5 Easy Steps to Change the Shower Head Arm

Image of a shower head arm
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The shower head arm is the part of the shower that connects the shower head to the wall. It is typically made of brass or plastic and can be either fixed or adjustable. If your shower head arm is leaking, loose, or damaged, you may need to replace it. Replacing a shower head arm is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes with a few basic tools.

The first step is to turn off the water supply to the shower. Next, remove the old shower head by unscrewing it from the shower head arm. Once the old shower head is removed, you can unscrew the shower head arm from the wall. Be careful not to damage the wall when you are unscrewing the shower head arm.

Once the shower head arm is removed, you can install the new shower head arm. First, apply a thin layer of plumber’s putty to the threads of the new shower head arm. Next, screw the new shower head arm into the wall. Be sure to tighten the shower head arm securely, but do not overtighten it. Finally, reattach the shower head to the shower head arm. Turn on the water supply to the shower and check for leaks.

Identifying the Type of Shower Arm

Identifying the type of shower arm you have is the first step towards replacing it. There are three main types of shower arms:

Slip-On Arm

Slip-on shower arms are the most common type. They are simply slipped onto the shower pipe and tightened with a set screw. Slip-on shower arms are typically made of brass or plastic and are available in a variety of lengths and finishes.

Threaded Arm

Threaded shower arms are screwed onto the shower pipe. They are usually made of metal and are more durable than slip-on shower arms. Threaded shower arms are available in a variety of lengths and finishes, but they are not as common as slip-on shower arms.

Integrated Arm

Integrated shower arms are built into the showerhead. They are usually made of metal and are not adjustable in terms of length. Integrated shower arms are the most expensive type of shower arm.

To determine the type of shower arm you have, follow these steps:

1. Look at the base of the shower arm. If it has a set screw, it is a slip-on shower arm. If it has threads, it is a threaded shower arm. If it does not have a set screw or threads, it is an integrated shower arm.
2. Measure the length of the shower arm. This will help you choose a replacement shower arm of the same length.
3. Determine the finish of the shower arm. This will help you choose a replacement shower arm with a matching finish.

Shutting Off the Water Supply

Before you begin working on your shower head, you will need to turn off the water supply to prevent flooding. Here are the steps on how to shut off the water supply:

Locate the Shut-Off Valves

The shut-off valves for your shower are usually located behind the access panel or behind the shower head itself. If you cannot find the valves, refer to your home’s plumbing diagram or consult with a plumber for assistance.

Turn Off the Main Water Valve

If you cannot locate the dedicated shut-off valves for your shower, you can turn off the main water valve for your entire home. This valve is typically located in the basement, utility room, or crawl space.

Safety Precautions

When working with plumbing, it is important to take safety precautions to prevent injury or damage. Here are some safety tips to follow:

Wear appropriate clothing: Wear clothes that cover your skin and protect you from splashes.
Use proper tools: Always use the correct tools for the job and ensure they are in good working condition.
Be cautious of sharp edges: Plumbing fixtures and tools can have sharp edges, so be careful when handling them.
Check for leaks: After completing the work, check for any leaks by turning on the water supply and inspecting the connections.

Removing the Old Shower Arm

1. Shut off the water supply.

Locate the shutoff valve for your shower and turn it off. This will prevent water from spraying out when you remove the shower arm.

2. Remove the set screw.

There is a small set screw located on the side of the shower arm. Use a screwdriver to loosen this screw.

3. Pull the shower arm straight down.

Once the set screw is loose, you can pull the shower arm straight down to remove it. If it is stuck, you may need to use a pair of pliers to gently twist it.

4. Clean the shower arm threads.

Once the shower arm is removed, you should clean the threads on both the arm and the pipe. This will help to ensure a good seal when you install the new shower arm.

Method	Materials
Using a toothbrush and toothpaste	Toothbrush, toothpaste
Using a vinegar and baking soda solution	White vinegar, baking soda
Using a commercial cleaner	Commercial cleaner, gloves

To clean the threads, apply your chosen cleaning solution to a toothbrush or cloth and scrub the threads. Rinse the threads thoroughly with water and dry them with a clean cloth.

Cleaning the Shower Arm Pipe

If you’ve noticed that your showerhead isn’t spraying as well as it used to, it’s likely time to clean the shower arm pipe. Over time, mineral deposits and other debris can build up inside the pipe, which can restrict the flow of water. Cleaning the pipe is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. Here are the steps:

Turn off the water supply. This is typically done by turning the shut-off valves located behind the showerhead.
Remove the showerhead. Most showerheads are attached to the shower arm pipe by a simple twist-on connection. Simply twist the showerhead counterclockwise to remove it.
Clean the showerhead. While the showerhead is off, take the opportunity to clean it as well. This can be done by soaking it in a solution of vinegar and water or by running it through a dishwasher cycle.
Inspect the shower arm pipe. Once the showerhead is removed, you can inspect the shower arm pipe for any visible signs of mineral deposits or other debris. If you see any buildup, you can use a vinegar-soaked cloth to wipe it away.
Flush the shower arm pipe. With the showerhead still off, turn the water supply back on. Let the water run for a few minutes to flush out any remaining debris from the pipe. Once the water is running clear, turn the water supply off again.
Reattach the showerhead. Once the shower arm pipe is clean, you can reattach the showerhead. Simply twist the showerhead clockwise onto the pipe until it is snug.

Tools and Materials:
Vinegar Water Cloth Wrench (optional)

Applying Thread Sealant

Applying thread sealant is crucial in preventing leaks and ensuring a secure connection between the shower arm and the showerhead. Follow these steps to apply thread sealant effectively:

Materials You’ll Need:

Item	Quantity
Thread sealant tape or paste	1 roll/tube

Instructions:

Clean the Threads: Before applying the thread sealant, clean both the shower arm and showerhead threads thoroughly with rubbing alcohol or a degreaser to remove any dirt or debris.
Apply the Sealant: Wrap the thread sealant tape around the male threads of the shower arm in a clockwise direction, starting from the base and overlapping each layer by about half. For sealant paste, apply a thin bead along the threads.
Set the Showerhead: Screw the showerhead onto the shower arm by hand, tightening it gently at first.
Tighten Securely: Using a wrench, tighten the showerhead further, but avoid overtightening as it can damage the threads.
Check for Leaks: Turn on the shower and check for any leaks. If necessary, adjust the tightness of the showerhead slightly.
Additional Tips:
- For optimal sealing, use a high-quality thread sealant tape or paste specifically designed for plumbing applications. Avoid using regular Teflon tape, as it is not as effective for water resistance.
- If you’re using thread sealant tape, ensure it is applied tightly without any wrinkles or gaps. Any gaps can create potential leak paths.
- Wait a few minutes before turning on the shower to allow the thread sealant to set properly. This will help prevent leaks from occurring under pressure.

Installing the New Shower Arm

Once you have removed the old shower arm, it’s time to install the new one. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Apply Plumber’s Tape

Wrap the threads of the new shower arm with plumber’s tape. This will help to create a tight seal and prevent leaks.

2. Hand-Tighten the Shower Arm

Screw the new shower arm into the shower pipe by hand. Turn it as far as you can without using any tools.

3. Use a Wrench to Tighten

Once the shower arm is hand-tightened, use a wrench to tighten it further. Do not overtighten, as this could damage the shower arm or the shower pipe.

4. Wrap the Joint with Plumber’s Putty

Apply a bead of plumber’s putty around the joint between the shower arm and the shower pipe. This will help to seal any small gaps and prevent leaks.

5. Wrap Electrical Tape

Wrap a layer of electrical tape around the joint to hold the plumber’s putty in place.

6. Install the Shower Head

Screw the shower head onto the shower arm by hand. Turn it as far as you can without using any tools.

7. Tighten with a Wrench

Once the shower head is hand-tightened, use a wrench to tighten it further. Again, do not overtighten. Here are some additional tips for tightening the shower arm and shower head:

Tip	Description
Use two wrenches	Place one wrench on the shower arm and one wrench on the shower head. This will help to prevent the shower arm from turning while you tighten the shower head.
Tighten gradually	Do not try to tighten the shower arm or shower head all at once. Instead, tighten it a little bit at a time, alternating between the two wrenches. This will help to prevent cross-threading.
Check for leaks	Once you have tightened the shower arm and shower head, turn on the water and check for leaks. If you see any leaks, tighten the connections further.

Reattaching the Shower Head

9. **Fully thread the shower head** onto the shower arm, turning clockwise until it is hand-tight. Do not overtighten the shower head, as this could damage the threads or the shower head itself.

To ensure a watertight seal, wrap Teflon tape around the threads of the shower arm before attaching the shower head. Start by wrapping the tape clockwise around the threads, making sure there is no overlap. Continue wrapping the tape until you have covered the entire length of the threads.

Now, screw the shower head onto the shower arm, turning clockwise. Hand-tighten the shower head until it is snug, but do not overtighten it. Overtightening can damage the threads or the shower head itself.

Troubleshooting: If you notice any leaks after reattaching the shower head, check the following:

Issue	Solution
The shower head is not fully tightened.	Use a wrench or pliers to tighten the shower head further.
The Teflon tape is not properly wrapped.	Remove the shower head and re-wrap the Teflon tape, making sure there is no overlap.
The shower arm is damaged.	Replace the damaged shower arm.

Once you have resolved the issue, turn on the water and check the shower head again for any leaks.

Turning on the Water Supply and Checking for Leaks

10. Turning on the Water Supply and Checking for Leaks

Once the arm is replaced, turn on the water supply and check for leaks. Do this slowly to avoid any sudden bursts of water. If there are any leaks, re-tighten the arm or the washer behind it. Here’s a detailed guide to checking for leaks:

Step	Description
1.	Turn on the water supply slowly by opening the handle or valve.
2.	Inspect the connection point between the shower arm and the wall (or ceiling) for any leaks.
3.	Check the bottom of the shower arm and the washer behind it for any water seeping through.
4.	If there are any leaks, use a wrench or pliers to slightly tighten the connection or replace the washer.
5.	Re-test the water supply and check for leaks again.

If you still notice leaks, contact a plumber for further assistance.

How to Change a Shower Head Arm

Replacing a shower head arm is a simple task that can be completed in a few minutes with a few basic tools. Here are the steps on how to do it:

Turn off the water supply to the shower.
Remove the old shower head by unscrewing it from the arm.
Wrap a towel around the base of the arm to protect it from scratches.
Use a wrench to loosen the nut that secures the arm to the wall.
Pull the arm straight out of the wall.
Apply a small amount of plumber’s putty to the threads of the new arm.
Screw the new arm into the wall, tightening it with the wrench.
Attach the shower head to the new arm.
Turn on the water supply and check for leaks.