Shower Head Not Centered | How to Fix That?

A misaligned shower head can be an annoyance both visually and functionally. It disrupts the symmetry of your bathroom and can cause water to splash unevenly across the shower area. This might not seem like a major problem at first, but over time, it can lead to frustration and inefficiency in your daily routine.

This issue can be due to various factors, such as incorrect installation, loose components, or even the shape of the pipe behind the wall. The good news is that adjusting a shower head that isn’t centered is typically a straightforward task. And this article is a deep-dive on that topic. 

Figure 1: Different types of shower heads

Why is My Shower Head Not Centered?

There are several reasons why a shower head might be off-center. Some of the common causes include:

Improper Installation
During the construction or renovation of a bathroom, the plumbing and mounting may not have been properly aligned. This can result in the shower head being off-center with respect to the shower stall or bathtub.

Structural Limitations
Sometimes, there are unavoidable obstacles behind the walls, such as pipes or studs, which prevent the plumber from positioning the shower head exactly where it should be. These hidden elements can limit the installation options.

Sloppy Workmanship
In some cases, the shower head may be poorly installed due to carelessness or a lack of attention to detail by the contractor or DIY installer. Even a small miscalculation in measurements can throw off the center alignment.

Retrofitting and Remodeling
If you have remodeled your bathroom and did not move the plumbing for the shower head, the old pipe may not line up with your new design. This can be especially true if you’ve upgraded to a larger shower area or new tile patterns, which shift the perceived center.

What If My Shower Head Is Not Centered?

While an off-centered shower head might seem like a minor inconvenience, it can lead to several problems over time:

Water Coverage: A misaligned shower head might not provide proper water coverage, making it harder to rinse off. You could find yourself adjusting your body constantly to get under the water stream, which can be annoying and inefficient.

Aesthetic Issues: In many cases, the appearance of the shower head being off-center can be bothersome, especially in a bathroom where symmetry and design matter. If the shower head is noticeably misaligned, it can make your shower area look unprofessional or unfinished.

Increased Water Splashing: If the shower head is too close to the wall or far off from the desired location, water can splash against the shower wall and escape through gaps in the curtain or door, causing more cleaning or potential water damage.

How to Fix a Shower Head That’s Not Centered

Depending on the severity of the misalignment, there are a few ways to resolve the issue. Below are some of the simpler fixes to try out.

Method 1: Adjust the Shower Arm

If the shower head is off-center due to a misaligned or loose shower arm, adjusting it may be a simple solution. The shower arm is the pipe that extends from the wall, connecting to the shower head. Here’s how you can adjust it:

1. Turn off the water: You don’t want any accidental sprays while you’re working.
2. Inspect the shower arm: Check if it is loose. If it is, you may just need to turn it by hand. Use a wrench if necessary, being careful not to overtighten and damage the threads.
3. Re-center the shower arm: Rotate the arm so the shower head is positioned directly where you want it. Once it’s in the desired spot, tighten it securely.

Method 2: Reposition the Shower Flange

The shower flange is the circular cover plate where the arm connects to the wall. If it has shifted, the shower head may appear off-center. Here’s what to do:

1. Loosen the flange: Gently unscrew or pry it loose, depending on the type of flange.
2. Reposition the flange: Move the flange slightly to center the shower head. You may also find it helpful to add some caulking behind the flange to hold it in place better.
3. Re-secure the flange: Once it’s centered, tighten or press it back against the wall securely.

Method 3: Replace the Shower Arm

If the shower head is still not centered after adjustments, the problem could be with the shower arm’s length or shape. Installing an adjustable or curved shower arm could solve the problem by providing more flexibility in positioning. Here’s how to do it:

1. Purchase a new shower arm: Choose one that offers adjustability, or is longer or shorter, depending on your needs.
2. Remove the old shower arm: Unscrew the existing arm using a wrench or by hand if it’s loose enough.

3. Install the new arm: Apply plumber’s tape to the threads of the new arm to prevent leaks, then screw it into the wall fitting. Make sure to position it correctly as you tighten.

4. Reattach the shower head: Once the new arm is in place, attach your existing shower head, ensuring everything is centered.

How Do I Change the Position of My Shower Head?

Changing the position of your shower head might require you to completely reinstall it or fix the installation issues in the wall. 

Reinstall the Shower Head

Sometimes, the shower head itself might not be screwed on properly, causing it to sit at an angle or appear off-center. In this case, you may only need to reinstall the shower head:

1. Remove the shower head: Unscrew the shower head from the arm. Be cautious not to damage the threads.

2. Clean the threads: Inspect and clean the shower head’s threads. Use plumber’s tape to ensure a good seal.

3. Reinstall the shower head: Screw it back on carefully, making sure it’s aligned straight with the shower arm. Tighten it by hand, and use a wrench if necessary, but don’t overtighten.

This simple solution is effective if the misalignment is caused by a loose or improperly installed shower head.

Address Wall Installation Issues

If none of the above methods work, the issue may be deeper, involving the pipe or wall installation itself. In this case, more extensive work may be needed. You may need to:

1. Inspect behind the wall: This may involve cutting into the drywall to assess the pipe positioning.

2. Reposition the pipe: If the pipe is misaligned, it may need to be adjusted, which could require professional help.

3. Repair the wall: After fixing the pipe, repair any damage to the wall.

This method is more invasive and should be a last resort, but it addresses the root cause of misalignment if all other fixes fail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should the shower head be centered with the drain?

It’s best to have the shower drain in a corner, if possible. That way, you won’t be standing on it while you’re showering, which can make the water drain slower.

Why does my shower head spray uneven?

If the water from your shower head isn’t spraying evenly or the pressure is low, you should clean the shower head. You might not even notice that it needs cleaning until the water pressure suddenly gets worse or the spray becomes uneven.

Conclusion

A shower head that is not centered may seem like a small detail, but it can affect both the look and functionality of your bathroom. Whether the issue is due to installation errors, structural obstacles, or poor design, the workarounds discussed in this article can improve your shower experience and enhance the overall aesthetic of your bathroom.