[ggrosardt]

I tryied to remove the shower head and the pipe broke at the wall (chrome) and I need to get the rest of the threaded pipe out to install the new ome. How do I do this?

[massplumber2008]

Hi ggrosardt:

You broke the shower arm off at the threads... right? If so, you will need to get an AWL and a small hammer and use the awl to undermine the threads by hitting the threads at an oblique angle hoping to get it started to where you can grab the threads with a needlenose pliers and pull out the remaining threads.

Try NOT to damage the threads to the fitting itself although some damage can be tolerated.

If successful in removing the remaining threads you will need a new shower arm AND some teflon tape to generously wrap around the new threads before installing the shower arm.

Take your time with this...

If the fitting is so far back in the wall that this will not work then you may need to access the fitting from behind the wall if possible, cut the old fitting out and then replace with a new sharkbite type of coupling and drop ear elbow, but before I go into that too much, try the awl.

Finally, they make a tool called an easy out. You could purchase this tool ($10.00) and try it but in my experience it won't work on roted shower arm threads... but at least you have one more cheap option to try if you want before ripping the wall open... ;)

Let me know how it goes...

MARK

[Milo Dolezal]

This is what "Easy Out " tool looks like. However, it may be too "rough" for your situation...