How to Move a Plumbing Fixture in the Shower

Remove the tiling or acrylic panel against the wall where the existing shower plumbing is located, if the plumbing is not exposed already. Use a hammer and crowbar to remove as much material in front of the plumbing as possible.

Shut off the ball valve that controls the main water line, then turn on all the sink faucets in the house to help drain water from the shower lines.

Cut the pipe that feeds the main shower controls about 5 inches below the shower valve stem using a hacksaw or pipe cutting tool. Pull out the shower valve stem and all the plumbing above it. That should include at least one pipe that feeds the shower arm and shower head. Some of the pipes may be secured with pipe straps. Remove the straps using the claw of a hammer.

Place a compression coupler over the end of the supply pipe that you cut in the shower wall. Press the coupler firmly into place until you hear a snapping sound. Press a small section of pipe into the other end of the coupler. The length of the pipe will depend on where you want the controls to appear. Measure the distance from the coupler to that point and cut the pipe accordingly with a hacksaw or pipe cutting tool.

Place the shower controls over the top of the new section of pipe and secure it in place by turning the compression nut on the base of the controls clockwise with a wrench over the pipe until very tight.

Place a new section of pipe into the top of the controls that has been cut to the length needed to reach the new position of the shower arm. Turn the compression nut on top of the controls clockwise onto the pipe until tight. The controls and shower arm are now relocated and ready for finishing with tile or acrylic paneling.