Advice for shower arm installation.

[Tim Moyer]

I'm at the finishing touches of a shower remodel and the seemingly easiest task is giving me a bit of trouble. When installing the shower arm I can get it hand really tight to around 12:00 position (arm up). I am afraid to use a screwdriver and put too much torque on it to get it down to the proper position. If I use more Teflon tape it might help. Is there a limit to how many revolutions of tape I can use? I'm thinking of up to 8 and was wondering if that is too many?

 

[Reach4]

8 would not be a problem. Also, some tape is thicker and more dense than others.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Tim Moyer]

Hmm...still doesn't quite line up with the extra tape. Any suggestions or tips? If I can get it hand tight to about 3:00, I'm comfortable using a screwdriver or handle of channel lock to tighten. Just not sure how to get it hand tight around the 3:00 position.

 

[Terry]

I never use more than three wraps of tape on an arm. Have you tried just using pipe dope? I normally thread the shower head on the arm first to help with leverage and do the final tightening on that after the arm is aligned.
And you can use a screwdriver for more leverage too. That way there are no marks on the outside from using pliers.

 

[Tim Moyer]

I never use more than three wraps of tape on an arm. Have you tried just using pipe dope? I normally thread the shower head on the arm first to help with leverage and do the final tightening on that after the arm is aligned.

Thanks Terry. I gave both a try but still had about a half turn to go. I decided to hire a pro from my hometown. For the cost of a service call, I got peace of mind that it was done correctly and know it isn't going to move at all when I need to adjust the shower head. IMHO, money well spent.