Ultimate Guide to the Best Shower Heads of 2018:
Table of Contents
- Ultimate Guide to the Best Shower Heads of 2018:
- Best Shower Heads 2018 with Top Model Reviews
- Best Shower Head on the Market
- Best Shower Head under $200
- Best Shower Head under $100
- Best Budget Shower Head
- Best Cheap Shower Head
- Best Bluetooth Shower Head
- Best Rain Shower Head
- Best Wall Mounted Shower Head
- Best Dual Shower Head
- Best High Flow Shower Head
- Best Overhead Shower Head
- Most Powerful Shower Head
- Best Waterpik Shower Head
- Best Moen Shower Head:
- Best Delta Shower Head
- Our Ultimate Guide
- Best Shower Heads 2018 with Top Model Reviews
To help your search, we’ve created this page that contains all the best shower heads of 2018.
Looking for the best cheap shower head? We got it. Maybe you’re looking to spend a bit more, and you’re looking for the best budget shower head? Got that too.
Or maybe, you have a taste for luxury, and you’re looking for the best shower head on the market today, in 2018? Once again, we got your back. On this page, we reviewed 12 different types of shower heads, so check out our Table of Contents for the full list.
We hope you enjoy 2018’s best shower head reviews.
Best Shower Heads 2018 with Top Model Reviews
Below you’ll find 2018’s best showerheads.
If you’re using words like: old, weak-pressure, and dull to describe your current shower head … you’re going to LOVE our top-rated shower heads of the year!
Best Shower Head on the Market
Grohe Rainshower 210
Time to take a deep breath, and hold onto your seats, because we’re about to knock your socks off with this first shower head on our list.
Behold, the beautifully crafted Grohe Rainshower 210. This is our #1 SHOWER HEAD ON THE MARKET in 2018. If you’re all about the best of the best, this is for you.
There’s a TON of benefits with the Grohe Rainshower 210, but we’ll start with it’s superior coverage. The 120 easy-to-clean nozzles, plus the 8″ face, combine to create a monsoon-like downpour that can ease the tensions of the most stressful days.
Another benefit, this Grohe Rainshower 210 comes in 4 stunning finishes:
- Starlight Chrome (pictured)
- Oil Rubbed Bronze
- Polished Nickel
- Brushed Nickel
Lastly, and worth noting, installation is designed to be user friendly, so it only takes 5-10min. If you’re not the diy type, no worries, expert installation services are DEFINITELY offered.
Best Shower Head under $200
Moen S6320EP Velocity
If you’re looking for 2018’s best shower head for under $200, you’re going to FALL IN LOVE with the Moen S6320EP Velocity.
First, and important to note, this shower head from Moen has an 8″ face, that is covered with 100 easy-to-clean silicon nozzles. These combine to create a blanket-like water coverage, that can’t be replicated with cheaper & smaller shower heads.
Also, another benefit, the Moen S6320EP is fantastic when it comes to saving water. Due to it’s design, you won’t have to worry about weak water pressure, and at the same time, you’ll save on your water bills while helping the environment. Sounds great right?
Another plus, this Moen S6320EP comes in 3 awesome finishes:
- Chrome
- Brushed Nickel
- Oil-Rubbed Bronze
One last thing, the chrome finish is the under $200 option. The other finishes are slightly more expensive.
Best Shower Head under $100
Ana Bath SS5450CBN
If you’re looking for the best shower head for under $100, we think the Ana Bath SS5450CBN is an absolute home run.
The Ana Bath SS5450CBN is a fixed + handheld shower head, that really goes above and beyond when it comes to the showering experience.
The best thing about this shower head is – both heads actually – since they come stocked with 5 spray patterns each:
- Rain
- Massage
- Rain + Massage
- Bubbling
- Bubbling + Rain
Also, we love that the nozzles are made with easy-to-clean silicon. This is a MUST HAVE feature if you’re spending around $100.
Another feature worth noting is the 3-way diverter. This is a key component that helps the Ana Bath SS5450CBN dispense water through the handheld shower head, fixed shower head, and both simultaneously.
Ultimately, with the Ana Bath brushed nickel shower head, you’re getting an incredible value for the price.
Best Budget Shower Head
Speakman S-2005-HB
If you’re a … what we like to call, “A Value Hunter” … look no further than the Speakman S-2005-HB.
Speakman is among the best and most traditional brands of shower heads, and this model specifically is quite popular, from gyms to hotels and most standard lodging places. The S-2005-HB is quite compact, a fine wall-mounted shower head.
It includes the Anystream 360 patented technology that enables a full body spray spread of water and a versatile performance for up to 5 different adjustments of spray patterns, including a focused strong massage jet spray.
The adjustment can be set easily with the leveler.As it is made of sturdy durable plastic, the price is quite much more accessible than metallic models.
It is a 2 to 2.5 gpm water consumption and includes a limited lifetime warranty.
Best Cheap Shower Head
Kohler K-10282-CP
If you’re looking for the best cheap shower head of 2018, we love the Kohler K-10282-CP.
The Kohler K-10282-CP brings you industry leading quality from one of the biggest shower head manufacturers today, without breaking the bank. This model is a single function wall-mounted shower head, and it provides strong water pressure from it’s focused jets on it’s 5.5inch head.
Important to note, even though this Kohler shower head is cheap in price, that doesn’t mean it sacrifices quality when it comes to spray patterns. In fact, the Kohler K-10282-CP has “Katalyst Air-Induction Technology,” which infuses each droplet with air, making them heavier, and better for retaining water temperature.
The Kohler K-10282-CP comes in three different brushed metallic finishes: nickel, chrome, and bronze. Lastly, and worth mentioning, the Kohler K-10282-CP has a 2.5 gpm flow rate.
Best Bluetooth Shower Head
Kohler K-9245-CP
Its tough to see in the picture, but this shower head from Kohler has a removable Bluetooth speaker that syncs with (R)-enabled devices including smart phones, mp3 players, laptops, and tablets. It has a range of up to 32 feet.
The water resistant bluetooth speaker pops in and out of the shower head, and is charged using micro USB, that also comes with the shower head (but isn’t pictured).
How does it sound though? Glad you asked. The bass on this speaker, and clarity, both top notch of the industry.
Lastly, and also important to note, is that this Kohler K-9245-CP doesn’t sacrifice shower quality, for sound quality.
It has an impressive 60 angled nozzles that provide a full range of coverage.
Best Rain Shower Head
AKDY AZ6021 Rain Style
If you’re looking for the best rain shower head of 2018, not including the more expensive models we’ve already reviewed above (Hansgrohe/Moen), you’ll love the AKDY AZ6021.
This elegant and minimalist rain shower comes with a sleek squared design, all made in plastic, making it also quite affordable, even though it is finished on polished chrome to make it even more refined and impressive for modern decor sets.
The shower head is 8 squared inch wide and works with a normal water flow stream, and while you can adjust it to work on higher pressure, you can handle the head to provide a specific angle as the stream is not weak and can produce direct straight jets.
Above all, this model is also an economic one, with 2.5 gpm of water consumption.
Best Wall Mounted Shower Head
Culligan WSH-C125
While this Culligan model is one of the most accessible of our list, is offers some of the best features that no other models here have for you. If you live in cities where water is not that trust-worthy even for showering, a good model with a filtering system is a must have.
The Culligan WSH-C125 model already comes with a filter system embedded in the shower head, and it will filter excessive chlorine from the water, scale and many other impurities and toxins.As a plus, this shower head has 5 different spray patterns, from a powerful jet stream to a smooth full body spray.
After 10000 gallons of water consumed, you have to replace the filter for a new one, so around every 6 months is time for a new filter. This is a standard time ratio considering most filter available in the market.You can buy filter separately and attach them to any shower head.
You can check our extra section after the reviews to know how to get a filter attachment and how they work.
Best Dual Shower Head
Ana Bath Anti-Clog Dual Showerhead
If you’re looking for 2018’s best dual shower head, look no further than this Ana Bath Dual Showerhead.
When you’re looking for a multi head shower, there’s 2 key points to keep in mind.
First, you have to make sure that the fixed shower head is top quality. With this Ana Bath dual shower head system, we love that this shower head has 5 different spray modes, and as it’s name suggests, they’re anti-clog nozzles.
Who likes to clean limescale and hard water deposits? Not me. Probably not you either.
Second, and also important to note, you have to make sure the hand held shower head portion is also the best on the market. With this Ana Bath model, we’re happy to confirm that the handheld portion of the shower system is the best you’ll find around.
How many dual shower heads have 5 spray modes? Not many. Then, out of all the dual shower heads on the market today, how many can say their handheld portion ALSO has 5 spray modes? The answer would be … even less.
Best High Flow Shower Head
Aqua Elegante 3″
If you’re looking for 2018’s best high flow shower head on the market, you’ve hit the jackpot with the Aqua Elegante 3″ Shower Head.
The 3″ shower head from Aqua Elegante earns our top spot because of its unique ability to boost the pressure in your shower. So how does it accomplish this?
Glad you asked. The key is the removable flow restrictor.
Once you remove the flow restrictor … BOOM. Your shower is going to feel brand new. This 3″ Aqua Elegante packs quite the punch.
We also love that the Aqua Elegante shower head is super easy to install. Simply twist off your old shower head, and twist on the Aqua Elegante. Took less than 3min. Amazingly quick for such a huge improvement!
Enjoy!
Best Overhead Shower Head
SR SUN RISE Ultra Thin 12″ Rainfall
Our favorite overhead shower of 2018 goes to the SR SUN RISE Ultra Thin 12″ Rainfall Shower Head.
If the Hansgrohe 27474001 (“The Best Shower Head on the Market”), was too expensive for you, the SR SUN RISE shower head is an excellent alternative.
Right off the bat you’ll notice the high quality 304 stainless steal, that is ten layer chrome plated. This creates an incredibly modern, and sleek look to your bathroom.
We love that the SR SUN RISE shower head is coated in nozzles that are made with silicon. This makes them super easy to clean. This is important because you want to avoid limescale, and hard water build up.
Also, we love that this overhead shower head has an adjustable arm (not pictured). This is important for creating the perfect angle for your shower set up.
Most Powerful Shower Head
Speakman Anystream S-2252
If you’re looking for the most powerful shower head on the market in 2018, the Speakman Anystream S-2252 takes the cake.
We’ve reviewed other high flow shower heads, but the Speakman is the most powerful, in our view, due to it’s superior coverage. Its’ superior coverage is provided by the 48 individual streams on the 6 adjustable plungers, and head face.
This Speakman Anystream S-2252 has 3 different spray modes. The 3 modes are “Intense,” “Rain,” and “Flood.” The “Intense” mode was our favorite in particular. This created the most powerful shower we’ve experienced in 2018.
Best Waterpik Shower Head
Waterpik FlexNeck – with Power Spray – Chrome Shower Head
Waterpik has been making quality shower heads for over 11 years, and in 2018, they’re still one of the hottest brands around.
By popular demand, we’ve selected our favorite Waterpik shower head of 2018, the Waterpik FlexNeck in chrome.
Waterpik has a TON of options when it comes to shower heads, but the FlexNeck in chrome reigns supreme due to its rare versatility.
The 18″ FlexNeck does a fantastic job at bending to the angle you desire, whether that’s above like a rain shower head, or maybe to the side when you’re cleaning your shower walls.
To add to it’s versatility, this Waterpik flexible shower head comes with 6 awesome spray modes. Our favorites … we have 2. First, is the “Full Body + Power Spray,” which is the strongest, and widest coverage. Second, we loved the “Water Saving Trickle” spray mode, as it’s perfect for quick showers designed to save energy.
Lastly, and worth noting, this Waterpik showerhead comes with a Limited Lifetime Factory Warranty, so that’s a huge plus in our books as well.
Best Moen Shower Head:
Moen Magnetix Shower Head
Moen has been a leader in the shower industry for over 14 years, since it’s birth in 2004.
Today, in 2018, they’re still as popular as ever.
Our favorite shower head from Moen, this year, is the Moen Magnetix Handheld Shower Head. Most handheld shower heads today do not come with magnets to hold them firmly in place, but rather, they come with hostlers, that you have to lift and slide in place.
The Moen Magnetix saves you the hassle of trying to re-rack your shower head while there’s shampoo in your hair, and your eyes closed. Simply reach out in the general vicinity of the base, then … SNAP! You’re back in place.
Also, and worth noting, this Moen Magnetix comes with 6 different spray modes, making this magnetic shower head wonderfully customizable.
Best Delta Shower Head
Delta 3-Spray Touch Clean – Venetian Bronze
Delta is no stranger to the shower industry, so to make our list more complete, we had to select our favorite of 2018!
This year, we love Delta’s 3-Spray Touch Clean Shower Head.
To start, this Delta shower head comes in 7 fantastic finishes:
- Venetian Bronze
- Aged Pewter
- Champagne Bronze
- Chrome
- Chrome/Polished Brass
- Polished Brass
- Stainless
If you’re having trouble matching your current shower faucet finish with your new shower head, this is a PERFECT option. With the wide variety of finishes, you’re surely to find something that goes well with your bathroom design.
Also, and worth mentioning, this Delta shower head comes equipped with 3-spray modes: Full Body, Massaging, and Drenching.
Lastly, this Delta shower head has a standard flow rate of 2.5 gpm.
Our Ultimate Guide
If you’ve looked through our list, and you’re still not sure which shower head to pick in 2018, keep reading, we’ve got a lot more to show you. Don’t risk wasting your hard-earned money on a low-quality shower head that might break within the first year. Instead, do your RESEARCH, and ensure you get a HUGE return on your investment. You won’t regret it.
At this point in your search, you’re probably wondering things like:
- What are the different types of shower heads?
- What finishes are available?
- What are the different spray modes?
- Which shower heads are water saving?
- Who are the top 4 most popular brands?
- How to install your shower head?
We’ll answer all those questions, and MORE.
Types of Shower Heads
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Rain Shower Heads
This is the blue print of showers in general, the first type of shower and the most simple of all them mimics the rain fall: low pressure water (or no pressure at all) falling vertically over your head and body. Rain showers often have quite wide heads and work with a very smooth and natural water stream, some are almost droplets of water streaming fast.
Most importantly, rain showers are steady shower heads, they provide just the vertical rain spray and can’t be adjusted to provide other different sprays. On the other hand, even though they don’t rely on pressure systems, the higher the flow of water you adjust, the higher will be the pressure, in the head, specially if the head is small or quite slim, so the jet can provide a harsher spray depending on how you control the water stream during the showering.
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Top-Mount Shower Heads
They are similar to rain showers but, instead being an extension from pipes on the wall, the top-mount shower head works like a ceiling light, installed quite close to the ceiling. This is an ultimate trend that, either benefits people quite tall, as well as it provides, optionally, a harsher rain shower experience as the water stream falls heavier. This kind of shower is more reinvigorating and it is stimulating. Some models also can provide a high-pressure jet stream, for those who want an even more stimulating jet of water.
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High-Pressure Wall-mount Shower Heads
The wall-mount shower heads are the second standard showers these days as they offer the best of both worlds when it comes to water spray. Different from the rain showers, these shower heads were developed to offer a harsher spray with two goals: saving water as the shower head is much smaller and focusing the potential of the water to shower your body, clean and also massage. Most wall-mounted shower heads have a standard high pressure shower head mechanism but for a while many brands are developing multi-adjustment water streams, so you can set the shower head for a smoother jet or a customized stream pattern. The last one is developed on high-tech latest models that digitally create a specific pattern of water stream to make the jet of water slide through your body.
From the wall-mounted technologies also comes the body spa shower panels that can deploy the same kind of massaging mechanism with several different heads, all installed along the wall like a panel that provides different water spray heads.
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Handheld Shower Heads
As a general definition, handheld shower heads are shower heads with hoses, often used for saving water, and directing the water flow in a focused direction.
Handheld shower heads work perfect for washing pets, cleaning your shower, and taking quick GREEN showers.
Just like the rain shower, the pressure and harshness of the water spray depends on how strong is the water flow you adjust but, since they have quite small heads and designed to be held, the pressure of the spray will have a much wider variation. On the other hand, some models come with mechanisms to work with high pressure system, just like the wall-mount shower heads, and some of these latest models can provide different adjustments of spray, as well as some fancy, state of art features, like LED lights, for chromotherapy enthusiasts or, simply, a beautiful decor set for your bathroom during the showering.
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Sliding bar Shower Heads
The sliding bar is not that much different from the handheld shower head, but it is actually designed to work mostly affixed in the wall, sliding through a vertical bar that will make the shower highly customizable for many different people, based on their height. Kids can have a shower closer to their heads and quite tall people don’t need to dodge anymore the affixed shower heads. Plus, you can as well detach the shower head and use it as a handheld shower.
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High-Tech Shower Heads: LED Shower Heads
As we mentioned before, the latest shower models are implementing LED lights into the shower heads for many different reasons, like aesthetics, ambience and even chromotherapy. The idea is not weird or silly at all as there were many bath tub systems with lightning displays to provide the same kind of relaxing/stimulating/contemplative results. The nice thing about LED shower heads is the fact they are replicas of many renowned, standard models, only with the additional of the LED lights as a plus.
The lights will turn on either by a battery system you have to replace from time to time or a turbine mechanism that converts the pressure of the water into energy to light up the shower head. Some models have a random switch of colors, others are manually adjustable. Once you got the LED shower head, all you have to do is to manually replace the standard shower head of your shower for the LED one.
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Shower Heads with Bluetooth Speakers
One more feature that comes to create ambience and relaxation, shower heads with Bluetooth speakers are getting quite popular in the last years. As everybody is already so attached to their phones, they can also provide some extra functionality when you are showering: music. Since smartphones are better off away from water, steam, moist, you can stream music from your phone while it is in your room or any other adjacent room, depending how far goes the range of the Bluetooth in the shower head speaker. Most importantly, many models comes with some really cool speakers that can really set a shower party over your head.
Types of Fixture Finish
While there will be many different and exquisite designs for each of the shower head types, one important thing to take into consideration is the finish of the shower fixture.
There are many different options of metallic finish in the market, but all them are, for sure, metal, but you certainly will not be let down by a lack of variation to match the decor of your bathroom.
Some of the most commonly used in the market these days are following:
- Polished metals: chrome, nickel, bronze, brass and stainless steel are the most common metal materials with this reflective feature. Some polished metals can also come covered on metallic paint finish in various colors.
- Brushed metals: bronze, nickel and many yellowish alloys are really great on brushed finishing if you are looking for something resembling an aged copper or gold. While is much more common to see this kind of finishing in antique alike themed showers, they are not uncommon throughout shower sets overall.
- Hammered metals: This is a step ahead on a vintage touch for your bathroom. The hammered finish also provides an antique touch to the pipes, but is much more uncommon than other finishing and also can be hard to clean as the surface is quite irregular. Some noble metals like silver are also available in very fancy shower models.
Spray Patterns of Shower Heads
When you’re choosing the spray patterns you want for your shower head, there’s several types to look out for.
These days, in 2018, shower head companies are going NUTS with spray patterns, so it’s wise to do your research, and avoid outdated models.
We’ll go over the types of spray patterns to look for in detail below. Let’s get to it.
Rain Spray or Regular Spray
This is the common running water with low pressure or no pressure at all flowing through the nozzles. The rain spray is the standard showering water stream, sometimes it can be quite smooth and gentle, others more pressurized and “jetty”, but they never too hard, remaining closer to their main goal: to mimic the rain.
Jet Spray
The jet spray is the standard jet of high pressure water provided by most wall-mounted shower headsand it is, likewise, replicated on handheld and slide bar types that offer multi-adjustment where high pressure can work.
Jet sprays are strong and incisive, they often have a therapeutic output but may be too harsh for some people.
In general, flow of water is reduced as half of the nozzles are closed, providing a focused and strong jet spray.
Massage Spray
This spray pattern is a variation of the jet stream, but it works with a specific digital setting that really creates a sliding pattern over your body.
The massage spray in general flows through a specific singular nozzle that will point and rotate a high-pressure jet stream of water over your body.
Full Body Spray
A high-pressure version of the rain shower, the full body is the open jet stream of wall mounted showers and similar shower heads.
With this adjustment, the high pressure is reduced as all nozzles of the shower head are opened and streaming water. Still, the water spray here is stronger and more incisive than the rain shower and it cover the whole body as the spray works on full wide range.
Aeration Spray
Just like happens with many faucets, the aeration spray is provided by shower heads that include a pipe grid or fixed nozzles. This building makes the water stream interpolate with the air creating micro bubbles.
This spray is also known as champagne spray as it mimics the champagne foam and is one of the gentlest of the sprays, as well as one of the most economic, since there is a lot of air involved in the output of the water stream. This kind of spray is really pleasant for sensitive skin, works like a smooth caress and can be as relaxing as a strong massaging jet.
Mist spray
Also available on shower heads with multi-adjustment of patterns, the mist spray works like a turbo sprinkler where the droplets are really micro droplets. The nozzles are barely opened, so very few water can get out, and the pressure is high.
The result is a cloud of micro droplets floating like a refreshing mist. The mist spray is a good transition from very hot to cold, to avoid showering on warm water after a sun bath, for example, as well as to do not face the unpleasant shock of cold water with the body heated, the mist provides a middle ground quite refreshing and gentle, smooth, gradual.
If you opt to use hot water, you can as well create an improved sauna inside your shower stall if it is enclosed.
Shower Head Water Consumption: Discussing Environmental Consciousness and Money Saving
When you are looking for good shower heads you will easily bump into the term “gpm”, which stands for “gallons per minute”. This is total amount of water that your shower is delivering every minute, and the bigger it is, the more you waste.
Older showers used to waste a lot of water, with a rate of 5 to 8 gpm. This is A LOT of water thrown away, 50 to 80 gallons for a quicky 10 minutes shower. These days most brands develop their shower heads following a 2 to 2.5 gpm standard as water waste is really not a reality people are willing to afford, specially because it is not even cheap in most places in the world.
Buying a good shower is also about buying an economic one. So, while you can do the math by yourself, here are some standards of what is considered wasty or economic:
- 1 to 2 gpm – very economic spray stream. Most models that come with this ratio of consumption are high-pressure shower heads but they will usually have small shower head discs. You will not get a full body spray experience, but you surely will save a lot of water.
- 2 to 2.5 gpm – standard economic spray stream. The latest shower head models all have this ratio of consumption, some you can even adjust how much water you will consume as you increase pressure or water flow. Most models includes in the reviews of this section are working with this standard.
- 2.5 to 3 gpm – moderate spray stream. Often shower heads that are quite large and with an average to moderate water pressure are included in this category. Some models also may come with and adjustment to reduce the amount of water to very low ratios.
- 3 gpm and beyond – costly spray stream. Quite vintage and old fashioned shower heads still provide this kind of wasty spray stream. The body spa shower panels are often included in this category too though mostly because they have several different shower heads.
In America, when you are shopping for shower heads, you can always check if the product is WaterSense certified. WaterSense is a program that was created by the EPA in 2006.
When some areas of the United States were going through historical periods of drought, the EPA released a study where it was evident there was a water waste in most American homes, specifically their showers.
The WaterSense certification ensures that the product will consume less than 2.0 gpm, hence good water efficiency.
If you do not find showers with the WaterSense certification, don’t worry, most shower heads on our list that we selected consume 2.5 gpm or less.
Top 4 Shower Head Brands
Here’s our top 4 shower head brands to look out for in 2018. If you care about buying quality products, these brands have our stamp of approval.
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Kohler
Probably the most renowned brand of shower heads and showers in general in America, at least, Kohler started its business in the 19th century manufacturing bath tubs in America.
During the post-war boom of industrialization, showers started to be a great deal and Kohler was one of the first of its kind to jump into the boat and produce pioneer showers.
These days their lines of showers excels easily their bathtub production. They have a great variety of shower heads and developed a lot of pioneering technologies for this market, so is always good to check their latest models if you are looking for state of art models.
- Moen
The American brand founded in the late ’50s started their business producing high quality faucets, they invented the one-handed faucets that would follow the modern world where hot water in the sink would not require two handlers or a wider counter.
Their innovative and functional technologies in fixtures would easily extend to the showers’ field. These days they are a top brand of showers in America and worldwide.
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Speakman
This brand is also an ancient one with over 150 years of tradition. Speakman was founded by the English family of same name in America in Washington, focused on the production of plumbing systems of all kinds.
They also did contribute to the production of the modern shower as we know it these days as the brand was pioneer on developing wall-mounted showers. Their patented inclined, bell-shaped shower head wall-mounted is reference for most showers of this kind as this is one of the most common and recognized shower heads types in the whole world.
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Ana Bath
A brand in the rise and not out of reason, Ana Bath was founded in the mid ’90s and is today one of the best budget options highly focused on shower technologies.
They have several different shower head models, kits and all sort of bathroom tools as they expanded their business to bathroom plumbing these days. They also have LED light models on the rise and are well renowned for their fine quality on shower heads in general.
BONUS #1: 3 DIY Shower Head How-To’s
Hopefully, thus far, we’ve been able to show you a collection of shower heads that are worthy of your attention in 2018. In this section, we’ll detail 3 DIY shower head tips to help you after your purchase.
DIY#1: How to Change a Shower Head
Here’s what you’ll need, and our step-by-step guide on: how to change a shower head.
What you’ll need:
- Teflon Tape / Plumbing Tape
- 2 Towels
- Adjustable Wrench
- New Shower Head
Step-by-step guide – how to change a shower head:
- Place 1 towel over drain
- Wrap other towel around shower arm, grab firmly around with adjustable wrench
- Remove old shower head by hand, twisting counter clockwise
- Remove old tape / residue from threads
- Wrap threads with teflon tape (pictured)
- Gently screw on new shower head
- Check for leaks
DIY#2: How to Clean a Shower Head
If you keep your shower head always clean, you will get a long standing life out it and most importantly, will not have to make great efforts to clean the nozzles and keep the water flow running adequately. The nozzles will get obstructed with time depending where you live.
Hotter places like tropical zones will often face more issues with the deposits of shower algae, those green streams and spots that are quite unpleasant to see. While it is not too common to see them in the nozzles, that might happen in your shower head if the ambient is too moist.
In big cities on the other hand, limescale deposits are the worst enemy and even harder to cope with as they are the result of calcification on the water. To get rid of both scenarios, you can make a solution of water and vinegar and, for the algae, you can optionally use bleach to disinfect it completely.
You can either screw off the nozzles disc and imbue it in the solution for one day or so, or you can pour that solution into a plastic bag and tie it around the shower head. After the immersive bath, scrub the nozzles and let the shower run for some minutes to clean it up completely.
DIY#3: Improving the Pressure
Many households, where the bathroom is in the second floor, may experience a poor water pressure due to the fact the water flows from the water tank of the house in that same floor.
Most shower sets these days come with the water restrictor to make that scenario even worse. In these cases, you can remove this restrictor to have an adequate water flow for your shower and so increase the pressure.
To find the water restrictor however is a task that can be quite simple or quite complicated depending on the shower head you are dealing with. Most wall-mounted and rain showers have the restrictor affixed right before the shower head itself in the entrance of the pipe.
All you have to do is to detach the shower head and remove it with a screwdriver or knife (but be careful). For hand held and slide bar showers that are attached to hoses, the scenario is a bit more complicated as you have to dig inside the hose. Check the manual of the shower to understand where exactly everything is placed to do not damage anything you don’t want to but, in theory, all water restrictors are removable.
BONUS #2: Other Options of Upgrade
After successfully replacing your old shower head, give yourself a pat on the back, good job! The bathroom remodel of your dreams is now so close you can taste it. For your convenience, here’s a list of additional items to help complete your new remodel.
- Towel warmers: a great addition to keep your towels clean and free from mold, bacteria and any other infecting elements from the air.
- Bathroom exhaust fans: for bathrooms that do not have sealing systems and suffer from excessive moist.
- Sinks: match the design of your bathroom with sinks of all kinds: wall mount and under mount, pedestal sinks, self-rimming and vessels.
- Bidet toilet seats: if you got the space, bring one of the best bathroom upgrades that should have never been gone out of trend in the industry.
- Bathtubs: from acrylic to freestanding, walk-in, drop-in, alcove and corner bathtubs, they can match your shower and turn into a second option for the washing ritual.
- Bathroom scales: keep your bathroom as private as possible, check your weight indoor where no one will be able to see.
- Bathroom vanities: all that plumbing requires some beautiful set of cabinets and counters.
Summing it Up
You made it! Now that you’ve completed your research, you’re well prepared to upgrade your old shower head with confidence! Don’t waste your time, and money, installing a low-quality shower head that might break within the year. Instead, get a HUGE return on your investment with one of our recommended shower heads.
We hope you were able to learn something new on our page about shower heads, through our reviews, and purchase guide. Thanks for reading, and happy showering!
Resources:
- http://yourenergysavings.gov.au/water/water-home-garden/water-efficient-appliances-fixtures/install-water-efficient-showerheads
- https://www.epa.gov/watersense/showerheads
- https://energy.gov/energysaver/water-heating/reduce-hot-water-use-energy-savings
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shower
