Small plumbing job. How risky?

[Jerry1]

We just took ownership of a condo. It’s about 30 years old and has been mostly untouched. The shower tile is in great shape but the shower arm coming out of the wall is gold (yuck) and I want to replace it along with a new head. Problem is, I’m concerned first, that the pipe will be stuck so bad that it will get messed up taking it out and I’ll be screwed because I’d have a heck of a time getting access to it. Along those same lines, and more probable, is that I do get it removed but when I put the new one in, it leaks and I’d never know it. I know enough to use Teflon tape and think I have a good sense of how tight it should be but, is it worth the risk? I’ve never dealt with something that old before with such limited access. Seems like a simple job, until it’s not. What do you think - go for it?

 

[jazz4cash]

Is there a shutoff valve for the fixture or your entire unit? I guess I don’t understand the concern for messing up the existing fixture. Generally speaking its am easy job. Is it possible to cut drywall on the backside of the fixture so you can inspect for leaks?

 

[COcheesehead]

YouTube is your friend

 

[Jerry1]

Is there a shutoff valve for the fixture or your entire unit? I guess I don’t understand the concern for messing up the existing fixture. Generally speaking its am easy job. Is it possible to cut drywall on the backside of the fixture so you can inspect for leaks?

I’ll look for a shutoff, but really, the shower valve keeps water from going to the shower head so that’s not an issue. I’ll take a better look but there’s a small built in closet on the other side of the shower. That’s why I’m worried. I don’t really want to tear that up to get in there if needed. Maybe I can make a small hole and get a view in there if things don’t go smoothly. Agree, should be a simple job, but that thing hasn’t moved in decades. Are they known to seize up after that long?

 

[Jerry1]

YouTube is your friend

I’m fine with how to do it. I’m trying to assess the risk of things going wrong.

 

[COcheesehead]

I’m fine with how to do it. I’m trying to assess the risk of things going wrong.

There’s an old saying: it always takes a case for a 6 pack job.

 

[Jerry1]

There’s an old saying: it always takes a case for a 6 pack job.

Agree, this has been my experience in many cases. Simple job turns into a mess. Maybe I’ll just live with the gold shower arm. At least until we’re settled in.

 

[2HOTinPHX]

I would call a plumber. You don't know what you don't know until you attempt it. I would sleep better knowing a licenced professional took care of it. If you do it yourself and something goes wrong your insurance company may not cover it. Something to think about.

 

[GrayHare]

Shower head arms often deteriorate over time such that the arm will break off and leave the threaded portion stuck inside the supply line. If that happens, you will have difficulty removing the threaded dregs without a tool intended for such. Don't ask me how I know.

 

[Al18]

Penny wise, pound foolish. I would wait until the middle of the week and call a plumber for this non-emergency job.

 

[Jerry1]

Shower head arms often deteriorate over time such that the arm will break off and leave the threaded portion stuck inside the supply line. If that happens, you will have difficulty removing the threaded dregs without a tool intended for such. Don't ask me how I know.

Thanks. That’s the kind of thing I was wondering. I’ll just replace the shower head for now.

 

[GrayHare]

Thanks. That’s the kind of thing I was wondering. I’ll just replace the shower head for now.

Be gentle when you do because twisting can cause an old shower arm to break.

 

[Koolau]

I wouldn't know how you do it, but I've seen plumbers and pipe fitters apply heat to "sticky" joints when unscrewing them. Sometimes they apply heat with a torch directly on the joint before attempting to twist anything.

 

[Ronstar]

Just try to unscrew the old arm first. By hand or by pipe wrench with tape wrapped around the arm to protect the finish. If it unscrews easily, do the swap yourself. If not, call a plumber.

 

[Jerry1]

Just try to unscrew the old arm first. By hand or by pipe wrench with tape wrapped around the arm to protect the finish. If it unscrews easily, do the swap yourself. If not, call a plumber.

I was thinking something similar. If the shower head comes off easily, then I might go for the arm. We’ll see. I just feel like I’d have to turn in my man card if I need a plumber to change out a shower arm. Still, there are obvious risks that could make a plumber necessary. I did try unscrewing the head by hand and it didn’t budge. Since I didn’t have any tools with me (not yet moved into the condo), I figured I’d give it a bit more thought.

 

[RetiredAt55.5]

When my house was 30 years old, unlike the HGTV shows, nothing came apart easily when it came to plumbing jobs.

Since you hate the gold, heck I'd try lightly sanding it and painting it with a foam brush.

Easy peezy. If it doesn't come out well, you were going to replace it anyway and can then bring in a plumber/handyman or attempt it yourself.

 

[Out-to-Lunch]

Spray-paint the gold arm!

 

[NgineER]

I would replace it, but you do run the risk of something not going well.

Get a can of spray paint.

 

[Ronstar]

I was thinking something similar. If the shower head comes off easily, then I might go for the arm. We’ll see. I just feel like I’d have to turn in my man card if I need a plumber to change out a shower arm. Still, there are obvious risks that could make a plumber necessary. I did try unscrewing the head by hand and it didn’t budge. Since I didn’t have any tools with me (not yet moved into the condo), I figured I’d give it a bit more thought.

Usually the shower arms are not screwed on too tight because the arm has to line up facing down. So installers only screw it on until it lines up facing down. Teflon tape or pipe joint compound goes on the threaded fittings and gives the joint its water tight seal. The joint doesn't rely on tightness to seal and the teflon tape or joint compound doesnt "weld" the pieces together, so the arm should come off hand loosening.

Getting the shower head off the old arm may be tougher because it doesnt have to line up with anything. So some people tighten them to the arm with pliers or pipe wrench after wrapping tape around the head to protect the finish from tool scratches. Unless the head is big and cumbersome, you wouldn't need to remove the head from the arm. Just take the arm off with the head still attached.

And IIRC, new shower heads come with rubber washers to provide a seal to the arm. But I still put on some teflon tape.

With a little luck, you won't need any tools other than your hands to remove the old arm and head and install the new. Good luck!

 

[DrRoy]

Murphy's Law applies.

 

[ncbill]

OP should just embrace the "bright brass" aesthetic!

Same color for my fixtures...

 

[pb4uski]

I think the risk is minimal so go ahead. If you have to really reef on the arm to remove it and it doesn't turn, then reassess.

 

[Koolau]

I forgot to ask and haven't seen the answer to this question: Do you have a back up in case your current issue renders your shower inoperable for a while? That would be my biggest issue with a DIY vs a plumber. If you have a back up, you can DIY and then call a plumber if it goes bad. Otherwise, I would advise calling a plumber first. (Been there, done that).

 

[Jerry1]

I forgot to ask and haven't seen the answer to this question: Do you have a back up in case your current issue renders your shower inoperable for a while? That would be my biggest issue with a DIY vs a plumber. If you have a back up, you can DIY and then call a plumber if it goes bad. Otherwise, I would advise calling a plumber first. (Been there, done that).

Yes. We’re still in our house. It’s going on the market this week but we’ll be here at least a month until we can close. Pause, the condo does have a second full bath.

 

[MdaPetralia]

I did try unscrewing the head by hand and it didn’t budge.

Insert a large screwdriver or a plier handle in the end/opening of the shower head (to give you more torque) along with attaching a pipe wrench on the head right where it comes out of the wall. Then slowly turn (counter-clockwise of coarse) while trying to keep the shower head as straight as possible with the pipe wrench. If this does not loosen it, then you might need to resort to spraying penetrating oil where the shower head connects to the elbow in the wall (you should have enough of an opening behind the flange to do this).

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