I have a tile shower that is leaking from the shower head. When I removed the shower head I noticed the pipe coming out from the wall was loose. After removing it I noticed the piece it screws into (I think it's called the elbow) is all rusted out. I assume I need to remove this piece and replace but how can I do that without removing the tiles?

Can you access from the back side? If not I am afraid that you will need to remove some of the tiles to complete the job, Thanks.

John

I can get to the back by cutting the drywall in the bedroom behind it

That will be the best shot to go, cut the dry wall and replace the elbow and the pipe if needed, if it is copper pipe you can install a shrkbite drop ear elbow see the image below, good luck.

John

Well then you, fortunately, have an answer. Cut an access opening, 12X12 or so, unscrew the fitting, get a new 1/2"(I presume) elbow, galvanized, dope it or tape it, screw in the extension and then the new head. Get a thin piece of luan plywood and screw this over tne opening so you can get back in if necessary.

You all make it sound so easy! Thanks for the advice. Wish me luck.

If the hole you cut just so happens to be in a closet, then you might want to consider replacing it with a panel of some sort to provide future access. Also, if the elbow is galvanized, then the pipe coming up to it might also be galvanized. If so, then I'd check it carefully. It might need replacing as well. No point in having to redo the job two years down the road.

And by the way... good luck!

They sell plastic Snap-In door in Home Depot. They come in all different sizes. Buy the door, mark its outline on the wall, cut hole 1/2" smaller, do the repair and snap in the door. No patching, painting necessary. Cost ? About $15.00. Good luck. Milo