A shower head can make the difference between an ordinary shower and a luxurious and relaxing experience. Shower head quality and expense can range from standard to top of the line. There are many different types of shower heads to choose from and each has its own benefits. While shower heads vary in style and have different massaging features, there are also different ways to install the shower heads so that the owner gets a unique shower experience. While most people are used to the standard wall-out shower head, mounted shower heads can have features that include multiple spray modes and adjustable angles. Top mount shower heads are for those who want to start the day with a refreshing deluge of water from above. A sliding bar shower head will move up and down a bar to adjust to the height and personal preference of the user. This is good for a bathroom that is shared among family members. Handheld shower heads are useful for cleaning other things, like pets or the shower itself, and can be removed from the mount. Read on to discover what you need to know about choosing the best shower head for your bathroom.
It may be time to replace the shower head if it is low on pressure, has an outdated style, there is tension or aches that a good massaging shower head can fix, or it has lackluster features. New shower heads can offer different spray settings, massage settings, and adjustable height, turning a 10-minute shower into a great experience
There are two types of low flow shower heads. Aerating shower heads will mix water with air to create a misty spray that still has pressure in order to clean. Laminar flow shower heads separate water into individual streams, which lessens the water pressure of the stream. Regulations require all shower heads to deliver no more than 2.5 gallons of water per minute, so anything lower than that is a low flow shower head.
Low flow shower heads help save money, so they are a good choice and they work just like a regular shower head. Some top models for low flow shower heads include the High Sierra 1.5 GPM High Efficiency Low Flow shower head ($39.95), the Delta 75152 Adjustable Water Amplifying shower head ($16.99), and the American Standards 1660.717.002 Flowise 3 Function Water Saving shower head ($31.50).
A rain shower head makes the water output resemble rain, ranging from a light drizzle to a waterfall. Many of the models allow the user to adjust the water flow so that it’s the type of rain that is comfortable for them. These shower heads usually look like a disk with multiple rubber holes in them.
Some of the best rain shower heads include the Grohe 27135000 ($160.30), the Hansgrohe 27474001 Radiance ($234.84), and the ALFI 16-inch Brushed Stainless Steel ($199) models. These are each different sizes and, depending on the size of the shower, can all be good options to enjoy the full rain shower experience.
How clean the shower head is and what type of water is in the home are two factors that go into determining how long before a shower head should be replaced. A shower head should be cleaned once a week and will need to be replaced if there is any blockage, mold, or slime that doesn’t come off after cleaning. There are some recommendations to replace the shower head every year, while some say to replace after six months so that bacteria does not build up and cause the user harm.
Older models of shower heads may not be able to control pressure, because there is either a faulty flow restrictor or it’s missing one all together. Some models are designed to lower pressure by increasing the velocity of the water. However, then the pressure is too low to help create a relaxing and refreshing shower while still keeping water bills in check.
To upgrade the shower head, remove the old one by turning it counter clockwise. Once removed, it's necessary to clean off any rust, mineral deposits, or leftover tape or sealant to make the surface ready for the new one. Then screw the shower head replacement on the shower arm in a clockwise direction. Turn the water on and see if there are any leaks. If there are leaks, wrap with tape.