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presleygirl · Apr 4, 2008, 08:24 PM

I am no longer getting water out of the shower head. All of the water is coming from the wall (base of the shower arm). The shower arm is very loose but I'm unable to tighten it as it seems to be connected just inside the tile. I'm really hoping that perhaps it's just loose from the pipe in the wall & not broken. Any ideas or guidance? Thank you!

hkstroud · Apr 5, 2008, 04:42 AM

Remove the shower head, remove the shower arm by inserting a large screwdriver in the shower arm and unscrew the pipe. The screwdriver increases the length of the pipe and gives you more leverage. If it is as loose as you say, you can probably just unscrew it buy hand. Coat the threads of the shower arm with pipe thread joint compound. Reinstall, using the screwdriver for leverage. Since the arm must point down, as you tighten it, you must decide at each turn, if you can make another complete turn. If you go to far but cannot make another complete turn you must remove it, recoat the threads and start over again.

presleygirl · Apr 5, 2008, 11:56 AM

Okay, the plumber just left & was not able to get to the 90 pipe behind the shower head & the pipe head is stripped so he can't install a new shower head. The plumber recommended that we call a tile specialist to remove the 6 tiles under the shower head hole so that he can get in there to replace the pipe. Who can I call to cut the tile & how much do you reckon that would cost? The plumber won't do the tile or grout work & says I need to call in a tile expert.

speedball1 · Apr 5, 2008, 01:02 PM

Originally Posted by presleygirl

Okay, the plumber just left & was not able to get to the 90 pipe behind the shower head & the pipe head is stripped so he can't install a new shower head. The plumber recommended that we call a tile specialist to remove the 6 tiles under the shower head hole so that he can get in there to replace the pipe. Who can I call to cut the tile & how much do you reckon that would cost? The plumber won't do the tile or grout work & says I need to call in a tile expert.

Whoa! Let's not start to tear things up just yet. The chrome shower arm is coinnected to a threaded drop eared ell,(see image). The threads from the shower arm are broke off in the ell, the plumber couldn't get them out and now wants to tear into the tiles? Hasn'the ever heard of a 1/2 easy out, (see image)? Or you coulod use a 1/2" pipe thread extractor,(see image) There's no need to tear up your tile with one of these tools. Good luck, Tom

hkstroud · Apr 5, 2008, 01:26 PM

If Tom's tools don't work and the drop ell has to be replaced, open the wall on the other side where there is no tiles. First plumber I ever heard of that didn't like to make holes in the wall. They don't fix them just make them.