When it comes to a shower arm, discovering the ideal showerhead is a breeze with standardized fixtures and sizes. However, here’s the twist: Are all shower arms uniformly sized?

Let’s explore this question to understand the importance of measuring your shower arm accurately.

If not, how do you measure your shower arm length to make sure the head fits perfectly? These are important questions to ask because plumbing codes aren’t always followed consistently and they also vary based on where you live.

So let’s get down to brass tacks: what is the right way to measure the length of your shower arm?

Here’s How to Measure Shower Arms Length:

Most shower arms are curved so that the water spray is aimed directly at your body. Hence, you can’t just take some measuring tape and estimate the length in a straight line. It’s best to measure it along the curve to get a more accurate reading.

If your shower arm is bent, you can measure its length by running a flexible measuring tape along its pipe. Flexibility is useful because it lets you measure the curve as well as the straight bits.

Method #1

Note: This method requires measuring tape. If you don’t have it, skip to method #2.

Step 1

Unscrew the shower head by turning it in an anti-clockwise motion. Some shower heads that have been screwed in place for a long time might require a bit of extra force, so you should use a wrench to turn them.

BONUS TIP: Wrenches and other tools can scrape the finishing off of your shower head and cause scratches. Make sure you cover the showerhead with a cloth to prevent that.

Step 2

Use the same counter-clockwise motion to take the shower head out of the wall fixture or drop ear elbow.

Step 3

Take a tape measure and stretch it along the shower arm. Try not to let the tape twist around since this might distort the measurement.

BONUS TIP: Some tape measures have a few centimeters of empty space before the measurements start. Make sure you place the part that says 0 at one end of the shower arm, otherwise you might get a longer than accurate measurement.

Step 4

Take the reading. The length of your shower arm should be between six to twelve inches, since these are the standard sizes for such products.

Method #2

Note: This method is for people that can’t use a measuring tape. It’s a bit more time-consuming, so try to use method #1 if you can.

Most of the steps are the same, so we will only be outlining the ones that are different.

• Step 1 – Same as Method #1
• Step 2 – Same as Method #1
• Step 3 – Place a string along the side of the shower arm and keep it taut. Mark each end of the string that is on the shower arm with a pen or marker.
• Step 4 – Lay the string straight on the ground, once again ensuring that it is taut. Take a ruler and measure the distance between the two markings. This will be the length of your shower arm.

How to Measure Shower Pipe Size?

You never know when you might need to remove a Shower stem especially if you recently rented a place with a very short one that gives you subpar water flow.

Generally speaking, shower arms in the US are removable. To unscrew a shower arm, turn it in a counterclockwise motion. If the shower arm doesn’t unscrew easily, try wearing rubber gloves to get a better grip.

Essential Tools for Measuring Shower Tubes

All you need to measure shower arms is some measuring tape. If you don’t own a measuring tape and can’t go buy one, you’ll need a length of string, a marker, and a straight ruler.

What are the different types of shower arms?

There are three primary types of shower arms: straight, bent, and gooseneck. Standard shower arms are bent, while straight models are more suitable for rain shower heads. Gooseneck shower arms provide the flexibility to adjust the shower height.

Are all shower arms the same size?

A shower arm can be anywhere from three to eighteen inches long. However, products longer than twelve inches are uncommon, and they all use the same thread size of ½ inch.

Does my Shower riser affect water pressure?

The diameter of your shower arm can sometimes restrict water pressure if it’s too narrow. Also, some shower arms come with built-in flow restrictors that can decrease water pressure.

What is the standard length for a shower arm?

There is no set standard length for a shower pipe, but twelve inches is the most common size for straight and bent arms.

How long should a rain shower arm be?

It’s best to use a short shower tube for a rain showerhead. A three to six-inch shower arm maximizes pressure and more closely mimics the effect of a thunderstorm.

Final Thoughts!

In a market rife with standardization, shower arms stand out due to how diverse and unique they can be. With three types to choose from and an endless list of sizes to look into, you’d find it hard to make a decision if you don’t have a baseline to work with.

If your shower arm stops working properly, measuring its length can give you a clearer picture of what products you can switch it out with.

You can use either of our methods to get an accurate reading which would really help parse down your options in the market!