How to Replace a Shower Arm

Before starting, gather all necessary tools and supplies. You will need a pair of adjustable pliers or a pipe wrench to remove the old components, a rag or soft cloth to protect finishes, a new roll of Teflon tape (also known as thread seal tape) for sealing the new connections, and potentially a small utility knife or pick to clean old tape from the wall fitting. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and prevent trips to the hardware store mid-job. Lay out your new shower arm, escutcheon, and shower head to ensure you have all the parts.

Place a thick towel or a rubber mat on the floor of the shower or tub. This serves two purposes: it protects the surface from being scratched or chipped if you accidentally drop a tool, and it will cushion the fall of the old shower head and arm. Also, place a smaller rag or cloth over the drain opening to prevent any small parts, like the old washer from the shower head or chunks of old tape, from falling down the drain and causing a clog.

Unscrew the existing shower head from the shower arm. Most of the time, this can be done by hand by turning it counter-clockwise. If it's too tight, wrap a rag around the connecting nut on the shower head to protect its finish, then use adjustable pliers to grip it and turn it counter-clockwise. Once it's loose, finish unscrewing it by hand and set it aside.

The shower arm is threaded into a fitting inside the wall. First, try to remove the decorative flange, or escutcheon, at the wall. It may be loose, held by friction, or sealed with caulk. If caulked, carefully score the caulk with a utility knife before pulling it away. Now, grip the shower arm pipe itself with adjustable pliers or a pipe wrench. To provide a better grip and protect any surrounding tile, wrap a rag around the pipe first. Turn the entire arm counter-clockwise to unscrew it from the wall fitting. Apply firm, steady pressure. Be careful not to apply excessive force that could break the fitting in the wall. You will need several full rotations to remove it completely.

Once the old arm is removed, look inside the fitting in the wall (this is called a drop-ear elbow). You will likely see remnants of old Teflon tape, pipe dope, or mineral deposits. It is crucial to clean these threads thoroughly. Use a small pick or the tip of a utility knife to carefully pick out any old tape or sealant. Then, use a small wire brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the threads clean. Finally, wipe the inside of the fitting with a damp rag to remove any loose debris. A clean surface is essential for a good seal with the new arm.

Take your new shower arm and slide the new escutcheon (flange) onto the end that will go into the wall. Now, take your roll of Teflon tape. Holding the threaded end of the shower arm, wrap the tape clockwise around the threads 3 to 4 times. Wrapping clockwise ensures the tape tightens as you screw the arm in, rather than unraveling. The tape should be snug and conform to the threads. Now, insert the threaded end into the wall fitting and begin turning it clockwise by hand. Continue to hand-tighten until it is snug and pointing in the correct downward direction. If it's not tight enough when it's properly aligned, give it one more full turn with your pliers (using a rag to protect the finish). Do not overtighten. Slide the escutcheon flush against the wall.

With the new shower arm securely in place, it's time to install the new shower head. Most new shower heads come with a rubber washer or o-ring; ensure it is properly seated inside the connecting nut. Screw the shower head onto the threads of the new shower arm in a clockwise direction. In most cases, you can hand-tighten it sufficiently to create a seal. If the manufacturer's instructions recommend it, or if it leaks when testing, you can give it a slight final turn (about a quarter-turn) with adjustable pliers, using a rag to protect the finish.

Turn on the water supply to the shower and observe the connections. Check carefully for any drips or leaks at the point where the shower arm enters the wall and where the shower head connects to the arm. Let the water run for a minute or two. If you see any leaks at the shower head connection, try tightening it slightly more. If a leak persists at the wall connection, you will need to turn off the water, unscrew the arm, and re-apply the Teflon tape, ensuring the threads in the wall were perfectly clean and that you used enough tape.