How to Fix a Leaking Shower Head Connection

Identifying the Leak Point

Shower head leaks typically occur at one of two locations: where the shower head connects to the shower arm (the pipe coming out of the wall), or where the shower arm threads into the fitting inside the wall. If water drips or sprays from the connection point between the head and arm, this is an easy fix. If water runs down the arm and drips from behind the escutcheon plate (the decorative cover against the wall), the arm-to-wall connection needs attention.

Fixing the Head-to-Arm Connection

Unscrew the shower head from the arm by hand or with pliers (wrap the arm with a cloth to prevent scratches). Remove any old thread tape or sealant from the arm threads. Apply four to six wraps of PTFE thread tape clockwise around the arm threads, pressing the tape tightly into the thread grooves. Screw the shower head back on hand-tight, then give it an additional quarter turn with pliers. Turn on the water and check for leaks.

Fixing the Arm-to-Wall Connection

If the leak is where the shower arm enters the wall, unscrew the entire arm from the drop-ear elbow inside the wall. Grip the arm near the wall and turn counterclockwise — if it is stuck, use two wrenches for leverage. Clean the arm threads, apply new thread tape and pipe joint compound, and screw the arm back in. Ensure the arm points downward at the correct angle and the escutcheon plate sits flush against the wall.

When to Replace Components

If the shower arm threads are stripped or corroded, replace the entire arm — they are inexpensive and universally sized at 1/2-inch NPT. If the shower head itself drips when turned off, the internal washer or cartridge is worn (this is different from a connection leak). Some shower heads have replaceable washers accessible by removing the swivel ball, while others require complete replacement. When replacing, look for WaterSense-labeled shower heads that use 2.0 GPM or less to conserve water without sacrificing pressure.