Trouble getting old shower head off.

[missmuffet]

5 minutes ago, Yowm said:

Then call 1-800 L-A-N-D-L-O-R-D 

Not 911 Landlord?

[warrior12]

If all fails then ....... Since the old head is not going to be used, you can cut off the head. Then cut the remaining piece left close to the thread as possible so that it weakens.  Then use a back up wrench and use a vice grip to remove.  This method is sure to work, but a little more work. 

Enoob is correct though, you have to use strength. With leverage pipe on the tool, it makes it easier.  Turn off your locking tap for that shower head in case you break the pipe and cause a flood and major damage.  

If it is rental property, then let the landlord do it, cause if you cause any damage you would be responsible.

[missmuffet]

5 minutes ago, warrior12 said:

If all fails then ....... Since the old head is not going to be used, you can cut off the head. Then cut the remaining piece left close to the thread as possible so that it weakens.  Then use a back up wrench and use a vice grip to remove.  This method is sure to work, but a little more work. 

Enoob is correct though, you have to use strength. With leverage pipe on the tool, it makes it easier.  Turn off your locking tap for that shower head in case you break the pipe and cause a flood and major damage.  

If it is rental property, then let the landlord do it, cause if you cause any damage you would be responsible.

Wait a minute here. I am not a plumber but I may be able to use my skills to get some help

[enoob57]

18 minutes ago, missmuffet said:

Wait a minute here. I am not a plumber but I may be able to use my skills to get some help

won't work you don't have a southern accent
                                                                             

[missmuffet]

1 minute ago, enoob57 said:

won't work you don't have a southern accent
                                                                             

Not needed

[enoob57]

2 minutes ago, missmuffet said:

Not needed

said the yankee to the doodle

[Neighbor]

Hi,

You might try vinegar, lots of it, but better to prepare to replace the neck as well as the shower head.

Hopefully with a plumbers wrench or  Vise Grips the entire neck and shower head will come apart just inside the wall. When replacing the neck inside the wall, use some plumbers pipe dope and or teflon tape. Also buy a new collar, and before fixing the collar in place make sure your new neck is not leaking inside the wall. If you use two layers of tape or  plumbers pipe dope  you should not have any problem. And use teflon tape at the joint of the neck and the shower head, that way the next time it will come apart easily.

 

BTW hot water is not near hot enough to break a joint open. It will take a torch with flame applied carefully. 

Good luck. I am battling an old Moen value myself. Every tool has failed, vinegar has failed, the torch is next, but there is risk of fire within the wall and also warping of the cylinder. So,- I am likely removing some drywall of back side of the wall  (a hallway) and working from back there, and then replacing drywall texturing and painting-augh.

 

Edited May 8, 2017 by Neighbor

[Happinessity]

Sometimes it can be the lyme that makes it stick that tight. Use strong vinegar if you have some. Pour over the coupling, the fitting where the shower head nut attaches to the water pipe so that the vinegar pours over the area of the threads. If you can pour and use your pipe wrench at the same time and try and turn counter clockwise to loosen while pouring. If that doesn't work soak a towel with vinegar and wrap it tight over that fitting and let it sit over night. Then try the wrench again in the A.M. 

http://ezyfixplumbing.com/remove-stubborn-shower-head/

[Spock]

3 hours ago, Kate said:

WD-40 is almost too thin to stay in the threads. It will drip down too quickly. I've used liquid Wrench, let it saturate for a couple hours, then use a vise grips.

Listen to her.....she smart! ??

Dont forget the vice grips.....very important.  (Or heavy duty wrench)

Edited May 8, 2017 by Spock

[missmuffet]

22 minutes ago, Davida said:

It's probably calcium & lime build up Tie a thick rag around it by the threads & soak it with straight vinegar and attach plastic bag over it with elastic band and keep pouring vinegar over it & let it sit for 15-30 min.  Then give it some firm taps with a hammer to help loosen the lime build up.  Use rubber gloves to get a good grip or a wrench.

The house is very old so I can imagine that shower head has been on there a very long time.It looks gross. Maybe even some mold on it.  I have vinegar. Should I do that after pouring that liquid wrench on it? I don't what to asphyxiate myself