Shower Arms

Shower Arms

A shower arm is the pipe that connects your shower's water supply to the shower head, positioning it at the correct height, distance and angle. Shower arms are available in two configurations: wall shower arms, which extend from the wall at an angle, and ceiling shower arms, which drop straight down from the ceiling. The right shower arm depends on your existing plumbing, your ceiling height, and whether you're installing a rain shower or a standard shower head.

This collection includes shower arms from Caroma, Phoenix, Meir, Nero and Fienza, in common lengths of 150mm, 300mm, 400mm and 450mm.

Wall shower arms vs ceiling shower arms

Wall shower arms attach to a wall-mounted outlet and project outward, usually at a slight downward angle. They suit bathrooms with existing wall plumbing and are the standard choice for most shower head installations, including handheld and fixed rain showers.

Ceiling shower arms attach to a ceiling-mounted outlet and drop vertically. They're typically chosen for ceiling showers, where the shower head sits flush or near-flush with the ceiling for a streamlined look. Ceiling shower arms require plumbing to be roughed in through the ceiling rather than the wall, so this is a consideration for renovations versus new builds.

Shorter arms (150mm) sit close to the wall or ceiling and suit tighter spaces or lower ceilings. Longer arms (300mm, 400mm and 450mm) extend the shower head further into the shower space, which is common with larger rain shower heads where extra clearance is needed for the head diameter.

How do you know what shower head to match the arm with?

The shower arm and shower head need to share the same connection thread size, which in Australia is almost always 1/2 inch BSP. Beyond that, matching comes down to three factors: arm type, arm length, and finish.

• Arm type A wall shower arm suits a shower head mounted on the wall, including most handheld shower on rail sets and standard rain shower heads. A ceiling shower arm is designed specifically for ceiling showers, where the shower head sits directly beneath the arm rather than at an angle.
• Arm length Larger shower heads, particularly rain shower heads over 200mm in diameter, generally need a longer arm (300mm or more) so the head has clearance from the wall or ceiling and water can disperse without hitting the surface behind it. Smaller shower heads work with shorter arms, including the 150mm option.
• Finish Shower arms and shower heads should match in finish and often in brand, so the metal tone and design language are consistent. Chrome, brushed nickel, matte black and brushed brass are the most common finishes across the brands in this collection.
  If you're unsure which length suits your shower head, check the manufacturer's specifications for recommended arm length, or measure the diameter of the shower head you've chosen and compare it against the arm lengths listed above.

Choosing a shower arm for a statement shower head

Renovators wanting a statement shower head, such as a large rain shower or an architectural ceiling shower, generally need to plan the shower arm at the same time as the shower head. The two are sold separately in most cases, so the arm has to be selected to suit the head's size, weight and connection type.

A ceiling shower with a 300mm rain shower head, for example, typically pairs with a ceiling shower arm long enough to give the head clearance from the ceiling surface, while still keeping the overall look tight and minimal. A wall-mounted rain shower of the same size usually pairs with a 400mm or 450mm wall shower arm, so the head clears the wall and directs water forward into the shower space rather than down against the tiles.

Materials and finishes

Brands including Caroma, Phoenix, Meir, Nero and Fienza each offer their own finish ranges, so you can match a shower arm to existing tapware or shower hardware in the same finish.

If you're still choosing a shower head to pair with your shower arm, browse our Shower Heads collection for wall shower, ceiling shower and rain shower options across the same brands.