The best way to replace a shower valve is to have a professional plumber or another certified contractor do the job. This is easily one of the most complicated and delicate operations one can do in a bathroom.

Experienced plumbers will know exactly how to replace the shower valve, from turning off the water to installing the new valve set and making sure the new valve operates properly. While some particularly seasoned DIYers can do this job on their own, there are many opportunities for things to go wrong—potentially costing thousands of dollars more in water damage than you would have paid for a plumber in the first place.

Unlike changing or replacing a shower valve, a shower head is a relatively easy job to do yourself. Knowing how to do this can be helpful if you ever need to deep-clean your shower valve.

To take off the old shower head, shut off the water to the faucets. Unscrew the old shower head by rotating it counterclockwise, using either your hand or a wrench if you have a particularly corroded shower head.

Once the old shower head is removed, clear any hard water buildup and dirt from around the threads of the pipe and dry them off. Then, if your new shower head’s owner’s manual calls for it, wrap fresh plumber’s tape around the threads. This will prevent leaks.

Finally, take your new shower head and screw it clockwise onto the threaded end of the pipe, screwing it on as tightly as you can. Test the water to see if the shower head is leaking, and then tighten it some more before finishing up.

There are a few ways to clean a shower head. Most methods are easy, but some require more disassembly than others.

• Rubbing down the nozzles: Since most shower heads have small rubber nozzles, you can loosen mineral and limescale buildup by massaging each one with your fingertips or the head of a toothbrush.
• Soaking the shower head in vinegar: The easiest way to do this without detaching the shower head is to fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and wrap it around the shower head. While the shower head sits in the vinegar for a few hours, the vinegar breaks down the minerals. Turn on the shower head for a few minutes after you take the bag off to clear any vinegar out of the shower head.
• Cleaning the filter screen: This process involves removing the shower head to get to the filter screen between the shower head and the pipe. After you remove the screen, run it under water for a few minutes to remove any mineral buildup. You can also scrub it out with a toothbrush to break down larger mineral deposits before putting the filter screen back into place behind the shower head.

Many factors affect the cost of shower heads and valves. Simpler, more economical shower head models can start at around $10, while others can easily cost hundreds or thousands of dollars for the most robust, multi-head options.

For shower valves, there is a similarly broad array of price points. The most basic shower valves can cost roughly $40 to start, while more technologically advanced options with dozens of temperature and pressure settings can easily command a price point of over $1,000 each. You should also consider the price of installation for a new shower valve.

When you’re shopping for new shower components, it’s helpful to know which models and designs are available or required for your project, along with which types of shower heads are best for your lifestyle and needs.

If properly maintained and kept free of any hard water buildup you may have in your area, shower heads can potentially last for decades before needing to be replaced. However, styles can change, so you may find yourself replacing your shower head every 15–20 years depending on your preferences.

Similarly, well-kept shower valves can last for decades, especially if you’re using a water softener or otherwise have relatively few hard minerals in your water supply.