There is a kind of rubbery sealant between my shower arm and the edges of the hole in the tile. What is this type of sealant, and when I replace the shower arm, how important is it to seal the new one in the same way?
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The tiles behind the shower form a waterproof layer that protects the structure of the house against water damage. That seal completes that layer and makes sure no water makes it back in there.
In short, yes, you should reapply the seal around the replacement pipe. The type will be a simple silicone caulk, you should easily be able to find a suitable one for bathroom use.
Removing existing caulk: Considering you don't want to damage the tiles, I'd carefully cut out as much as possible with a knife. You can probably (carefully!) tap out the rest with a simple flat head screwdriver, this stuff goes from sticky to rubbery pretty quickly after applying (which was years ago in your case), so any tear you introduce can be propagated. If you have access to both sides (for example because the other side of that wall is plasterboard), this becomes a lot easier.
MiG
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It is some kind of caulking, maybe brown silicone for windows.
If replacing/removing the arm will need to replace the caulking. Silicone is usually recommended. Probably want the bath and tub type.
Will need to clean off all the old caulking before placing the new caulking. Very important.
Might think of getting a cover that fits over that pipe. Looks like one was there before.
crip659
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