Although a shower head is a simple fixture in the bathroom, it contributes much to your everyday routine and indulgence in the shower. Choosing a proper showerhead may be very challenging because of the countless choices and alternatives in the market.
Therefore, a buyer should consider all the possible things to end up with the most appropriate and compatible product that will suit intended needs—water-saving features and various discharge patterns. This article is going to guide you in the process of how to choose a showerhead.
What is a Showerhead?
A shower head is an accessory that disperses water from a shower. It is generally mounted overhead or at the end of a bathtub, with a plastic and rubber hose that sprays water out in different spray patterns to assist users in getting clean. All these shower heads are comprised of many types, including a fixed, handheld, rain shower, and multi-function, which could answer users’ preferences for the kind of experience they would like to enjoy in the shower. Modern shower heads have features like adjustable spray patterns, water-saving mode, and filtering, which allow comfort and increase effectiveness.
How To Choose The Right Showerhead?
Research the showerheads before buying them, whether you prefer modern or traditional ones. You can list down additional options that match your lavatory. Purchasing the best showerhead involves considering a few factors. The following is a list of them:
Water Pressure:
Before choosing a showerhead, you would need to have one that is aimed mainly at high-pressure showers. These showers can be discovered with no regulation concerning water flow in the vicinity. Water pressure choices are abundant in the market, changing from variable-pressure to high-pressure showerheads with a discharge rate of 2.5 GPM. Mount shower head Additionally, the placement of your shower head in the shower needs to be considered. Will you be using a shower arm that is mounted on the wall?
A bar for the overhead shower? Do you require any shower bar or extender? Remember this when selecting a showerhead, and ensure that the showerhead is compatible with the type of mount you have.
For example, if you possess a wall mount and desire a rain shower. Then, it would help if you opted for a wall-mounted rain showerhead with an adjustable arm rather than a conventional ceiling mount.
Spray Pattern
Spray pattern The form of the discharge method is a critical aspect. However, showerheads are available for all these options of your desired discharge pattern. Single-spray showerheads exist and often provide high pressure with a wide range of discharge. You can also choose a multifunctional showerhead to change the pattern of discharging. Once you have known your desired taste, you can purchase a showerhead that is suitable for it.
Installation
It is imperative to consider the installation process when selecting a new showerhead. In most shower cubicles, an angled arm extends from the wall, diverting water downward into the stall.
This shower arm suits rain, dual, portable, or fixed shower heads. However, it should be noted that a horizontal shower arm that projects straight in the cubicle is used. It further slants downwards from the side when a rain shower head is chosen.
How to Replace a Showerhead – Installing a Showerhead | The Home Depot
Filter:
The water we drink might contain chlorine and several other chemical compounds. In most cities and small towns, the water supply system involves adding a certain amount of chlorine gas. The hair or the epidermis can face a host of problems due to the presence of such chemical elements. The filter of the appropriate shower head is one aspect of choosing the right one to avoid them. Incorporating a filtration system ensures a much healthier shower experience.
Comfort:
A shower or bath is primarily a means of ensuring that one is clean. The next most important feature is how a person feels in water. That is a function of the water flow at the height of the shower faucet so you do not hit your head with it. It is a function of your ability to adjust the temperature so you like it.
You can want your showers to provide the most satisfying experience possible, or at least come close to it. This is a product that you will undoubtedly use daily. The factors contributing to your satisfaction or comfort during a bath or shower. This might be one of those cases where reading through your options will give you inspiration for what you like or jog your memory about hotel showering that you especially enjoyed.
Flow Rate
The average flow rate of a regular shower head is 2.5 gpm; this is 2.5 gallons per minute. This flow rate has indeed recently been the standard. However, the average flow rate of a showerhead was much higher previously. Further, you will find low-flow-rated shower heads. For instance, 1.8 gpm means 18 gallons spent every 10 minutes during a shower.
Finish & Style
In the past, the standard shower head was chrome owned by all. Of course, this aesthetic remains prevalent in numerous residences today (and why not?). It is entirely timeless!), there are multiple additional showerhead finishes and designs available.
When selecting a showerhead for your residence, it is essential to consider the other fixtures and accessories in your bathroom. Additionally, it is crucial to locate a showerhead finish that harmoniously complements or matches the overall aesthetic.
Number of Handles
Most shower and bathtub faucets have one, two, or three handles. The three include controls meant for hot water, those for frigid water, and that third control for transitioning from the Jacuzzi to the shower. This way, these must maintain the proper temperature. It can determine the optimal combination of hot and cool water to achieve your desired level.
The essential operation is the same with two handles as with one. The diverter is either eliminated or replaced with some other type of valve. The temperature can be set on one handle faucet by turning the handle over a half-circle in either direction. Some feel this is a more straightforward method to reach the ideal temperature.
Material
Most shower heads and fixtures are available in one or more materials.
- Chrome: Chrome is a popular choice for shower nozzles and various fixtures. It is available in multiple finishes, is cost-effective, and is simple to clean.
- Brass: Brass is an additional option for faucets and shower heads. Brass is recognized for its durability and is available in various darkened finishes.
- Nickel: Being resistant to tarnish and scratch, nickel is an excellent choice for making faucets and shower heads. Nickel faucets are very easy to clean and come in different finishes.
- Bronze: Another material used to make the shower head and its fixtures. It is known to be very durable, and it comes in darker shades—a finish that looks great with neutral colors. Their material can affect your showerhead and fixtures’ durability and cleaning ability.
- Plastic: Most showerheads, particularly handheld devices, have nozzles made of plastic. The shower head would feel cold because the plastic material will not heat up from the hot water passed through it.
However, it will be the case for most consumers that the suitable material will significantly impact the appearance of the products.
What Are the Main Types Of Showerheads?
There are different types of shower heads, as follows;
1. Handheld Shower Head:
They are attached to a flexible hose, which allows you to take the showerhead off its position and move it all over your body. Perfect for rinsing/washing off or cleaning the shower enclosure.
The handheld showerhead has its merits and values in its respect. Handheld showers make a shower much more convenient. They provide a unique showering experience compared to fixed nozzles.
2. Dual Shower Heads:
Anyone who wants to get the best of both worlds should consider a dual showerhead. Most of the time, a dual showerhead will have one fixed showerhead and another handheld showerhead. The shower head’s permanent installation may be a traditional fixed or rain shower head.
For anyone looking for flexibility, such as a handheld shower head, but not always, dual shower heads form an excellent choice. Depending on your preference, you can use one or both shower nozzles in a dual shower head system to create a more powerful shower.
3. Panel Shower Head:
Panel shower heads have multiple massage and spray options, nozzles, and settings to customize the shower experience. Mostly mounted on the wall, they enrich the shower experience simply by allowing one to change the settings. Those who prioritize relaxation and comfort in their shower regimen will benefit from this showerhead style.
4. Rainfall Shower Heads:
The flat surface of these shower heads is broad in diameter, intended to replicate the feeling of standing in a shower with a moderate rain shower. A relaxing experience view gives a broad range of the area where the water descends, giving consumers that pleasurable sensation equivalent to gentle rain on their heads. The shower head is more dispersed, resulting in a decreased water pressure.
5. Fixed Shower Heads:
These are permanently attached to the wall or ceiling of the shower and provide a fixed bathing experience. They are available in many shapes and sizes, from traditional round heads to modern square designs. The shower head is fixed into place and mounted high up at the front of the shower, pointing outward. This showerhead is the optimal choice for those not searching for anything exceptional.
6. Sliding Bar Showerheads:
Adjustable height settings are available with sliding bar showerheads. These showers let users modify the showerhead’s position to their preferred height. This feature is especially advantageous for residences with multiple users of varying heights or individuals with mobility restrictions.
What Are Some Popular Added Features for Shower Heads?
More than knowing about shower head varieties is required when seeking the most exceptional ones. The finest shower nozzles are distinguished from the rest by the following additional features:
- A massage function to ease stress;
- Strainers to cut impurities from water;
- LED lighting to enhance the shower experience;
- High-pressure showers with plungers increase the present water pressure.
Conclusion
To make the best decision on a showerhead, consider factors like type, water efficiency, patterns of discharges, material, installation, and features. You can choose from a great variety of shower heads, from the best aesthetically designed ones to the most well-equipped, giving you the best experience. There is always that perfect shower head for you, whether you prefer high-pressure massage ones to get more energy or rainfall showers to calm your nerves. It is waiting to transform your daily showers into an indulgent affair.