Shower Head Replacement Help?

[Ntrikit]

I just bought a new home with 2.5 baths. I am now replacing some of the fixtures in the bathrooms. The one bathroom has a "normal" shower head pipe, with threads on the end. That was an easy replacement. The 2nd shower is different. The old shower head threads off, but I am left with this chrome-ish ball looking thing on the end of the pipe. Is this supposed to come off? If so, how? I do not see any threads behind it, but I really didn't inspect it all that well. Anyone ever see anything like this? Help please.

Thanks!

[majakdragon]

Ntrikit, Welcome to the DIY Forums.
Unless this showerhead was a special type (which I doubt) that ball is merely a part of the head that came off because the rest was overtightened. If you are replacing the head anyways, I would grab it with a wrench or channellocks and give it a twist. You cannot use it on your replacement head. If it is special you would have to buy a new shower arm to be able to use the new heads. Good luck and let us know the outcome.

[Mike Swearingen]

You will have to replace the shower arm with one that has male threads on both ends.
Wrap 2 flat wraps of teflon tape around the outer half of the male threads clockwise only as the end faces you on both ends. Stick the handle of a pair of channel-locks in the showerhead end and tighten the new arm into the wall fitting to prevent marring it (this tip compliments of Plumber 2000).
Good Luck!
Mike

[Ntrikit]

Thanks for the replies. How do I remove the existing shower arm? Will I need to gain access to the plumbing from behind? Should I cut a small hole in the wall behind the shower?

Thanks!

[majakdragon]

No cutting required. (except the caulk on the cover ring against the wall). Since you are replacing the arm you aren't worried about scratching it so just grab it close to the wall with a wrench and turn it counterclockwise. Inside the wall should be a support with a butterfly elbow that holds the pipe in place. Remove the old one and follow Mikes instructions for installing the new one. Good luck.

[Ntrikit]

What are the chances of me twisting/breaking/otherwise messing things up inside the wall? How hard should I have to twist?

Thanks.

[majakdragon]

It is only about an inch or two through the wall. If it was installed properly the elbow is secured to a support and will not break loose. Put pressure on it slowly, don't jerk it, and it should turn. When it was installed they turned it until it was firm and then tightened it up until the angle of the arm was correct (looking down).

[Ntrikit]

I'll let you know how this turns out. I should be able to mess with it later tonight or tomorow.

Thanks guys!

[Ntrikit]

I got the job done. I just twisted the old shower arm out like you described. Bought a new one for $6. Easy stuff.


Thanks guys!