After a long day at work, one of the first things on my to-do list is to take a nice calming shower. There is just something about the feeling and sound of water pounding down that can relieve stress and pent-up energy. Not all showers or showerheads are created equal though. There are quite a few different showerhead selections out there, each with their own ups and downs. A rejuvenating shower can set the mood for the day and with the right showerhead, your daily ablutions can become a luxurious experience.
So, yes it’s time for a new showerhead but before you go out and just pick one from a store, let’s go into depth of the varieties and styles to choose from. For those of you not familiar with flow rate, it is the number one thing that differentiates the types of showerheads on the market. The flow rate of a showerhead is the measure of gallons per minute that it dispenses. According to the DOE federal regulations, showerheads cannot produce more than 2.5 gpm at 80 psi (pounds per square inch.) which means you can not purchase anything above that number.
A Good Showerhead….
- Delivers a good pressure of water. Professional reviews generally find that users are most satisfied with showerheads that produce a powerful stream and plenty of coverage.
- Reduces water use. Even a standard 2.5-gpm showerhead will save water compared to an old 5-gpm dinosaur, but some showerheads use as little as 1.5 gpm while still providing good water pressure.
- Keeps hot water hot. Aerating showerheads use air pressure to help increase the sensation of stronger water pressure. However, this can cool the water significantly between the time it leaves the showerhead and the time it reaches your skin. Many manufacturers have newer, proprietary technologies that increase the pressure, without overcooling the water.
- Installs easily. Most models are simple to install yourself with just an adjustable wrench and some plumber’s tape.
- It is simple to adjust. Some showerheads have only a single flow pattern, but those that have many should be easy to switch from one to another.
- Holds up well over time. The showerhead itself should not break or leak, and the finish should not wear off easily.
Some Questions to Ask Yourself…….
Do you need a handheld showerhead?
Handheld shower heads are more functional than fixed models. I love them because it makes cleaning the shower so easy and we all know anything to make cleaning easier is a plus. Also washing a pet comes in handy with a handheld. However, fixed showerheads generally fare better in reviews, so it probably isn’t worth choosing a handheld unless you really need it. Another option if remodeling your shower is having the option of both.
What spray pattern do you prefer?
Some users like a firm, invigorating spray, while others prefer the gentle trickle of a rain shower. Some like a traditional wide spray that provides a lot of coverage, while others prefer a pulsating massage jet. Whatever shower style you like best, look for a showerhead that does a good job on that spray setting. If you’re the only one who will use the shower, then you probably don’t have to worry about additional settings; most tend to pick a single spray pattern they like and stick with it. However, if you share a bathroom with someone else who prefers a different spray pattern, then look for a shower head that suits both of you.
How tall are you?
Some showerheads can pose problems for users who are either very tall or very short. A very large showerhead, for instance, may hang down too far for all users to stand under it. Other shower heads are fine for tall users, but they’re so high up that short users can’t reach them to change the settings. If you’re tall or short, measure your shower enclosure before you buy and figure out what the height and angle of the shower head will be once it’s installed.
How strong is the water pressure in your home?
Today’s showerheads, which have a maximum flow rate of 2.5 gpm, can still deliver a strong enough stream to satisfy most users. However, people with low water pressure in their homes often find that standard showerheads produce only a feeble trickle that isn’t strong enough to rinse away soap and shampoo. Many manufacturers are responding to this issue with technologies that help force the water our more strongly or at least make it feel as if the pressure is higher.
Do you need an extension arm?
If you find a shower head you like but it seems as if it’s too far away to be fully effective once it’s installed — or if you have high ceilings — a shower arm pipe extension can be purchased in the plumbing department. It will add to the cost and is an extra installation step. Most manufacturers also have an extension that’s recommended for that specific showerhead, and you can often purchase them at the same time to ensure they’re a good fit. Things can get a little more complicated if you need to completely replace the existing shower head arm, but that’s not that hard of a job in most cases.
TYPES OF SHOWER HEADS
The Standard-The standard wall-mounted showerhead ranges from simple to elaborate designs depending on your personal preference. It also includes technology to counteract hard water build-up, corrosion, and tarnishing. They have a variety of adjustable angles and spray modes.
Top Mount- This is the type of shower head that creates a rainfall from the ceiling. They are very modern and becoming quite popular in remodeling. There is usually only one angle and one spray mode but this will give your bathroom a stunning look when all finished.
Sliding Bar- This is a great option for height and personal preference of the shower user. This kind of showerhead moves up and down along a wall-mount. This makes the tall and short family members comfortable when showering.
Handheld- This is removable from its mount and acts like a two-in-one combination. This really helps with cleaning the entire shower without using a bucket to rinse the soap on the walls and if you have pets or kids this is a great tool for easy access.
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