How to Choose the Perfect Showerhead for Your Bathroom
Finding the right shower head can turn your showering experience from ho-hum to something you can actually look forward to. With a wide range of shower head types on the market (you probably get five varying answers when you ask five different people their best shower head), therefore, homeowners need to consider some things before purchasing one.
The truth is, this is sincerely a personal choice. What might be right for a particular person might not be right for you. Thus, if you’ve decided to get a new shower head, there are a few things you need to consider before heading to the store.
In this article, we explore everything you need to know and consider before purchasing a showerhead. Reading this guide will make your shower head-buying process easier. Without further ado, let’s delve right in!
Things To Consider When Choosing Your Shower Head
Picking the type of shower head may seem like the most exciting part of upgrading your bathroom. However, it is one of the most crucial parts. Here are a few things you must consider before you go to the store.
First things first, you need to determine who will use the shower. Is it just you and your partner or a family of five? Do you like a relaxing mist or a pulsating, vigorous spray? Are you trying to make a big change, like incorporating body spray or overhauling the overhead shower head?
Answering such questions will enable you to find the best fixed shower head that meets your everyday needs. Apart from understanding your needs, you’ll need to further pay attention to other features, including:
Environmental Impact
If you live in an area with water restrictions, consider the flow rate of the shower head you intend to buy. For instance, in California, flow rate regulation requires a fixed shower head that doesn’t exceed 1.8 gallons per minute.
This means the person must look for low-rate shower heads, such as 1.75 or 1.8 GPM. The best low-rate shower heads are equipped with Neoperl flow regulators with regulating valves, which ensure a consistent flow rate is delivered regardless of household water pressure.
If you don’t have specific regulations regarding water usage, purchasing low-rate shower heads reduces the environmental impact of those long-hot showers.
Water Pressure
Another aspect essential in finding the perfect shower head is the water pressure. If you don’t have specific flow rate regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency, you can decide on a shower head designed for high-pressure showers.
You will have various shower heads to choose from, including variable showerheads and high-pressure showerheads with a 2.5 GPM flow rate.
Spray Patterns
Do you enjoy relaxing mist spray or pulsating concentrated massaging spray patterns? Maybe you wish to acquire one with a wide spray head to ensure wide coverage. Therefore, it is important for you to consider the kind of pattern you desire before heading to the store to buy a particular shower head.
The good news is that no matter your spray pattern preference, there is certainly a shower head out there for you. Various types, including single-spray shower heads, are popular for offering a broad, high-pressure spray. You can also find multifunctional shower heads with multiple spray patterns.
Shower Head Mount
Next is the shower head mount. Think about where you are going to mount the fixture on your shower. Are you going to use a wall-mounted shower arm or an overhead shower arm? Will you require an extender or a shower bar? Knowing the answers to these questions would put you in a better position to acquire a shower head that works well with the type of shower mount you have.
For instance, if you want a rain shower but have wall-mounted shower arms, you can select a wall-mounted rain shower head that has an adjustable arm instead of the traditional ceiling-mounted shower head.
Shower Head Filters
Most cities and towns add chlorine to the water to disinfect it. While chlorine plays an important role in the overall health of your drinking water, it usually has catastrophic effects on your skin and hair. Did you know chlorine can remove the protective oils that keep your hair and skin healthy? This makes your hair look dull and skin dry and itchy.
If you have such problems, you should consider a filtered shower head or acquire a universal filter that can work with any shower head.
Shower Head Material
Another aspect you should consider is the material of the shower head. Various shower heads are made from lightweight and inexpensive plastic materials backed with metallic coatings. Although they appear metallic, they don’t have the same longevity as metal parts and can wear out over time.
Conversely, all metal shower heads are durable and less likely to break down over time. Therefore, if durability is your goal, it is vital to ensure every material on your selected shower head is made from metal, including the head itself, all connectors, and the shower house.
Shower Head Finishes and Styles
Generally, most shower heads had the popular chrome finish. While some still love this type of finish because it is timeless, there are a variety of other finish and style options out there. Ideally, homeowners need to consider other bathroom fixtures and accessories.
It will ensure you acquire a shower head that matches your bathroom style. Be sure to select one that compliments the overall aesthetic of the area. Standard shower head finishes include:
- Chrome
- Brushed nickel
- Polished brass
- Oil rubbed bronze
- Antique brass
- Matte black
Cost Factors
It goes without saying that you need to choose shower heads that meet your budget needs. Essentially, the cost of shower heads will depend on the material you choose. For instance, a plastic shower head will range, on average, between $15 and $65.
All metal shower heads cost between $80 and $160. In any case, these types are durable, giving you more value for money than plastic shower heads.
What Are The Best Types of Shower Heads
Besides shower head features, you will need to consider the type of shower head that would fit your bathroom style. The best include dual shower heads, rain shower heads, fixed shower heads, and handheld shower heads. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.
Fixed Shower Heads
These are the most traditional shower head types. If you have a builder-grade home, it is best to go for a fixed shower head. As the name suggests, they are fixed on the wall or ceiling and can’t be adjusted.
Fixed shower heads are great for a small shower. They offer a basic way to get you clean with a consistent stream of water and an adjustable flow rate. They are among the most budget-friendly shower heads on the market.
Rain Shower Heads
If you are thinking of luxury, the rain shower head could offer this and much more. It is designed to replicate the feeling of standing under a gentle rain shower, offering a luxurious and soothing experience. It also comes with multiple nozzles for suitable rainfall effects.
Moreover, rainfall shower heads have a large, flat surface to cover a wide area and provide an even flow. With a rainfall shower head, homeowners can quickly turn their normal daily shower into a full-blown spa experience. They are normally mounted on the shower wall or ceiling.
Dual Shower Heads
If you intend to get the best of both worlds, dual shower heads are the best choice. They come with one fixed shower head and a handheld shower head, with the fixed shower head either traditionally fixed or a rainfall showerhead.
These types are great for anyone who wants the flexibility of handheld shower heads every other day. Remarkably, you can use one shower type at a time but also at the same time for a superior showering experience.
Handheld Shower Heads
A handheld shower head has a long hose that helps users direct water flow where needed. It is perfect for individuals who require more flexibility in adjusting the spray pattern and the direction of the water. The handheld showerhead is also perfect for kid and pet cleaning and comes in handy for individuals who have mobility issues.
They offer maximum flexibility, especially when paired with an extra-long hose.
Other Considerations
- Measure your shower space and ceiling heights: Its vital to measure your shower space to determine the right shower head size. Moreover, consider the height of your ceiling to get a fixture that would fit in well.
- Installation and maintenance: Typically, you can install a shower head on your own. However, if it needs expertise involving changes to pipes, then its prudent to hire a certified plumber. When it comes to maintenance, you must clean regularly to remove mineral buildup.
Simple routines like using a mild detergent and soft cloth to wipe out hard water stains would maintain its functionality.
Frequently Asked Question
Yes, they do. Water pressure is first determined by the amount of water flow supplied to the showerhead. Therefore, if your house supply has lower water pressure, you will automatically receive low-pressure levels to your showerhead. In any case, some showerheads are designed to maximize water pressure.