Are you looking to upgrade your shower head, but don’t know where to start?
Know our plumbing experts want you to understand the different types of shower heads. Of course, the shower is a very important thing for the Full Shower Set .
Here, you will learn about the different types of shower heads, their advantages and disadvantages, and hope to be able to determine which shower head is best for you.
More specifically, I will only emphasize the main shower head types, especially covering replacement shower heads that you can upgrade yourself in a few minutes.
*Note* You will really understand the differences, especially what manufacturers and other distributors don't want you to know. Let's go!
1. Fixed shower
Fixed shower heads, also known as wall-mounted shower heads, are found in most people's homes. It is simple, usually small in size, 5 inches or less in diameter. For those who just want a shower head without a lot of bells and whistles, this is the way to go.
If you want to be more fancy, you can look for a multifunctional fixed shower. Multi-function options allow you to change the spray pattern, usually ranging from a very concentrated massage setting to a more gentle wide spray setting.
2. Shower (rain shower and waterfall shower)
Although rain shower heads are essentially fixed shower heads, they are much larger in size. Starting from 6 inches, you can really increase the coverage of the shower. Coverage refers to the width of the spray water, which makes you feel warmer in the shower.
A. Install from the wall or ceiling
The shower head can be installed on the wall or ceiling. For wall-mounted installation, you can easily install it in a few minutes like most shower heads.
In other words, if you want to take full advantage of the ceiling-mounted rain shower head, you need to consult a plumber and/or contractor to pass the pipe through the ceiling during the shower. (That is, if you have not finished your work.)
But don’t worry, if you really want the experience of a rain shower head from the ceiling, but don’t have the time or money to complete the plumbing-there is still a reliable compromise.
That is of course by using the overhead shower arm. These shower arms extend 12 to 16 inches from your wall and sometimes even raise the height of the actual shower head. This allows you to stand under the shower as if it came from the ceiling.
In the United States, almost every shower head has the same connection, 1/2" NPT. This is the standard! As long as your shower arm pipe comes from the ceiling or wall, you can choose any shower head you want and connect your The shower head is installed wherever you want.
B. Single function and multi-function
One thing to remember is whether you should use a single function or multiple functions. Very simple, if you want to install the shower from the ceiling, choose a single function. This is because if your shower head is installed 3-4 feet above your head, it may be difficult to change the setting.
On the other hand, if you install the rain shower head from the wall or the ceiling is low, then the choice is yours. Do you just want a full flow, or do you prefer to adjust to a more concentrated spray? At The Shower Head Store, we focus on single-function sprays, and focus on the spray that really satisfies you the most-Rain Spray!
C. The larger the diameter, the smaller the pressure
According to the new water flow regulations, manufacturers limit the output of water to a maximum of 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM), which can be as low as 1.5 GPM for some true ecological performance shower heads.
This means that whether you choose an 8-inch shower head or a 12-inch shower head, you will get the same water output. It's not that bigger showers are not great, but if you prefer strong pressure, you need to keep this in mind. The rain is all about relaxing under the big water droplets, not being blown away by the concentrated spray.
You can consult a plumber or contractor at any time to see if the pressure on your house can be adjusted. These flows are usually based on 60 PSI, which means that if the pressure in your home is low, you will not even be able to get the full flow that has been restricted.
3. Hand shower
There is no doubt that the hand shower is the most popular shower type on the market. Whether you want to build a new shower room or just need to replace an existing shower head, this is a versatile choice.
Hand showers are usually sold in packages, which include a detachable hose and a bracket for installing the shower. You are free to leave the shower nozzle in place like a fixed shower nozzle, or remove it from the wall to wash soap on your body, clean the shower wall, fill a bucket outside the shower, or whatever purpose you might find.
These shower heads with detachable hoses are also very suitable for bathing children, as well as those who are recovering from injuries or need to sit on the shower bench. Simply pull the shower head from the wall and control the direction of water flow.
Know what you got
Although most hand-held shower heads are sold as a set, including all the required parts, there are still many options to buy only the shower head, which may not include hoses and brackets. Just check carefully with the manufacturer or distributor.
Upgrade your handheld shower hose
Most hand shower heads are equipped with a 60-inch (5 ft) hose. However, sometimes the length of the hose is too short, not flexible enough or you need a different color.
Likewise, as with most things related to shower heads, you can easily upgrade this part in a matter of minutes using most shower hoses on the market. If you buy shower heads and accessories in the United States, the connection size is also 1/2" NPT.
Without a doubt, the most important feature to look for is the material. I highly recommend the metal hose because it provides the flexibility and durability that a hand-held shower head expects. As for the length of the hose, it’s up to you, anything over 72 inches will be considered a standard upgrade.
4. Double shower
What happens when the handheld shower meets the fixed shower? The double shower is born! In fact, the company has become so creative now that there are even fixed shower heads with shower heads!
For those who are really looking for a great way to enhance their shower experience, this is the way to go. The good news is that these combination shower head kits usually come with all the mounting components. You will get fixed/rain shower heads, hand-held shower heads, hoses and diverter brackets.
Disadvantages of double shower
Similar to very large rain shower heads, the larger these two-in-one shower heads, the greater the pressure. Many people asked us at The Shower Head Store: "Can I use two shower heads at the same time?" Well, sometimes...you have to check the specifications to make sure this is the function you want.
Now, the downside. As of 2017, the highest flow rate you find on the market is 2.5 GPM. This means that if you run both fixed and hand-held shower heads at the same time, you will get 1.25 GPM from each shower head. This is because the restrictor is usually located in the diverter holder, rather than in a single shower head. Nevertheless, they are still very interesting, when you run one shower head at a time, they will provide you with a full 2.5 GPM flow.
5. Filter shower
Tired of dry skin or curly hair? You need to consider filtering shower heads. These shower heads greatly reduce the amount of chlorine, limescale and hard water passing through the shower head.
Depending on where you live, you may need this more than others. In places like Southern California, the water is particularly hard.
Not sure how the water accumulates in your area? View this map from the U.S. Geological Survey.
A. Precautions for filter shower head
If you are looking for other brands, make sure they are NSF certified. NSF is one of the most respected independent product testing organizations to ensure that manufacturers, and NSF has established strict standards for the safety and health of consumers.
Another thing to consider is purchasing replacement filters. It is recommended that you change the shower filter at most every 6 months. If your water is worse, or you have a larger household that uses shower heads, you will need to replace it more frequently. Companies like Crystal Quest have been around for a while, making it easier and more likely to find replacement filters when you need them in the future.
B. Add a filter without changing the shower head
Although there are many shower heads with built-in filters, you may want to keep your existing shower heads or upgrade to a different shower head. That's no problem.
You only need to connect this filter to your shower arm tube, and then you can connect any shower head you like to the thread at its end. It's easy!
In addition to the importance of the shower, Hot And Cold Faucet is also a very important thing, it can also improve your bathing happiness.
Now that you have some reliable information about different types of shower nozzles, it is time to decide which nozzle is best for you.
