If you notice a leak between the pipe and your shower head, it is most likely coming from your shower arm. Although this may seem daunting, fixing a leaking shower arm is quite simple and only takes a few minutes.
In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to quickly fix a leaking shower arm so that you can get back to enjoying your showers.
Required Items Before Starting
- Wrench: You will need a wrench to loosen the old shower arm and tighten the new one.
- Plumbers Tape: This is a white, non-adhesive tape used to create a seal between two surfaces. This will be used to create a watertight seal between the new shower arm and the pipe.
- Cloth: Use a soft cloth to avoid scratching them when cleaning or making repairs.
- Cleaner (optional): Sometimes mold can build up on the shower arm due to exposure to moisture. If you see mold or mildew, you may want to clean the shower arm and showerhead when working.
Step 1: Remove the Shower Head
The first step is to remove the showerhead from the arm. To do this, you will need to use a wrench to loosen the connection between the two. Once you have loosened the connection, carefully remove the showerhead and set it aside.
Pro Tip: Wrap the neck of the showerhead in a towel; this will help prevent damage to the finish.
Step 2: Inspect the Shower Arm for Damage
Now that the showerhead has been removed, you can look at the shower arm. If you see any cracks or damage, you will need to replace the arm. We recommend checking out our guide on replacing a shower arm if this is the case.
However, if there is no visible damage, you can proceed to the next step.
Step 3: Clean the Shower Arm
Use a soft cloth to remove any dirt or debris on the shower arm, especially around the thread where it connects to the showerhead. You can use a cleaner such as bleach if there is any mold growth.
Step 4: Apply Plumber’s Tape
Plumber’s tape, also known as Teflon tape, is used to create a watertight seal between two metal threads. To apply the tape, simply wrap it around the shower arm thread a few times. Make sure to wrap it in the direction of the thread so that it will not come loose when you screw on the showerhead.
Step 5: Reattach the Showerhead
Now it is time to reattach the showerhead. First, align the showerhead with the arm and then screw it on. Use your wrench to tighten the connection until it is snug. Do not over-tighten as this can damage the threads and make it difficult to remove the showerhead in the future.
Step 6: Turn on Water and Check for Leaks
Once you have reattached the showerhead, turn on the water to check for leaks. If everything is tight and there are no leaks, you are all done! You can now enjoy your leak-free shower.
Video Demonstration
Here are a few short videos that demonstrate how to fix a leaking shower arm.
Common Questions
Here are a few common questions people have when fixing a leaking shower arm.
Do I need to use Teflon tape?
Yes, Teflon tape is used to create a watertight seal and prevent leaks. It does this by filling in gaps between the two surfaces and creating a smooth surface for water to flow over.
Why is the shower arm leaking?
Your shower arm is leaking because there is not a watertight seal between the arm and showerhead.
My shower arm is still leaking; what should I do?
If your shower arm is still leaking after following this guide, you may need to replace the arm. Unfortunately, damaged shower arms cannot be repaired and must be replaced.
You have now successfully fixed your leaking shower arm! We hope that this guide was helpful and that you can now enjoy your showers leak-free. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to us. We would be more than happy to help! Thank you for reading!
