I am having trouble with a stuck shower head. I know there have been
questions before, but I still can't get it.

I am trying to install a new shower head, but I can't get the old one
off. There's the pipe that comes out of the wall, which broadens into a
ball shape. The shower head is attached there. I've used wrenches and
pliers, but when I turn the shower head left to remove it, it just
rotates around and around the ball. It never loosens or tightens...it
just keeps rotating.

Any thoughts? I'm sure it's a very obvious solution, but I just can't
figure it out. Thanks in advance.

wrote:

I am having trouble with a stuck shower head. I know there have been
questions before, but I still can't get it.

I am trying to install a new shower head, but I can't get the old one
off. There's the pipe that comes out of the wall, which broadens into a
ball shape. The shower head is attached there. I've used wrenches and
pliers, but when I turn the shower head left to remove it, it just
rotates around and around the ball. It never loosens or tightens...it
just keeps rotating.

Any thoughts? I'm sure it's a very obvious solution, but I just can't
figure it out. Thanks in advance.


If the shower arm has an integral ball end,
it is an old-style American Standard (et al) arm.
The nut behind the ball must be held with plier/wrench
as the shower head is unscrewed.

If it's been on there for many years, the threads
may be choked with calcium deposits. Soak with WD-40, etc.
If all else fails, heat the nut with a torch to expand slightly.

Do whatever necessary to avoid having to unscrew the arm from
the wall as that invites disaster.

Some pics that may help exp0lain what's inside:
http://www.speakmancompany.com/showe...ction=3&cat=89
http://www.acehardware.com/product/i...ductId=1279263

http://www.blackenergy.com/store/ind...ex&cPath=54_55