How to Remove a Stuck Shower Head
It has been under pressure for years. That changes a fitting.
A shower head can stick from mineral deposits, corrosion or both. Vinegar handles minerals; penetrant handles corrosion on the threads. Either way, brace the arm so you do not twist the pipe in the wall.
Step by Step
- 1
Protect the finish
Wrap the shower head nut and the arm with a cloth or tape before using pliers.
- 2
Soak the connection
For crusty white mineral deposits, soak with vinegar in a bag. For corrosion, spray penetrant on the threads and wait 15 minutes.
- 3
Brace the arm
Hold the shower arm with one padded wrench while turning the head with another.
- 4
Clean and re-seal
Clean the arm threads, wipe off penetrant, and wrap with new thread-seal tape before installing.
No heat. It damages the finish and can stress the pipe inside the wall.
- Run the water for a minute after installing to flush any penetrant out of the head.
Which Penetrant, and Why
Amazon links are affiliate links. Disclosure.
Common Mistakes
Turning without bracing and snapping the arm inside the wall.