Installing shower head - minor drip

[Mark Ezrin]

I've installed a new shower head and it has a minor drip where it attaches to the shower head arm.

I've replaced my fair share of showerheads and not had this problem so I'm at a loss.

As you can see in the picture, I wrapped it with plumber's tape. Is there an art or best practice that I missed? I put it on clockwise which is obviously the direction showerhead tightens. I've used a wrench to tighten the showerhead. The washer is definitely in place inside the showerhead.

Thanks.

 

[Reach4]

As you can see in the picture, I wrapped it with plumber's tape. Is there an art or best practice that I missed? I put it on clockwise which is obviously the direction showerhead tightens. I've used a wrench to tighten the showerhead. The washer is definitely in place inside the showerhead.

When there is a washer, don't use tape.

You could use a little silicone grease.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Mark Ezrin]

Interesting. That is what I thought but the directions said use tape.

From a best practice standpoint, does it matter if there is extra tape and it is exposed like in this picture vs. being completely covered with the showerhead?

Thanks.

 

[Terry]

Make sure no tape extends beyond the end of the pipe. A strand of tape allows a pathway for water with a rubber seal sometimes.

 

[Mark Ezrin]

Terry,
Just to clarify extends beyond the end of the pipe - meaning inside the shower head, or the part that is visible above then end of the female showerhead attachment?

Thanks.

 

[Terry]

The end of the pipe that threads inside the shower head. Some shower heads that use a rubber washer need nothing else.
A strand of tape laying between the washer and the end of the shower arm can cause the leak. I can't tell you how many homeowner connections I fix by removing tape.