The Best Extendable Shower Arms

Buying Guide for Extendable Shower Arms

Why buy an extendable shower arm?

Even if you just remodeled your bathroom and installed a new shower, you should buy an extendable shower arm. If you want to get the most out of your shower, get an extendable shower arm that can raise, lower, angle, and lengthen. The fixture can benefit a household of two or more people because a standard shower arm won’t fit you unless you’re identical twins. And then there’s the argument that shower arms should adjust to meet our ever-changing shower desires. Some shower arms accommodate handheld showerheads, and others standard plus rain showerheads.

What should you look for in an extendable shower arm?

• Material: Ideally, you want a noncorrosive solid brass or stainless-steel shower arm for its strength to hold heavy showerheads. Some are made of “metal, ” likely steel or aluminum alloy. There’s nothing necessarily wrong with alloys; some are very strong, and most are lower in price than solid metals. Still, they may not be as rust-resistant as other metals.
• Installation: Most of us are not plumbers by trade, so any home improvement project ought to be easy for the average joe to install. Some products may be labeled as “easy to install.” But what does that actually mean? Look for descriptors like “no tools needed,” items with a flange to cover the pipeline or sealant tape, and easy-to-read installation instructions.
• Hardware: With any attachment where water is involved, you must have a tight, no-leak fit at each joint. Of course, an important element is the metal quality used. But from here, look for extension arms where the load-bearing joint features a free-spinning collar with locking gear. This setup ensures a secure fit without compromising the arm’s position.

Are shower extension arms with multiple features superior to simpler designs?

If you find that multiple features are what you need, then it will seem superior to the basics. But if you find that you want something simpler, then there are definitely options for that. However, high-quality material, secure fittings, easy installation, and an appropriate price range are the most important qualities to look for. The bare-bones design characteristics to shop for are length and adjustability. After all, you’re buying an extendable shower arm for a reason. Bonus features like the multiple spray modes on a handheld showerhead device are icing on the cake.

Our Picks for the Best Extendable Shower Arms

Pros: Most extendable shower arms feature a few height and angle adjustments, but this chrome-finished solid brass fixture by WaterPoint outdoes them all. Move the 11-inch-long arm up and down and pull it out or push it back in a 180-degree arc for your preferred coverage. When you find the right setting, use the free-spinning locking collar to tighten and secure the shower arm. It’s the key to maintaining tightness and a perfect extension fit. Try any showerhead you like; this shower arm extension accommodates them all.

Cons: Some folks say they had difficulty with installation due to the poor quality of the nut, aka the free-spinning locking collar. Also, the arm can’t hold the heavier showerheads.

Bottom Line: If you like what you see, you better snag one before someone else does. The WaterPoint is our favorite for good reasons: It’s high quality, adjustable, classy, and durable. Plus, the extension arm comes at an affordable price.

 

Pros: Prefer a waterfall or rainfall showerhead? No problem; the Hotel Spa adjustable shower arm is compatible with all sizes and shapes. It gives you two feet of vertical movement range. With a handheld showerhead and its flexible coiled hose, for example, the Hotel Spa arm allows extreme versatility. The solid brass, chrome-finished fixture defies rust and corrosion as well. Also, its locking joints support heavier showerheads than most.

Cons: While the installation requires no tools, several struggle to install the arm straight, and many need Teflon tape.

Bottom Line: The brand’s name, ‘Hotel Spa,’ says something about this luxury shower extension arm. No two showers will be alike. However, unlike a hotel spa experience, this product won’t break your budget.

 

Pros: It’s a 10-inch high-pressure rain showerhead, an 11-inch adjustable extension arm, and a handheld showerhead. In translation: You get both essential pieces that make an ideal shower fixture with one purchase. The showerhead features 100 self-cleaning silicon nozzles tightly fitting across the 10-inch surface to create a refreshing waterfall shower. Its design prevents hard water and lime build-up. The paired handheld device features five adjustable water pressure modes, from mist to powerful massage. The 11-inch shower extension arm is solid brass, which should decrease the chances of it breaking or leaking.

Cons: Some say that the pressure of the water is less than what they would have liked. 

Bottom Line: This set offers a quality-made arm extension and two showerhead options, incorporating clever details like self-cleaning silicon nozzles and a wide array of water pressure modes. It’s as if the people behind the product know what a great shower should entail.

 

Pros: The Coeur Designs extendable shower arm is by far the longest of those we’ve seen—16 inches. And its design favors neither tall nor short individuals, but both. Rotate the winged garden hose-like collar nut to raise and lower the extension arm straight down or up to 14 inches high. As it’s located nearest the shower wall, this joint has to be strong enough to hold the 16-inch arm and the showerhead you choose. The heavy-duty gear and locking nut ensure a secure cold. Install any showerhead you like; choose a rotating head, and you have even more adjustment options.

Cons: A few have pointed out that the arm isn’t 16 inches long once installed. Measure the arm from each pivot point, which is around 14 inches.

Bottom Line: Many pleased customers have said it’s perfect for their shorter stature. This extension arm makes so much sense because it accommodates so many needs. It looks nice, too, with the brushed nickel finish and suits most bathroom décor.

 

Pros: This chrome-plated S-shaped extension shower arm appeals aesthetically and has practical value. It raises your showerhead 10 inches compared to a standard shower arm, which is good news for taller people. Besides, it adds height in showers with low pipe connections. Installation should be easy; the steps are so concise you can find them on the product page.

Cons: There’s no information about showerhead compatibility. Also, this simple shower extension arm can’t be adjusted for height or angle.

Bottom Line: An uncomplicated extendable shower arm that adds a decorative flair, this S-shaped fixture makes a fantastic choice to add height to your showerhead. The high-quality metal with chrome finish makes the Tapix extension shower arm easy to clean and corrosion-resistant. 

Final Thoughts

Say goodbye to craning your neck, ducking under the water, or feeling like the water pressure isn’t enough. A quality shower extension arm will improve the quality of your shower time. With the numerous shower extension arm varieties available, you’re bound to find one that fits just right in your bathroom and your height.