Got a shower arm leaking at the connection in the wall. Are these arms always threaded or is it possible that it is soldered to the copper pipe? Having a hard time getting it loose and don't want to chance tearing up the copper pipe.

anything is possible. BUT 99.99999% of them are threaded.
how do you know it is leaking where it threads into the elbow behind the wall?

Does the shower arm penetrate tile or drywall? What is on the other side of the wall behind the shower valve? Hopefully a closet so you could make easy repairs if you wind up tearing off the shower arm when you unscrew it. Most shower arms that I have seen for the last few years are made of thin copper or brass pipe. It is a shame the quality or I should say non-quality of products these days. As long as Americans insist on purchasing the lower cost items, we will get exactly what we pay for. We should be clamoring for Manufacturers to improve the quality but that means we must be loyal to USA Manufacturers. Face it people, it will take time but by changing your buying habits, the Manufacturers will improve, but only if we stand pat.

? y'all use the modern garbage shower arms ?

I use a 1/2 x 6 chrome nipple ($12) + 1/2 street 45 ($7)

guaranteed no problems

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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638



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you are indeed doing it the proper way to prevent future problems and a full service life.

...plus I count turns on make-up so as not to split the (3 eared) 'drop ell' - npt solid brass with appropriate adapter

OCD is oft a GOOD thing



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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638



Edited 1 times.