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I received the question on why the nipples that are needed to install some (not all) shower arms are not included in the package. Usually a pipe nipple is needed to install every shower arm except for the most basic shower arm with the 70-85° bend, Shown below in Kohler’s K-7397-BRZ in Oil-Rubbed Bronze finish.   I’ll refer to this “most basic” as the “standard” for this discussion only – since I believe there is no “standard” shower arm anymore. The bottom line on the needed nipple not coming in the package with the rest of the faucet is because everyone usually needs a different size. There are several factors that will determine the length you need.

1. How far back in the wall does your pipe set
2. How thick is the material between the studs and the shower wall material you have (drywall, durock, green-board …)
3. How thick is the shower wall material you have (tile, marble, granite, cultured marble …)

All those measurements added together will determine approx what size nipple you will need. Nipples usually come in 1/2″ increments up to 6″ long and from 7-12″ long they usually come in 1″ increments (from 12-48″ usually come in 6″ or 12″ increments). Usually up to 10″ long they cost less than $1.00 at Lowes and Home Depot.

The 2 photos below show the Kohler RevivalK-16133 shower arm in the Polished Chrome finish, one of the many that require a specific size nipple for proper installation: