Removing Stuck Shower Arm and Drain

Users who are viewing this thread

jgold47

Member
Messages
30
Reaction score
0
Points
6
Location
Detroit, MI
This ties to my other thread, but wanted to keep them separate. I tried to replace the shower arm in my 1920's shower. I'm pretty sure the arm is not original however, but regardless, with all the pipe wrenches I could find, I couldnt get the thing to move at all.

two questions -
1. Wrench harder?
2. does heating the arm help at all?

part two, I am going to try and remove the drain from the tub as the tub uses an oldschool stopper system thats long gone and we have no way to plug the drain for a bath. I've got all the various tools the big box stores sell, including that gnarly extractor, but is there any chance that its somehow not threaded onto the waste pipe?
 

Terry

The Plumbing Wizard
Staff member
Messages
29,946
Reaction score
3,460
Points
113
Location
Bothell, Washington
Website
terrylove.com
Heating the arm will make it harder.
Heating the fitting in the wall would make it easier, but that is hidden.
In an old home like that, you may need to put a pipe wrench on it. Longer gives more leverage.
And be prepared to go into the wall if that doesn't work.

The tub drain should be threaded.
 

hj

Master Plumber
Messages
33,599
Reaction score
1,037
Points
113
Location
Cave Creek, Arizona
Website
www.terrylove.com
1. use a bigger wrench
2. It is threaded, but if the thread is "seized" you may snap the tube under the floor, so be judicious with your efforts and if it does NOT turn fairly easily, which it probably will not, be prepared to carefully cut it out.
 

Cacher_Chick

Test, Don't Guess!
Messages
5,458
Reaction score
213
Points
63
Location
Land of Cheese
Before starting, be prepared for the possibility that you may have to open up the wall and have access from below to replace the tub shoe along with the waste and overflow assembly.
 

JohnfrWhipple

BATHROOM DESIGN & BUILD
Messages
3,225
Reaction score
102
Points
48
Location
North Vancouver, BC
...I couldnt get the thing to move at all...

Man Hands are needed. Elbow grease a must.

If you where my buddy here in Vancouver I'd give you a "Chirp" and say something like "Try putting your purse down first" or "Maybe the wrench is getting caught in your blouse" - One thing you get working the tools every day is a killer grip. Most homeowners do not have the strength to really make these tight fittings twist out.

After "Chirping" my friend and failing (which Vegas has at 50/50 odds) I'd be looking for my "Big Wrench".

I find cursing helps. LOL

JW
 
Top
Hey, wait a minute.

This is awkward, but...

It looks like you're using an ad blocker. We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. If you'd like to support the site, please allow ads.

If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. We might be able to do something about it. Thanks.
I've Disabled AdBlock    No Thanks