The Complete Guide to Purchasing the Best Shower Heads

Upgrading your bathroom? Start by replacing your shower head. A good shower head not only improves your daily routine but can also enhance your bathroom’s aesthetic. However, with so many options on the market, selecting the right one can be a daunting task. When buying a shower head, consider water pressure, shower quality, and eco-friendliness.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about choosing the best shower head for your needs.

• Description: Mounted to the wall, this is the most traditional and common shower head type.
• Best For: Those looking for a straightforward, no-fuss shower experience.
• Pros: Easy installation, generally affordable, comes in various styles and finishes.
• Cons: Limited adjustability (you can only adjust the angle).

• Description: You can remove these shower heads from the hose for easy movement.
• Best For: People who want flexibility in their shower or have specific needs like cleaning the shower or washing pets.
• Pros: Highly versatile, adjustable, great for families.
• Cons: Can be more expensive, hoses may be cumbersome.

• Description: These shower heads are larger and provide a wider spray, mimicking the feeling of standing under gentle rain.
• Best For: Those looking for a luxurious and spa-like experience.
• Pros: Relaxing, covers more area, great for larger shower spaces.
• Cons: Requires more water pressure to perform optimally, can be expensive.

• Description: As the name suggests, these shower heads» allow users to switch between multiple spray settings, like a massage, mist, or rain.
• Best For: Those who want the flexibility to customize their shower experience.
• Pros: Versatile, multiple spray settings, great value.
• Cons: Can be harder to install, may require more maintenance.

• Description: Designed to deliver a strong, focused water stream.
• Best For: Those who want a robust, refreshing shower or have low water pressure.
• Pros: Great for pressure boost, ideal for rinsing out shampoo and conditioner.
• Cons: Can use more water, potentially less eco-friendly.

• Description: These shower heads save water with flow restrictors, reducing usage without affecting the shower experience.
• Best For: People interested in sustainability or saving on water bills.
• Pros: Eco-friendly, cost-saving.
• Cons: May not deliver as high pressure as regular shower heads.

Once you’ve chosen the shower head type, consider the features that will affect your shower and installation.

• What to Look For: The size and shape of a shower head play a major role in both aesthetics and functionality.
  • Size: Shower heads come in various sizes. Larger shower heads, like rainfall ones, cover more area but might need higher water pressure. Smaller shower heads, such as handheld or standard fixed heads, provide more focused water streams.
  • Shape: Shower heads are available in a variety of shapes, including round, square, oval, and rectangular. Round» and square» are the most common shapes, but the choice should complement your bathroom style.
• Tip: If you have a large shower space, a bigger shower head, like a rainfall or overhead style, gives more even coverage. For smaller spaces, a compact, handheld shower head is more suitable.

Shower heads come in a variety of finishes to complement your bathroom decor. Some of the most popular finishes include:

• Chrome: Bright, reflective, and classic.
• Brushed Nickel: Slightly duller and more resistant to fingerprints.
• Gunmetal: Dark, metallic, and industrial, with a cool, edgy finish.
• Matte Black: Modern and sleek, perfect for contemporary bathrooms.
• Brushed Gold: Elegant and luxurious, offering a warm, sophisticated look with a subtle shine.

The finish you choose should align with the overall style of your bathroom and your personal preferences.

• What to Look For: The higher the flow rate (measured in gallons per minute or GPM), the stronger the water pressure will be. A standard shower head flows at 2.5 GPM, but you can find low-flow models at 1.5 GPM or less. 
• Tip: If you have low water pressure, opt for a high-pressure shower head. On the other hand, if water conservation is a priority, a low-flow model is your best bet.

• What to Look For: Shower heads come in various materials, including stainless steel, chrome, brass, and plastic. Stainless steel and brass are highly durable and resistant to corrosion. Chrome finishes are popular but can be prone to water spots.
• Tip: Choose a shower head made from high-quality materials to ensure longevity and a consistent shower experience.

• What to Look For: Depending on your preference, you may want a shower head that offers different spray patterns. Common spray options include:
  • Rain: Even, wide coverage, ideal for relaxation.
  • Massage: Focused streams for a refreshing experience.
  • Jet: Strong, high-pressure spray for deep cleaning.
  • Mist: Light spray, great for a gentle cleanse.
• Tip: Look for a multi-function shower head if you like the flexibility of switching between spray patterns.

• What to Look For: Make sure the shower head is compatible with your existing plumbing setup. Most shower heads follow a standard size (1/2-inch threaded fitting), so they should work with most shower arms.
• Tip: If you’re not a DIY pro, pick a shower head that’s easy to install, ideally without tools.

• What to Look For: Pick WaterSense models that save 20% more water without reducing performance.
• Tip: To reduce water usage and energy bills, choose an eco-friendly, low-flow shower head.

Shower heads can range from under $20 to over $300, depending on the type and features. Expensive models often have advanced features, but you can still find a good-quality shower head without spending too much. Here’s a quick price breakdown:

• Budget Models($20 – $50): Simple, reliable models with basic features.
• Mid-Range Models($50 – $150): Multi-function or high-pressure shower heads with better materials and finishes.
• High-End Models($150+): Rainfall, luxury handheld, or advanced pressure control models with premium materials and unique design.

Most standard shower heads, whether fixed or multi-function, come with a wall-mounted installation. In this simple and common method, you screw the shower head directly onto the shower arm.

• Steps:
  • Remove the old shower head by unscrewing it.
  • Clean the shower arm and apply plumber’s tape to the threads.
  • Screw on the new shower head by hand and tighten gently with a wrench.

• Steps:
  • Check the weight capacity of your ceiling and choose a suitable ceiling-mount shower arm.
  • Make sure you securely fasten the shower arm during installation.
  • Mount the shower head and check for any leaks.

Handheld shower heads usually come with a flexible hose, which can be installed in a similar manner to a fixed shower head but requires a bracket for holding the handheld unit.

• Steps:
  • Attach the hose to the shower arm.
  • Install the bracket or mount for the handheld unit.
  • Test the connection for leaks and ensure the hose is long enough to reach all areas of the shower.

• Tip: Soak the shower head in vinegar for about an hour to remove lime buildup. Use a soft brush to scrub away any grime.

If your shower head loses water pressure, mineral buildup or a clogged filter might be the cause. Check the head and clean it thoroughly.