How to Extend a Shower Arm

The shower arm extension is an attachment that allows you to extend the shower head outward. This may provide an advantage to certain individuals in your family who may benefit from having the shower head out as oppose to inward and close to the wall. Extending the shower arm requires not much by way of skill or expertise, but instead just a few tools and materials, and these few steps. You can accomplish the extension of your shower arm in a short weekend afternoon.

Step 1 - Purchase Shower Arm Extension

From a kitchen and bath store or a home improvement center, you need to purchase a shower arm extension and white plumber's tape to be used in the connection of the extension and shower head. This part can also be ordered online. If you are not looking to complete the project right away in a given weekend, you can take your time and search online for a deal on shower arm extensions that are less expensive than the ones available through a local retailer.

Step 2 - Remove the Shower Head

Shut off the water valve to the shower in order to keep from getting wet during the installation. Remove the shower head from the shower pipe. This can be accomplished by using the pliers to gently turn the shower head counterclockwise in order to loosen it from the white plumber's tape that is being used to hold the shower head in place.

Once the shower head comes loose, twist it off with your hands and place it in a spot where it can be retrieved after the installation of the shower arm extension. While you have the shower head off, check it against the shower arm extension to see if it fits and determine whether you need to purchase another shower head.

Step 3 - Attach the Shower Arm Extension

Take the white plumber's tape and pace it on the threads of the shower pipe. The white plumber's tape will act as a bond between the shower pipe and the shower arm extension to prevent any leaks from happening. Once the tape has been applied to the threads of the shower pipe, twist the shower arm extension on the shower pipe, being careful not to strip any of the threads on the shower pipe.

Step 4 - Attach the Shower Head

With the shower arm extension secure and in place, attach the shower head to the shower arm extension. Before you place the shower head on the shower arm extension be sure to place plumber's tape on the threads of the extension first. Twist the shower head on the extension by turning it slowly and then twisting it in place by hand. Use a large pliers to finish setting the shower head in place.

Turn the shower on low to watch the water flowing and to see if any leaks have developed.