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memau · Sep 28, 2009, 05:54 AM

Hi, my shower arm broke off and the stem is still attached to the pipe. I can't get it off as the hole in the tile is too much, is there a solution to this without breaking the tile?

speedball1 · Sep 28, 2009, 06:08 AM

Originally Posted by memau

hi, my shower arm broke off and the stem is still attached to the pipe. I can't get it off as the hole in the tile is too much, is there a solution to this without breaking the tile?

Let's hope so! As I understand it the threads are broke off inside the wall and behind the tile, Am I correct? Is there any of the shower arm sticking out of the tile? Let me know. Tom

massplumber2008 · Sep 28, 2009, 06:31 AM

Hi all:

If the threads are broken off so they are flush with the fitting in the wall then you can remove the threaded remains by using a mini hacksaw blade, an AWL, a hammer, a pair of needlenose pliers, and perhaps a small flat screwdriver.

Here, you will use the mini hacksaw blade to score the threads of the broken pipe but not the threads of the fitting. You will score two small cuts into the pipe about 1/4" apart... again... being careful not to cut into the brass threads of the fitting. Then you will take the awl and hammer (be darn careful not to drop that hammer... o.k. ) and start to undermine the first thread of the pipe from the fitting in between the cut marks. Once you get that first thread started the scored cuts should break free as a piece pretty easily and pop up so you can continue to undermine the threads and finally grab and remove the broken pipe. You may need to push in on the rest of the pipe to loosen it. Be careful here NOT to let that piece fall down inside the pipe... ;)

Do not attempt to use an EASY OUT TOOL as the brass shower arm is simply too thin for this tool to work here.

Let us know more... O.K.?

MARK

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memau · Sep 28, 2009, 09:42 AM

Hi speedball1- there is no part of the shower arm sticking out from the pipe in the wall. I received a solution from massplumber 2008 and will give it to my son-in-law who may be able to help, as I'm afraid that I may cut into the pipe thread and really mess things up. Would you have another idea, outside of making the hole in the tile bigger so that a tool will fit? Let me know and thanks for your help too.

Hi massplumber 2008- thanks for your help, I'll see if my son-in-law will be able to assist as I'm afraid I'll really mess this up. But you have given the best solution so far. I'll keep you posted.

Smile and have a blessed day.:)

speedball1 · Sep 28, 2009, 11:48 AM

You may open up the tile a bit to work and cover it op with a 1/2" oversize chrome plate.
I've done this with no problems lots of times, and remember, those threads don't have to contain house pressure so even if you should nick the threads a bit a few wraps of Teflon Tape should take care of it. Here's what's in there, a drop eared ell,(see image).
You will need a hacksaw blade wrapped with a rag at the end for a handle, a very small sharp chisel and a set of needle nosed pliers. Make your cut and follow Marks directions, work the chisel under the threads and simply peel that sucker on out of there. The needle nosed pliers are for reaching in there and pulling it out. Good luck, Tom