Drip No More: How to Fix a Shower Head That Leaks at the Arm
A leaking shower head isn’t just annoying. That steady drip can waste water, drive up your bill, and leave ugly stains on your shower wall. The good news? If the leak is coming from the shower arm, it’s usually an easy fix you can handle yourself.
You don’t need special skills or fancy tools. Most of the time, it’s just a loose connection or old thread tape. Let’s walk through it step by step.
Why Shower Heads Leak at the Arm
Before grabbing tools, it helps to know what’s causing the leak. The most common reasons include:
-
Worn or missing plumber’s tape
-
Loose connection between the shower head and arm
-
Mineral buildup from hard water
-
A cracked shower arm or fitting
In most cases, the fix is quick and inexpensive.
What You’ll Need
You probably already have most of this at home:
-
Adjustable wrench or pliers
-
Plumber’s tape (also called Teflon tape)
-
Old towel or rag
-
Optional: vinegar for mineral buildup
Step 1: Turn Off the Water
You usually don’t need to shut off the main water supply. Just make sure the shower is completely off and pressure is gone.
Lay a towel over the shower arm or wrench to protect the finish from scratches.
Step 2: Remove the Shower Head
Grip the shower head at the base where it connects to the arm. Turn it counterclockwise to loosen it.
If it won’t budge, use a wrench or pliers with a towel wrapped around the fitting. Go slow. You don’t want to twist the pipe inside the wall.
Step 3: Clean the Threads
Once the shower head is off, look at the threads on the shower arm.
-
Peel off any old plumber’s tape
-
Wipe away dirt or mineral buildup
-
If there’s heavy buildup, soak the shower head in vinegar for 15 to 30 minutes
Clean threads help create a tight seal.
Step 4: Apply New Plumber’s Tape
Wrap plumber’s tape clockwise around the threads on the shower arm. This is important. Wrapping it the wrong way can cause leaks.
Use about 3 to 4 wraps. Press it into the threads with your fingers so it sits flat.
Step 5: Reattach the Shower Head
Screw the shower head back onto the arm by hand first. Once it’s snug, give it a small extra turn with a wrench if needed.
Don’t over-tighten. That can crack fittings and make the leak worse.
Step 6: Test for Leaks
Turn the shower on and watch the connection closely.
If you still see water leaking:
-
Tighten slightly more
-
Remove and reapply tape if needed
If the leak won’t stop, the shower arm itself may be cracked and need replacement.
When to Replace the Shower Arm
If you notice rust, cracks, or water leaking from behind the wall, it’s time for a new shower arm. They’re inexpensive and screw out the same way the shower head does.
If water is coming from inside the wall, call a plumber. That’s not a DIY fix.
Final Thoughts
Fixing a shower head that leaks at the arm is one of the easiest home repairs you can do. Most jobs take less than 15 minutes and cost only a few dollars.
A small fix now can save water, money, and a lot of frustration later. Plus, there’s nothing better than a quiet, drip-free shower.
If you’ve been putting this off, now’s a good time to knock it out.