Frequently Asked Questions
Q. "My showerhead is off-center when it is tightened. How can I center it without leaks?"
A. Back it off until it is centered; then count the number of turns it takes to remove it. Reapply lots of PTFE thread sealing tape (clockwise), then thread the showerhead onto the arm the same number of turns that it took to remove it.
Q. "My shower arm is broken off in the wall. What can I do?"
A. This is a common problem with brass shower arms. Brass shower arms do not have a very thick wall as compared to normal galvanized or brass or stainless steel nipples because water flows through them without being under constant pressure. Brass or plastic shower arms can easily break in the wall due to stress from weight, movement, length of the arm, etc. It's usually fairly easy to take the broken nipple out if you have the right tool. Most spiral type easy outs and cam type pipe extractors will not remove the thin walled shower arms. The 1/2" ips Internal Nipple Wrench works best for this application. Be careful to not damage the female threads on the 90 degree elbow inside the wall. If you have a leak in this area, you probably wouldn't be aware of it until the leak has done damage. Look with a flashlight to make sure the threads are still good on the fitting inside the wall, and be sure to use lots of PTFE thread sealing tape on your new shower arm.
Q. "Do you sell an extension for my 1/2" shower arm?"
A. As shown above we sell longer than standard shower arms. We also sell 1/2" chrome nipples and chrome couplings. To go to our chrome page just click here.
Q. "Does the showerhead I ordered swivel, or do I need an additional part for it to do so?"
A. It is rare for a showerhead not to have a swivel feature unless its position adjustment is in the shower arm or it is a "flat" model that is meant to be installed parallel to the floor. With the exception of those mentioned, some industrial models and most handshowers, standard-style showerheads generally come with a built-in swivel feature.
Q. "Why does the pause feature not completely shut-off the water flow?"
A. The pause feature is designed to trickle water through the shower head for safety reasons. The trickle of water helps prevent the possibility of scalding. If the shower head were able to be shut off completely while the shower control valve was still on, then water from the hot and cold could mix. If the hot and cold water were mixed at the shower valve control and then the shower head was again turned to full flow, the person using the shower could get scalded.
Q. "Do you sell any showerheads that completely shut off water flow?"
A. No, and we are not aware of any showerheads that have the ability to completely stop water flow. With your shower valve still open and the showerhead completely closed, it is possible for hot water to force itself into the cold water line. Once the showerhead is opened again, only hot water flows for a moment, creating a risk of scalding. Showerheads are normally manufactured to dribble a small amount and prevent this from occurring.
