia: owners can maintain, repair or replace a shower head.
• Tasmania: owners can replace shower heads and shower hoses like-for-like on their own property.
• New South Wales: an owner-occupier can repair a shower head. Replacing one outright isn’t clearly covered, so check with NSW Fair Trading.

How to replace a screw-on shower head

This covers a head that screws onto an existing shower arm, where you’re allowed to do it.

1. Buy the right head. Look for a good WELS water-efficiency star rating. Most Australian shower arms take a standard ½-inch thread.
2. Unscrew the old head anticlockwise. Use a cloth around the nut if you need a wrench, so you don’t scratch the finish.
3. Clean the thread on the shower arm and remove old tape.
4. Wrap the thread with two or three turns of thread seal tape, clockwise.
5. Screw on the new head by hand, then snug it a quarter turn. Don’t overtighten.
6. Run the water and check for drips at the joint. A drip usually means a little more tape.

If the shower arm itself is loose, cracked or leaking at the wall, stop there: that’s pipework, and it’s a plumber’s job.

When to call a plumber

• Leaks behind the wall or at the wall plate
• Replacing the mixer, taps or shower arm
• Converting to a rail shower that needs new pipework
• Water pressure problems that a new head doesn’t fix

For the rest of the plumbing rules, see can I replace a tap myself? and the Queensland DIY plumbing list.

Sources

Every rule on this page is taken from these official sources. If a rule has changed, please tell us and we’ll fix it.

1. QBCC, Unregulated plumbing guide
2. WA Government, New plumbing rules for industry and homeowners
3. Victorian Plumbing Regulations 2018
4. NSW Government, Plumbing, draining and gasfitting licences
5. CBOS Tasmania, Consumer guide to low-risk building and plumbing work

This guide is general information, not legal or professional advice. Rules differ between states, councils and individual properties, and they change. Confirm with your state regulator or council before starting work, and if in doubt, get a licensed tradesperson.