If your shower arm is loose, don’t worry! There are a few ways you can fix it.
There are some more involved processes and a few quick fixes. We’ll go over all the options so you can decide which course of action to take.
What Causes Your Shower Arm to Become Loose?
There are a few reasons your shower arm might become loose:
- Overload: This happens when too much weight is put on the arm, causing it to separate from the stud behind the wall.
- Poor installation: If your shower arm isn’t installed correctly, it can become loose over time.
- Wear and tear: The constant change in moisture, temperature, and use can cause the materials holding your shower arm in place to break down.
Related: How to Replace a Shower Arm
The Permanent Solutions
Here are a few ways you can fix your loose shower arm permanently:
Cut a Hole Into the Tile
Tightening the bolts where the shower arm is attached to the main water pipe coming out of the wall will prevent it from becoming loose again. If you have a tile wall, you’ll need to cut a hole into the tile so you can access the connection and tighten it.
Make an Access Panel Behind the Wall
If your bathroom is on an interior wall of your house, you cut out an access panel in the adjoining room. This will give you access to the shower arm to secure it to the stud without cutting a hole in the tile.
Here are a Few Quick Fixes
If you are in an apartment or simply not confident in your ability to make either of the above repairs, there are a few quick fixes you can try:
1. Spray Foam
Made from isocyanate and polyol resin, spray foam rapidly expands and hardens when sprayed to any surface. Remove the flange (mounting plate) from the wall and put the straw applicator into the wall. Spray liberally behind the wall and replace the flange. If any foam expands outside the wall, use a razor blade to cut it away.
2. Epoxy
If you can still see the bolts holding the shower arm in place, apply a bead of epoxy around the circumference of the shower arm. This will give it a stronger grip on the water pipe, and should hold it in place until you’re ready to replace it entirely.
3. Caulk
If you don’t have epoxy or foam on hand, caulk can also provide a temporary fix. Apply a generous amount of caulk around the shower arm where it exits the wall. Be sure to thoroughly clean the tile before applying, as caulk will not adhere to dirty surfaces.
Future Prevention
Prevent hanging anything heavy from your shower arm, as this can lead to it becoming loose over time. For example, many people like to hang shower caddies off their shower arm. However, once loaded with shampoo, soap, and other bath items, the heavy weight of these can cause the arm to work its way out of the wall.
When in Doubt, Call A Plumber
To prevent a costly accident, it is always best to call a plumber if you are unsure of how to proceed. Plumbers have the tools and experience necessary to quickly and correctly fix your loose shower arm.
