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If your shower head hits you in the chest instead of the head, a shower arm extension solves the problem for $15β$25 β no plumbing work required. These thread onto your existing shower arm stub-out and extend or angle the head to wherever you need it. Here’s what to buy.
| Product | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Moen 143321 6-Inch Extension Arm | Best Overall | ~$18 |
| High Sierra Adjustable Shower Arm | Best Adjustable | ~$25 |
| WASSA 11-Inch Extension Arm | Best Long Reach | ~$15 |
Best Overall: Moen 143321 6-Inch Extension Arm
Moen’s extension arm adds 6 inches of forward reach and positions the shower head at the standard 8-degree downward angle. Solid brass with a chrome finish that matches virtually any bathroom hardware. Threads onto any standard 1/2″ NPT wall stub-out and accepts any standard shower head.
- β Solid brass β no cheap zinc die-cast
- β Fits any standard shower head
- β Standard chrome matches most bathrooms
- β Simple installation
How to Install a Shower Arm Extension
- Wrap 2β3 turns of Teflon tape on the wall stub-out threads (clockwise).
- Thread the extension arm onto the stub-out β hand tight plus snug with pliers. Wrap a cloth around the arm to avoid scratching the finish.
- Wrap Teflon tape on the extension arm’s outlet threads.
- Thread your shower head onto the extension arm.
- Turn water on and check for leaks at both threaded connections.
FAQ
Will an extension arm affect water pressure?
No. A straight extension arm has no effect on pressure. An adjustable ball-joint arm with a very tight elbow angle may reduce flow very slightly, but it’s not noticeable in practice.
Do I need to turn off my water to install this?
No β all the connections are at the shower head level. No valves or supply lines are involved. The water only comes out when the shower is on.
Bottom Line
Moen’s 6-inch extension arm is solid brass, standard chrome, and works perfectly for most installations. If you need to dial in the exact angle, spend $25 on the High Sierra adjustable version.