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How to Remove a Shower Light Cover Safely and Easily
Hint: Don’t do it while showering
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Removing a shower light cover requires you to turn off the power first and wait for all surfaces to dry completely, keeping safety your top priority.
Expect to pay $160 to $540 for an electrician to handle your bathroom lighting work, including installing safety features like ground fault circuit interrupters.
You can remove recessed light covers by twisting them counterclockwise or pulling down on the trim, while exhaust fan light covers pop off with a simple tab pull.
Hiring a local light fixture installation professional provides reliable support for complex tasks like installing new fixtures or rewiring your bathroom's electrical system.
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A lightbulb in the shower is more than just that moment when you suddenly have the greatest ideas of your life with nowhere to write them down. Shower lights add modernity, style, and much-needed illumination when you’re reaching for your shampoo. But what do you do if your shower light burns out? The first step involves changing the light’s cover, which is generally an easy task for DIYers. It does, however, require extra care and attention—remember, electricity and water do not mix! Follow this guide to shine a light on removing your shower light cover safely and easily.
Why Remove a Shower Light Cover?
Removing a shower light cover is necessary when you need to replace a burned-out bulb, but there are other reasons, too.
For instance, over time, your shower light covers may develop a build-up of dirt and grime, causing your wattage to be less than luminary. In this case, removing the light covers will make it easier to give them a good, thorough cleaning.
Or, if you’re growing bored with the look of your bathroom, you may decide to elevate your shower with new lighting. You’ll need to take off the shower light covers to remove the light fixtures from the ceiling in exchange for new ones.
How To Remove a Shower Light Cover By Type
Recessed lights are often the most commonly used type of shower lighting. However, you may also have lighting in your shower exhaust fan. Follow these steps, broken down by type, to safely remove your shower light cover.
Removing a Recessed Shower Light Cover
Recessed shower lights feature a flush-mount trim and a watertight cover to protect them from moisture. To remove the cover:
Turn off the light switch that controls the shower lighting. You can also cut the power at the main breaker as an added precaution.
Place a rubber mat or thick towel on your shower floor to prevent slipping.
If you need help reaching the shower light, use a step stool placed on top of the mat or towel.
Place your fingers on the clear part of the recessed light cover and apply light pressure with your fingertips while twisting it counterclockwise.
If the cover doesn’t twist off, you likely have a cover that pulls down. Grasp the circular perimeter (trim) with both hands or pry it with a putty knife to pop it free and pull it straight down.
Removing a Light Cover on a Shower Exhaust Fan
Some shower exhaust fans also feature lights in their design. To remove the cover, locate the tab on the side of the exhaust fan, and use your finger to pull on the tab. This should loosen the cover and pull it free from the ceiling. You can also use a putty knife or screwdriver to pop the cover off.
Tips for Dealing With Shower Lighting
Photo: Zen Rial / Moment / Getty Images
When you’re dealing with shower lighting—whether it’s removing a light cover or changing a bulb—it’s important to practice safety first. This is especially the case for bathrooms, which can have a high level of air and surface moisture after you’ve taken a bath or shower. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity, which is why it’s imperative you switch off the power first.
Wait until the air is clear of moisture and all surfaces including the walls, ceiling, and light covers are dry.
If you’ve had the lights turned on for any length of time, allow them to cool before touching them to avoid burns.
If you’re changing a bulb, most experts recommend against using your bare hands. Put on some gloves before handling.
Finally, consider the type of lighting for your shower. LED shower lights are low voltage and a safer alternative than bulbs with a higher wattage. As an additional safety measure, have a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) installed. A GFCI detects the loss of electrical current and immediately deactivates the circuit, minimizing the risk of shocks or electrocution.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Removing a shower lighting cover is a fairly simple process to DIY and requires little to no tools to get the job done. However, when it comes to more complex procedures, such as installing new lighting fixtures or rewiring the electricity in your bathroom, it might be a good idea to hire an electrician or your local light fixture installation professional.
If you choose to use a pro, most bathroom lighting installations only take a couple of hours. Hiring an electrician costs between $160 and $535 on average, depending on the number of lighting fixtures and complexity.
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Lighting services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.5★ avg. • 13 total reviews
- Ronald A.
Custom Paint Jobs LLC gave our office a fresh new look. Clients love it!
Custom Paint Jobs, LLC - John S.
Best painters in the Greater Columbus, Ohio area. Quality of work second to none and customer service is head above shoulders than everyone else. I cant wait to work on another project with Silvio and Team!
- Lauren R.
The Mosby team went above and beyond for my project. They not only installed my light fixture; they also worked through an old, wonky, and as it turns out incorrect wiring issue from the work of prior contractors. Professional, thorough, conscientious, and kind. Five star experience. Thank you!
Mosby Electric - Locke M.
We had a 20+ year old landscape lighting system that needed replacement. Midwest Lightscapes worked with us to design a much improved lighting system, lighting the exterior of the house and the back yard. Installation of the 45 light system took one and one-half days, and went very smoothly....
Midwest Lightscapes - Stephen D.
Jeff was a consummate professional. Responsive, courteous, and focused on meeting our needs. I had a small project of installing and replacing two ceiling light fixtures. He responded to my Home Advisory inquiry within 24 hours and in a span of two weeks our light fixtures were installed. ...
- Stephanie S.
For several months I was looking for somebody to tile a wall in my master bath and move lighting fixtures, and could not find anybody who was responsive. I contacted Rowe through Home Advisor and within days they came by to assess the job and provide an estimate. The cost was very...
Rowe House Development - John E.
A team of 2 spent 5 hours, cleaning top to bottom (removed all light fixture and cleaned.... impressive!!!)
Luzia's Cleaning - Jessica E.
It went very well. I was able to select the color blocks I wanted and where they would be placed in the window. All of the employees were very pleasant and patient. The guys who installed the window arrived promptly, did their job, and there was nothing for me to clean up. The window looks...
Innovate Home Org - Columbus Glass Block - Sarah C.
The initial quoted price from a walk-through seemed high, but we discussed that the quote represented worst case scenario (re-wiring to two floors) and we were excited about the opportunity to have the work done in a timely manner with closing for fire safety reasons, etc. When the job was...
- Robb B.
Charlie recommended a separate fan with new lighting to clear steam from the room better. Several weeks ago I contacted Charlie via email to ask about pricing and scheduling, after one follow up he did reply with cost and said it would be about two weeks before he could do the work. I replied...
Settle Muter Electric
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