How to Choose the Best Showerhead (2023)

FAQs

How do I know what shower head to buy? ›

There are several functional elements and design features to consider when shopping for a high-pressure shower head. Flow rate is the most important technical concern. In addition to aesthetic choices like appearance and finish, look for features such as spray patterns, energy-saving benefits, and other options.

Also known as "flow rate", GPM is a measure of how many gallons of water flow out of your shower head each minute. Since 1992, a maximum of 2.5 GPM is the federally mandated flow rate for new shower heads. This means no more than 2.5 gallons of water should flow out each minute.

Efficient shower heads use at least 1.5gpm. Taking the same amount of time in the shower uses only 15 gallons of water. The water savings amount up to 65 gallons of water!

Studies have shown that 1.8 gpm is the minimum flow rate to have a good enjoyable rinsing, so the common 1.75 gpm models, is somewhat good enough for a decent shower. To save water further and still have a full enjoyable rinsing experience.

Square shower heads work best in contemporary bathrooms with angular elements, such as a square bathtub. Round shower heads tend to complement traditional bathroom styles. Ultimately, it's your choice, but these are things to consider when making your decision.

Water pressure is measured in psi, or pounds per square inch, and represents the force at which water enters your home from the water main. Normal psi for a home pipe system is between 30 and 80 psi. While you don't want the psi to be too low, it violates code to be above 80.

To get back to the important question - yes, a showerhead can help increase water pressure, and it can also do so while consuming less water than your usual fittings. Showery showerheads are designed to increase water pressure so you can experience a more enjoyable shower.

High pressure shower heads work much better than low pressure shower heads. This is because water that is sprayed at high pressure can reach all areas of the body and cleanse them more thoroughly than low pressure water.

When it comes to Shower Heads, you'll typically find 2.5 GPM, 2.0 GPM, 1.8 GPM and 1.5 GPM. If you're looking for the most pressure, go for the 2.5 GPM Flow Rate, unless you are restricted because you reside in California, Colorado or New York. Again, this has been the Maximum Flow Rate since 1992.

Is higher GPM better for shower head? ›

One person who showers 10 minutes per day with a 2.5 GPM shower head uses 9,125 gallons of water per year. Switching to a 2.0 GPM shower head saves more than 1,825 gallons of water and $25 per year in water and energy costs. Those numbers jump to 7,300 gallons and $100 in savings for a family of four.

Consider this: The average shower lasts about eight minutes. Since the average showerhead has a water flow of 2.1 gallons per minute, each shower uses more than 16 gallons of water! Across the United States, we use more than one trillion gallons of water each year just for showering.

If your flow rate is less than 10 litres per minute, you may have what is considered low water pressure. Anywhere between 10 and 15 litres per minute is acceptable but can be improved. A flow above 15 litres per minute is considered good.

The water restrictor is intended to save people money on water and energy bills, but if you live in an area with low water pressure, the flow restrictor can reduce your shower to a thin drizzle of water. Removing the water restrictor will return your shower pressure to normal, but it may also increase your water bills.

Do different shower heads affect water pressure? Yes, depending on which shower head you choose, they can increase the water pressure at the head itself in order to create a more powerful shower or decrease it to create a more gentle shower.

With a low-flow showerhead, 175 minutes of showering uses just 262 gallons of water. Which means you save about 60 percent every month. Translate that to yearly figures, and a 1.5 gpm showerhead uses just over 3,100 gallons of water versus over 5,200 with a 2.5 gpm model.

Residential household toilets must use no more than 1.28 GPF (gallons per flush). Residential bathroom faucets must use no more than 1.2 GPM (gallons per minute). Residential showerheads, including handheld showers and fixed body sprays, must use no more than 1.8 GPM.

Yes. As there is a very close relationship between water flow and pressure, an increase in pressure also increases the flow rate. Therefore, changes in the pressure will directly change the flow rate.

Most low-flow showerheads have a rubber pressure-reducing valve (called a regulator) to maintain a lower pressure. You can increase the flow by simply taking it out. You could also consider enlarging the hole that allows water into your showerhead with a drill to increase the amount of water coming through.

Because they're so much bigger than the average showerhead, but still provide the same amount of water (which can vary by water-saving mandate depending on where you live), it's just math: The same amount of water delivered across a bigger surface = less pressure. That's not the only drawback.

What is a 3 star rated shower head? ›

The higher the rating, the more water-efficient the shower head. This means the shower head uses less water, which will save you money. For example, a standard shower head uses up to 25 litres per minute, whereas a WELS 3-star rated shower head uses as little as 7 litres per minute.

Residential water pressure tends to range between 45 and 80 psi (pounds per square inch). Anything below 40 psi is considered low and anything below 30 psi is considered too low; the minimum pressure required by most codes is 20 psi. Pressures above 80 psi are too high.

U.S. government regulations limit the maximum flow rate of shower heads to 2.5 GPM as a measure to save water.

Many people don't realize it, but shower heads should actually be replaced every 6 to 8 months. That's up to two times each year! Most people neglect to do this, of course, but the reasons for keeping up with the replacements are more important than you might expect.

The most common cause of low shower pressure is a blocked showerhead, as a result of limescale build-up. These blockages obstruct the water flow, leading to reduced pressure over time. Most showers are fitted with a filter, protecting the pipework from debris, but this can become partially blocked by scale.

Low-pressure showerheads are very similar to high-pressure showerheads. The only difference between the two is that, while high-pressure showerheads tend to produce high water pressure, low-pressure showerheads tend to produce low water pressure.

For most single-family homes, a minimum flow of 6 GPM is suggested from a well or spring. This flow would provide 360 gallons of water each hour, which would be sufficient to meet most home water peak demands.

So if there is a shower running that uses 2 gpm, the washing machine which uses 3 gpm is running, and the kitchen sink is running at 3 gpm, which means 8 of 12 gallons are currently being used. This can often lead to lower “water pressure” because the flow rate simply can't keep up.

Standard shower heads use 2.5 gpm, but to earn the WaterSense label, a product must use no more than 2 gpm and still meet strict performance requirements. The EPA estimates that the average family could save 2,900 gallons of water per year by installing a WaterSense-labeled shower head.

What is a reasonable shower size? ›

The average walk-in shower in the U.S. measures 60" x 30", though size options can vary widely, typically up to 60" x 42" for a rectangular shower and 42" x 42" for a square one. For smaller bathrooms, most experts recommend a shower enclosure no smaller than 36" x 36".

A standard showerhead, as mandated by the national energy policy act (EPAct), should have a water flow no higher than 2.5 gallons per minute, which means that the average shower should use no more than 20 gallons. Before 1980, many showerheads sold in the use had a water flow of 5 gallons per minute or more.

An electric shower is considered the most energy efficient thanks to its reduced requirement for power when heating the water and its reliance on just a cold water feed.

By managing water flow, a flow restrictor prevents built-up pressure from damaging pipes, appliances, and fixtures. Not only do flow regulators save you money by decreasing damage to appliances, but they also save water in lines with high pressure.

Do All New Shower Heads Have Flow Restrictors? Not all new shower heads come with flow restrictors. While many brands focus on water and energy efficiency, it's not a universal feature. So, before you make a purchase, it's a good idea to check the specifications and ensure they fit your needs.

Pretty much every shower head has the same connection in the United States, 1/2" NPT. This is the standard! As long as you have the shower arm plumbing coming from your ceiling or your wall, you can choose whichever shower head you want and mount your shower head wherever you want.

Yes, most shower heads are universal and have ½-inch pipe threads or cuts as per National Pipe Thread (American) and British Standard Pipe (British) standards. While there are different sizes for old faucets, most wall or handheld showerheads will fit the existing plumbing.

Shower pipes and connections come in universal sizes, which means any shower head should fit your existing pipes. But do consider your flow rate and water pressure before you buy.

Yes! Changing out your showerhead can be a do it yourself job and we are going to help you do it. Luckily, it's pretty easy to replace a showerhead. Even if your current showerhead “works just fine”, upgrading is a job that can save you money on your energy and water bills.

Because many types of bacteria thrive in moist areas like your shower, it is recommended that you replace your shower head every 6 to 8 months. Keeping your shower head clean, especially if you have hard water, can be very difficult to manage.

Do different shower heads make a difference? ›

A jet shower head is more powerful and the pressure is directed towards a smaller surface area. A rain shower head takes a more natural approach and is designed to give you the sensation of showering in rainfall. Many have different pressure settings so you can determine how powerful you want your shower to be.

Know the Impact.

One person who showers 10 minutes per day with a 2.5 GPM shower head uses 9,125 gallons of water per year. Switching to a 2.0 GPM shower head saves more than 1,825 gallons of water and $25 per year in water and energy costs. Those numbers jump to 7,300 gallons and $100 in savings for a family of four.

If you fit a smaller shower head to a shower hose you increase velocity, it appears that the pressure has increased but it hasn't, similar to pinching the end of a garden hose with your fingers, the water travels further and faster but the flow rate/pressure still remain the same.

While standard shower heads are typically placed around 80” high, they can range from 68 to 86” for people ranging from 5' to 6'6” tall. Of course, there is no standard shower head height code, so when it comes down to it, you can place your shower head wherever it feels best to you.

Replacing a Standard Shower Head

There's no need to call a professional plumber for this job. Changing a shower head is a fairly simple and quick DIY job you can do without technical skills. Updating to a more modern shower head can also save you money on your water bill!

Most rainshower heads come in 8 inches, 10 inches, and 12 inches. The larger the showerhead, the larger your coverage. You'll want to keep in mind how big your shower is when shopping.

Most shower mixers have a 1/2 inch thread, and almost all shower hoses are standardised to this size (on both ends). The 3/4 inch thread is much rarer.

Many people don't realize it, but shower heads should actually be replaced every 6 to 8 months. That's up to two times each year! Most people neglect to do this, of course, but the reasons for keeping up with the replacements are more important than you might expect.

To get back to the important question - yes, a showerhead can help increase water pressure, and it can also do so while consuming less water than your usual fittings. Showery showerheads are designed to increase water pressure so you can experience a more enjoyable shower.