help with replacing shower head
#1
12-28-03, 01:36 PM
help with replacing shower head
we just bought a new shower head (moen) to replace an old one--it should have been a simple process of unscrewing the old head, applying teflon tape to the pipe threads, then screwing on the new head. we've tried this twice, tightening things and applying a lot of tape, but there is still a leak where the head attaches to the pipe. we can't figure out what is going wrong--the pipes seem to be compatible sizes, everything is pretty basic, but the thread lengths do differ. the new head has only 3 or 4 turns of thread and the pipe has at least 6 or 7, as did the old head. is this discrepancy enough to cause our problem? help!!
#2
12-28-03, 02:11 PM
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No. Most cases,,,,the shower arm pipe has shallow threads,,,and it is required to use teflon tape and thread sealant.
If the new shower head has a plastic threaded opening that is going on to the brass shower arm pipe, there could be the possibility of the shower head assembly is split, and the more you turn it,,,,,the bigger the crack resulting in the leak.
This is a common problem sometimes with economy showerheads along with the pricey ones, but I have manage to get them to stop leaking with teflon tape and thread sealant (Megaloc).
If the new shower head has a plastic threaded opening that is going on to the brass shower arm pipe, there could be the possibility of the shower head assembly is split, and the more you turn it,,,,,the bigger the crack resulting in the leak.
This is a common problem sometimes with economy showerheads along with the pricey ones, but I have manage to get them to stop leaking with teflon tape and thread sealant (Megaloc).
#3
12-28-03, 02:27 PM
thanks for your help!
the new shower head is definitely all metal inside, so it seems unlikely that it's already cracked.
we'll look for the megaloc and try it and the tape again. just to clarify, tape goes on first (several layers), then the sealant? and is the sealant permanent, or would we be able to get the head back off if needed?
thanks again!
the new shower head is definitely all metal inside, so it seems unlikely that it's already cracked.
we'll look for the megaloc and try it and the tape again. just to clarify, tape goes on first (several layers), then the sealant? and is the sealant permanent, or would we be able to get the head back off if needed?
thanks again!
#4
12-28-03, 02:58 PM
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Tape goes on first.......2 or 3 layers.
Megaloc is actually a mixture of teflon tape in a paste form. I have never been able to get shower arms to quit leaking without using both the tape and the sealant. The flow restrictor in the showerhead is what causes this to put pressure back at this connection, so it has to be water tight.
Personally I think they should make better shower arm pipes.
Megaloc is actually a mixture of teflon tape in a paste form. I have never been able to get shower arms to quit leaking without using both the tape and the sealant. The flow restrictor in the showerhead is what causes this to put pressure back at this connection, so it has to be water tight.
Personally I think they should make better shower arm pipes.
#6
12-28-03, 03:41 PM
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