How to Install a Shower Arm Mount

A shower arm mount is a device attached to the shower arm linking the showerhead to the shower's plumbing. Along with connecting the water source through to the shower hose, the mount also has a molded bracket designed to the shape of the showerhead's handle to securely hold it in place while taking your shower hand-free.

The installation height of the shower arm mount should be such as to place the showerhead at a height greater than a person's full height. This however can be affected by the type, length, and angle of the shower arm, so if the plumbing places the showerhead at a critical height, you should choose the accessories accordingly and avoid ending up with a showerhead that looks great but reaches only up to the chest. Follow these steps to install a shower arm mount.

Step 1 - Taking Out the Installed Showerhead

If your showerhead is either fixed to the shower arm or if it is a handheld model, it is linked to the plumbing at the shower arm. Use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the showerhead assembly from the shower arm at that point. You can then remove the plumber's tape and compound from the shower arm's threads and finish cleaning with mineral spirits and a small brush, drying everything up with a rag.

Step 2 - Preparing the Shower Arm

If the hand shower kit that you purchased comes with a decorative boot, slide it on the shower arm before wrapping several layers of plumber's tape on the shower arm's cleaned threads. When looking at the stem straight on, the plumber's tape should be wound onto the threads in a clockwise motion for two to four overlapping layers, tearing off the roll as you get to the beginning of the threads.

Step 3 - Installing the Shower Arm Mount

The female end of the shower arm mount can now be placed onto the shower arm and screwed in turning clockwise. When you start feeling some resistance screwing it in, use your adjustable wrench to carefully keep turning it until it reaches the proper positioning with the male threads pointing toward the floor so that the showerhead sits upright in its bracket. The mount should not be over tighten, since it would place the showerhead in a slanting position causing you to back up some, risking a possible fitting leakage.

Step 4 - Installing the Shower Hose

The showerhead kit comes with a hose that has a different fitting at each end, but both female threaded. It also has a bag with an assortment of washers. Take the hexagon-shaped hose connector and insert a rubber washer in it, then place it onto the end of the shower arm mount and start screwing it in clockwise, being careful not to cross-thread it, until you feel resistance. You can then finish tightening with your adjustable wrench being careful not to overtighten.

Step 5 - Connecting the Showerhead

The other end of the hose has a cone-shaped connector that will be screwed onto the showerhead but tightened by hand only. Insert a washer inside the connector and place the showerhead's threaded end onto it while screwing it in. Tighten the two pieces in place by hand. You can now insert the showerhead into its bracket, and your shower is now ready for use with a brand new handheld showerhead.