Shower and tub fittings we change
- Scaled or broken shower heads replaced
- Handheld units and slide bars added to the existing arm
- Corroded shower arms and flanges replaced
- Threaded and slip-on tub spouts changed to match the pipe
- Diverter spouts that leak during showers replaced
- Flanges and spouts sealed to the tile so water stays out of the wall
Older San Gabriel baths and hard water
The median year built for San Gabriel homes is 1957, per the Census Bureau. Many bathrooms from the 1930s through 1950s keep original tile and pipe, with spouts that thread onto old brass nipples. Those threads can strip, so we take the old spout off carefully and match the new one to what is there.
The EPA’s WaterSense program puts showering at nearly 17 percent of indoor water use at home and limits labeled heads to 2.0 gallons per minute. In California, the Energy Commission’s Title 20 rules cap showerheads made since July 1, 2018 at 1.8 gpm at 80 psi.
Our process
Check the connection
We look under the spout for a set screw and check how much pipe extends from the wall.
Take off the old fitting
We hold the pipe steady so it does not twist loose inside the wall.
Fit the new one
Threads are sealed per the maker’s instructions and the flange or spout is sealed to the tile.
Test
We run the shower and tub and work the diverter to confirm no leaks.
Where our part stops
Raising a shower arm, replacing pipe behind tile, or chasing a hidden leak goes to a plumber. Valve cartridges are covered on our shower valve page.
Before the visit, text us
Photos of the shower head and arm, the tub spout from below, and the wall handle.
Shower and spout questions
Why does my spout drip during a shower?
The diverter inside the spout wears out. Replacing the spout fixes it.
Will a water-saving head still feel good?
WaterSense heads must pass EPA spray force and coverage tests as well as flow limits.
My spout is threaded on old brass. Is that a problem?
Not usually. We match the thread and length.
Can you add a handheld for an older parent?
Yes, with a slide bar so it can be set at any height.
Can scaled heads be cleaned?
Sometimes with a vinegar soak. Cracked or worn faces get replaced.
Do you replace the flange at the wall?
Yes, and seal it to the tile.
What finish should I choose?
Match your faucet and valve trim. We can help pick.
Will the water be off long?
For a head, not at all. For a spout, a few minutes at most.
Can you fit a rain shower head?
Yes, on the existing arm or an extension arm.
Do you fix valves too?
Yes, see our shower valve and cartridge page.
Related guides
- Resealing the tub and tile in an older bathroomHow we remove old caulk and reseal tubs, vintage tile and pedestal sinks in older San Gabriel bathrooms to keep water out of the walls.
- Stopping the drip on an older two-handle faucetWhy two-handle and wall-mounted faucets in older San Gabriel bathrooms drip, how we replace washers and cartridges, and when a new faucet makes more sense.
We’re a handyman in San Gabriel for small repairs like this one, with an upfront price by text.
This job sits in our plumbing fixes group. For other repairs, see the services overview, or start with the repair guide for San Gabriel’s older homes.