Old showerhead arms can sometimes corrode and spring leaks. When this happens, it is beneficial to know how to replace a showerhead arm with a new one. Showerhead arms are available at hardware stores and plumbing supply facilities. When replacing a showerhead arm, it is important to remember not to place any unnecessary pressure on the inside wall plumbing. Most of this plumbing consists of soft copper tubing.
Turn off the water supply to the shower by turning off the water shut-off valve. The water shut-off valve is often behind an access panel in a nearby wall. If there is no wall access, the shut-off valve will be in the crawl space of the home.
Lay a sheet inside the tub to protect the finish while you are working. Place a cloth over the connection of the showerhead where it attaches to the showerhead arm. Securely clamp a pair of vice grips around the cloth-covered connection and loosen the showerhead from the arm. Once the showerhead has been loosened, you can remove it the rest of the way by hand.
Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the two screws that secure the decorative plate to the wall around the showerhead arm. It may be necessary to slide a putty knife between the plate and the wall to move the plate off of the wall. Slide the plate off of the showerhead arm.
Spray a few short bursts of lubricant on the threads of the showerhead arm where it meets the copper plumbing pipe. Allow the lubricant to set for two hours before attempting to loosen the showerhead arm.
Fasten a pair of vice grips around the showerhead arm close to the wall. Carefully turn the showerhead arm counterclockwise to loosen it and remove it from the copper plumbing pipe inside the wall. Make sure you turn the arm without pushing the copper pipe.
Wrap the threads of the new showerhead arm with plumbers' tape. Thread the straight end of the showerhead arm into the copper plumbing pipe. Place a cloth over the showerhead arm close to the wall and use a pair of vice grips to tighten the showerhead arm. Be careful not to overtighten the arm as this could cause you to strip the threads.
Thread the showerhead to the showerhead arm. Place the cloth over the showerhead connection and tighten the showerhead to the showerhead arm with a pair of vice grips. Turn the water supply back on to the shower.
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