Really tight shower head

[jamesbond007]

So I got a new shower head that shuts off until the water reached 95F. I normally use only 3 gallons of water per shower (I measured it) but this is a great way to save even more. So I decide to replace the head. Damn that's tight.

I tried with a pipe wrench, even put some rust remover liquid on it and tried it. Doesn't work. The teeth on the wrench just rollover the teeth on the shower head. Cannot unscrew that damn thing. I see some white stuff in the threading. This house was constructed 40 years ago. Must be very old. I don't want to bring in a handyman to fix it. It costs $$. I don't want to apply too much pressure either as it can cause a bigger issue.

Any ideas?

[lthenderson]

If you can't loosen the shower head, the next step would be to remove the arm where it goes into the wall. You will have to get another shower arm but they aren't that expensive.

[Choices]

Have you tried unscrewing it after cold water has been running through it?
What about putting rubber bands around it to give the wrench more traction?

[Jack]

Try using a strap wrench.

[jamesbond007]

I will try these suggestions.

[StartingEarly]

How are the teeth on the pipe wrench? A pipe wrench with good teeth and put on the right way will take just about anything off and shouldn't be slipping.

[jamesbond007]

I bought the pipe wrench brand new. I guess the shower head teeth are worn so it slips.

[StartingEarly]

Was it a quality pipe wrench though? Are you putting it on the right way and with the teeth properly spaced? It should clamp down pretty hard and bite in deeper the more you twist. If it's just spinning you are likely engaging the teeth incorrectly with the surface it is trying to grab.

[jamesbond007]

I hope I am using it the right way. I will try again tonight once I get home.

[StartingEarly]

Pipe wrenches take a bit of practice to use correctly. A youtube video might help.