How to Choose the Right Showerhead for your Bathroom

Whether you are building a new bathroom or upgrading your existing one, you will come across an array of options for various bathroom fixtures. The showerhead is no exception, and your choices for them will be based on size, spray pattern, water pressure and more. This guide will help you pick the right showerhead for your aesthetic taste and plumbing fittings.

Showerhead Categories

These are the four most popular categories of showerheads available. You can pick the one that works best for you.

1. Wall mount: Out of the upcoming three categories, wall mount showerhead is the most common option. It’s fixed in the wall above the shower faucet and is of maximum 5 inches in size. You can’t change the height of the showerhead as it is fixed on the wall. However, you can move the direction of the spray and customize the pattern of sprays in specific models. This is a budget friendly option due to its low cost and maintenance as well as easy availability of repair parts.

Toto Transitional Collection Series A Five Spray Modes 2.0 Gpm 5.5 Inch Showerhead Polished Chrome is an easy to install and Water Sense compliant wall mount showerhead that gives you a luxurious showing experience in a budget.

2. Rain Shower Heads: Also known as top head showerheads, this shower head is attached to an extended L or P shaped arm that reaches right above the head of the showering person, giving an enjoyable shower. You can choose the concentrated or multifunction spray options for a rejuvenating showering experience. Make sure you check the water pressure and size of your shower before installing rain shower heads.

Toto Modern Series Aero Rain Shower 12 Inch 2.0 Gpm Showerhead, Polished Chrome is a great rain shower with a contemporary and sleek design.

3. Hand-held shower: If you are looking for flexible and cost-effective showerhead, then hand-held shower is the right choice for you. A handheld showerhead is attached to a hose installed on the wall. The hose is usually 3-6 foot long, increasing the reachability of the showerhead. You can perform multiple tasks such as rinsing your hair, bathing your kids and pets, cleaning the shower and more. It can be used in place of or in combination with a standard shower head.

Delta Universal Showering Components: Okinetic 4-Setting Hand Shower is a durable and easy to use hand-held shower with two spray patterns.

4. Body Spray and Panels: For those wanting an ultimate showering experience and are ready to loosen their pockets, body sprays and panels are a must have. Equipped with an array of features like water temperature, multiple spray patterns, LED screens and more, body sprays are installed at shoulder, hip, and knee position for a hydrotherapy spa treatment. They require extensive plumbing work; therefore, its best to install them when completely renovating your bathroom.

ZURN FCT & FV - Z7500-LS is a sturdy shower panel that gives you a robust showering experience.

Check the water pressure in your bathroom

To let the water flow through the showerhead with enough strength and consistency, you must check the water pressure in your bathroom and buy your showerhead accordingly. Most showerheads have water pressure ranging from 40-60 psi. If your house has a problem of low water pressure, then book an appointment with local plumbing service to get it fixed first.

Shower Spray Patterns:

Showerheads come with multiple spray patterns and water intensity. Figure out the setting that you prefer the most and buy a showerhead that features that setting. There are mainly four spray settings:

  1. Wide: Water sprays with consistent force and speed from every nozzle
  2. Targeted: It shoots the water with force through a limited nozzle
  3. Rinse: It release water stream from the central nozzles
  4. Pulsating: It shoots out water in a rhythmic pattern for an invigorating showering experience

Review the energy consumption

According to the 2016 Residential End Uses of Water Study, showers are the second largest water consuming appliance in an average American household with a usage of 2.1 gallons per minute. You must look for showerheads with a WaterSense® label that have a flow rate of 2 gallons per minute. Installing a WaterSense® labeled model will help you can save water by providing the shower experience of a high flow rate shower in low flow rate.

Shop here for the showerhead that fits your taste and requirements.