Damaging the shower arm while the showerhead is being replaced is a surprisingly common occurrence.
It’s also possible that either of the threaded joints simply isn’t sealing properly.
Many showerheads look like metal but are actually plastic with a chrome finish.
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Plastic cracks a lot more easily than metal (but metal can crack, too).
Just like the showerhead, the threaded connection between the shower arm and the elbow can leak.
The arm simply twists into the elbow like a bolt into a nut.
Just be careful not to cross-thread the connection when you start turning.
Also, be careful not to tighten the arm too much and risk damaging the elbow or the pipe.
There are several different ways to fix this, but all require gaining access to the shower plumbing.
If the piping is copper, all of the joints are probably soldered.
This means you’ll have a decision to make.
You might decide that it’s a good time to replace the entire shower faucet.
There’s nothing wrong with this option, provided you plant the fittings properly.
Secure the elbow to the wall framing and install a new shower arm to complete the repair.
