The base of the shower head should have two flat areas that an open-ended / open-ended adjustable wrench would fit. Then you'll need pliers or channel locks to hold the shower arm steady. I recommend using a towel to wrap the shower arm, so the pliers do not scratch or gouge the shower are. You'll also want to teflon tape the threads prior to the new head being installed.
Dave, I've tried CLR or similar works great, but is a chemical, so wear rubber gloves and eye protection....It will free up the mineral deposits quickly, or alternatively, replace the shower are as well as the shower head...They aren't very expensive, an since the arm is already loose, that may be the best solution....
Here's how I do it. Get two adjustable wrenches. You also need a dish glove. Adjust one wrench to fit the pipe. now lay the glove over the teeth of the wrench and place it on the pipe. Use to other wrench shower head. Hole the pipe side while turning the shower head to the left.
What's the big deal about not taking the pipe out? I seems like you're going to more trouble by trying to leave it in. Are you worried about not getting a good seal inside the wall? You have almost as much risk having to force the current head off and leaving the pipe. What if you loosen the pipe as you are trying to get the head off? Do you know just turning it back to its position will not lead to leaks? Not likely, especially with old plumbing, which is waiting to leak as soon as
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you look at it. If the head is hard to get off, take the pipe out along with it. Get a new head, pipe, and escutcheon. If you are worried about not getting a good seal inside the wall, use pipe compound instead of teflon tape. It's easier to get a good seal than tape for people who don't have a lot of experience. Fill the threads with the compound completely. Put some compound in the joint in the wall. It shouldn't be too hard. If the brush from the can can't reach, use a stick and a flashlight to see. Assemble everything beforehand. Screw the whole thing in tight, and there you go.
You need 2 small pipe wrenches / Channel lock pliers, and rubber dish glove. Rap the glove over the pipe in the wall. Hold it tight with tool over rubber so not to scratch. Use the other tool on the shower head. Facing the head turn the shower head counter clock wise.
Hold the pipe firm don't allow it to turn. Some times there is a build up inside and it can be tough to turn.
The base of the shower head should have two flat areas that an open-ended / open-ended adjustable wrench would fit. Then you'll need pliers or channel locks to hold the shower arm steady. I recommend using a towel to wrap the shower arm, so the pliers do not scratch or gouge the shower are. You'll also want to teflon tape the threads prior to the new head being installed.
Hold the pipe firm don't allow it to turn. Some times there is a build up inside and it can be tough to turn.