Yes, you can change a shower arm yourself. The process is not complicated and you don’t need any special tools. First, start by shutting off the water to the shower, then remove the old arm. Loosen the shower arm at the wall, unscrew it and remove it.
Make sure to also remove any old pipe-joint compound or sealant that is present. Take measurements of the shower arm you removed and purchase the correct size of the new shower arm. Apply pipe-joint compound or sealant on the threads of the new shower arm and thread it into the wall.
Tighten the connection and turn on the water. Check for leaks, if there are any, tighten the connections further. Once all is done, give the shower arm a final check to make sure it’s secured properly and check for any water leakage.
Do you have to shut off water to replace shower arm?
In most cases, it is recommended to turn off the water when replacing a shower arm. This will ensure that water does not run down the wall or onto the floor. This might sound like an extra precaution, but it’s certainly worth it when you consider the potential mess that could result from a running showerhead.
To turn off the water, start by turning the valve handle counterclockwise until it becomes difficult to move and the water stops. Once the water has been shut off, unscrew the nut at the base of the shower arm and remove it.
Slide the arm out of the retaining clip, and then install a new arm into the clip. Now that the arm is secure, unscrew the nut at the shower side of the arm and slide the arm through until it’s a few inches below the wall.
Finally, attach the new showerhead, and turn the valve back on to test the showerhead.
How do you replace an old shower arm?
Replacing an old shower arm is a relatively simple process.
First, you’ll need to locate the point of attachment at the wall. Shut off the water valves to the shower before removing any components.
Your next step is to use an adjustable wrench or Crescent wrench to loosen the old shower arm by turning it counterclockwise. Once the old arm is removed, you’ll need to use a rag or a brush to clean away any corrosion or dirt.
Now, it’s time to install the new shower arm. Start by coating the threads with a pipe joint compound, or “plumber’s tape” and then align the arm with the wall. If needed, you may use a Teflon paste for extra protection and sealing of the threads.
Using an adjustable wrench, tighten the arm securely.
Next, you’ll need to attach the showerhead to the arm. Again, ensure that the threads are completely covered in pipe joint compound and then attach using an adjustable wrench.
Once the arm and showerhead are securely in place, turn the water valves back on, and test the new setup. Check for any water leaks and adjust the connections if needed.
Both the new shower arm and pipe joint compound should have instructions for the specific installation and maintenance needs. Refer to them to conduct a successful replacement.
Are shower arms universal?
No, shower arms are not necessarily universal and can differ between manufacturers and models. While some shower arms offer simple designs that can make them look universal, it is not always the case.
Factors such as mounting points, thread type, and length can all determine whether or not a shower arm is universal. Therefore, it is important to measure your existing arm and compare it to other single models or brands before making a purchase.
Additionally, be sure to check fixture compatibility between the arm and the showerhead.
Are shower arms a standard size?
The short answer is “no”, shower arms are not a standard size. They vary in length, diameter, and angle in order to provide flexibility for a variety of showering needs. Shower arms also come in a range of materials and finishes, so there is a variety of styles available to choose from.
When selecting a shower arm, it is important to consider the size and shape of the showerhead you want to use, as well as the distance from the wall and other factors. It is possible to purchase adjustable shower arms which can be extended or shortened to get the perfect fit.
This is a great option if you’re having difficulty finding a shower arm to fit your existing shower setup.