Shower arm leaking behind tiles

Brynjaminjones · 29 Mar 2020

Hi All,

This is my first post here, we've just bought our first house so I'm diving right in to learning how to fix things.

I recently replaced our shower arm, but I'm having trouble getting the new one to seal.

It screws into the wall fitting (is this called a drop ear elbow?) just fine, but it bottoms out in the fitting before it's tight.
I've repeatedly tried using PTFE tape in different quantities, but it hasn't really helped at all and it always bottoms out with the shower arm in the same position.

What's the best way to get it to seal when it's bottoming out?

I've thought of adding a conical rubber washer for the shower arm to butt up against, but not sure if that will do it.

Any ideas how I can get it tight without leaking?

Thanks in advance!

Bryn

Bonni · 29 Mar 2020

Loctite 55.

denso13 · 29 Mar 2020

Brynjaminjones said:
it always bottoms out with the shower arm in the same position.

It always will if you screw it tight. Try it with no PTFE and count the turns until it is the correct position. Put the PTFE on and screw it in with the number of turns before and till in the correct position. It doesn't take any real pressure so want take much to seal the join.

Brynjaminjones · 29 Mar 2020

Thanks both, I'll have a look into the Loctite 55.

Denso13, I've tried both with and without the PTFE and counted the same number of turns.
The difference between the correct position and bottoming out is about 30 degrees, but despite that small difference it's very loose in the right position, even when there's PTFE.

I did add enough PTFE that it got a good bit tighter in that position, yet I'm still seeing evidence of dripping.

Madrab · 29 Mar 2020

They are more commonly known as wall plate elbows but drop ear is also correct.

Using PTFE tape, normal tape will need at least 14 turns, if you use gas PTFE tape, it is thicker and you only need 6/7 turns. Just make sure you applying it to the male end the correct way and make it nice and tight on the end graduating up the thread and back down. Looking at the male fitting end on then the tape goes on clockwise so it locks on and doesn't want to unravel when tightening into the fitting.

footprints · 29 Mar 2020

As said Loctite 55 would be my choice, but as a last resort use Fernox LSX leak sealer tighten to where you want it and leave to set before turning on, it is a silicone based leak sealer and can seal where others cannot.

oldbuffer · 29 Mar 2020

You could also try https://www.screwfix.com/p/flomasta-pipe-thread-seal-50g/4373j. Clean and dry wall plate elbow female and shower arm male threads. Apply sealant to male threads. Screw in as far as possible then back off to required position. Great stuff.

Bonni · 31 Mar 2020

Brynjaminjones said:
Thanks both, I'll have a look into the Loctite 55.

Denso13, I've tried both with and without the PTFE and counted the same number of turns.
The difference between the correct position and bottoming out is about 30 degrees, but despite that small difference it's very loose in the right position, even when there's PTFE.

I did add enough PTFE that it got a good bit tighter in that position, yet I'm still seeing evidence of dripping.

I had to screw in 8 irons into a shower mixer. Some leaked, I used 73 miles of PTFE tape, some leaked.

At the plumbers merchant, the lad on the counter who was an ex-plumber said that Loctite 55 was the only stuff that works. I took his advice and ever since, every thread has never leaked on every shower fitting has never leaked. I use it on the shower arm as well. It's like dental floss with built in PTFE.

bobasd · 31 Mar 2020

Typically, i wrap the clean threads only a few times, and then paste the tape with thread sealant.

Check with a torch that the fitting is not distorted - you can clean out the Female threads with a copper fitting brush.
The fitting should be fixed to backing, of course.

Also check the outlet and threads of the shower arm.

Madrab · 31 Mar 2020

Bonni said:
the lad on the counter who was an ex-plumber said that Loctite 55 was the only stuff that works

Sorry but that's rubbish. I have used them all and can get them all to seal properly, it's all down to how they are used. My choice is Gas PTFE tape but every professional has their own preference.

If PTFE tape didn't work then a) it wouldn't be made b) wouldn't have been the mainstay of the plumbing industry for countless years.

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Shower arm leaking behind tiles

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