Shower arm (?) Leak

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siskin

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Hi there,
As it is almost always the case, for us amateurs, I have a leak in the shower, water in, but it hides from me.
I noticed a leak after about three months after I built the shower and located it where shower arm screws to the in wall brass connector (pic). I attributed the leak to shower arm (10 inch L shape) not being tightened well. Over the next month I tried to use brass pipe extension with coupling for shower arm, good teflon tape, etc. Always leaked, sometimes less, sometimes after a while.
Finally, I sadly proceeded removing the tiles and after that I connected the shower arm, let it run for 15 minutes and NO leak anywhere. I did the plumbing myself, flex pipe. I was surely hoping to see some connection inside of the wall srewed up, but they stayed dry.
Sure, I can re-plumb that part in the wall, but I am not certain.
I have Grohe valve with two outlets (the other one for hand shower is fine), so I eliminate trouble with the valve. Shower is on the second floor, above the garage, and I have an access in the ceiling.
So I thought I will ask, maybe I am missing something, forgetting something, I just dont want to replumb the connector for shower arm.
Pic is the connector in the wall.
Thanks for your thoughts.

20150613_010725.jpg
 
Thank you for an advice. I truly appreciate it. I did as you said, sorry it took so long, other projects got in a way.
Anyhoo, put a brass cap on, the first one from HD had a micro hole on a side (lovely), but now the cap is on, water on and no leak.
I am still kind of afraid to retile, I simply dont trust it.
Thanks again.
 
Applying static pressure in the manner I described will put a lot more pressure against the in wall fittings than will be applied to them with a flowing shower head.

It is rather common for the thread joints to leak when installing a showerhead. I fixed one just last week.
 
Blue Teflon and #5 for me. Since I have started using that combination, I am sure I have had a leak on a threaded fitting, but I haven't found out about it yet.

Is that disclaimer going to be enough to keep the jinx off of me?
 
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Hi guys,
Thanks for all of your comments and advice.
I capped the pipe for a month and no leak. I installed the arm with good teflon and dope. Tried it, no leaks.
Rest of the family came back from long vacation and leak showed up again after three showers in a row. No clue. Waited one week doing nothing, again three showers in a row and no leak.
If you are thinking a leak around the drain or base, I tried that with no leak.
I tried using only the hand held shower that has a separate connection from the "faucet". I figured that if there is no leak using the hand held, the problem must be in the "main"shower water circuit.
Bu it stayed pressurized for a month without a drop.
I am thinking a faulty faucet leaks when opened... Sorry, I am really puzzled.
Help is much appreciated, before I tear everything down :).
 

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