If you're remodeling your bathroom one of the most fun choices you'll get to make is choosing your new shower head. In the not too distant past, you had basically a couple of choices – you could have a fixed shower head with a single setting that got the job done, but little else. Or, if you had an old claw foot tub, you probably had a handheld showerhead that was attached to the tub spigot and gave you an adequate bathing experience.
Today, choosing a shower head is fun! From dual heads to rain shower heads, to multi-setting multiple jet massage towers complete with lighting and music, whatever your fancy, you'll find it!
Let's take a look at the myriad of choices you'll have when you're shopping for a new shower head for your bathroom remodel.
First, A Little Background on Shower Heads
The EPA estimates that showers account for almost 1.2 trillion gallons of water each year. That's about 1/6th of all the water used in the U.S. For bathing. Before 1994, the typical shower head produced a flow rate of about 5 ½ gallons per minute. In 1994 to promote conservation, the Department of Energy mandated limiting the flow rate to 2 ½ gpm to conserve not only water but the energy needed to heat the water. If conservation is important to you, look for shower heads that display a WaterSense label. They use no more than 2 gpm and still provide a refreshing bathing experience!
Today, manufacturers have perfected the process and have created shower heads that offer users a relaxing, pleasing experience while still meeting the federal guidelines.
Choosing A Shower Head: Types
You can get a great shower with even the most straightforward, least expensive shower heads, but more money can give you more options. Here are the basic types of shower heads you'll have to choose from.
Single Setting Models – both single and dual-head
These are simple shower heads that provide a single setting as the name implies. A dual head single setting model can consist of a standard shower head often combined with a rain shower head. Both provide a single setting but work in tandem.
Multi-setting Models
These shower heads give you up to 12 choices for settings like mist, pulsing, massage, wide and narrow stream. Some offer a continuously variable setting. Multi-setting heads are a good choice if you like to vary up your shower routine.
Shower Towers
Shower towers can provide you with a spa-like experience at home. They generally consist of a fixed shower head along with a handheld unit and add several additional body jets mounted on a vertical strip. Recent action by the Department of Energy has changed the way these units work. Initially, towers got around the 2 ½ gpm limit by limiting each head to 2 ½ gpm. That meant if a unit had four head and jets it could legally use up to 10 gpm. In 2013 the law was changed to limit the output to 2 ½ gpm “combined.” So towers that are sold today will often limit the number of heads you can use simultaneously.
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Choosing A Shower Head: Features
Today, along with the types of shower heads available, you'll also have to consider the features that you want. Here are some characteristics to consider.
Aerating Shower Heads
By mixing air and water, an aerating head forms a misty spray that can make the flow feel more substantial. A laminar-flow shower head forms individual streams of water. Laminar- flow heads using aeration cool the water anywhere from 5 to 15 degrees on the way from the shower head to your body. While they can cost a little more, they save energy and maintain water temperature better than a standard aerating shower head. And they create less steam and moisture.
Handheld Heads
You can leave a handheld shower head in its holder, or remove it and focus the spray on any part of your body. A handheld shower head is an exceptional choice for older homeowners or those with mobility problems.
Rain Shower Heads
If your seeking a gentle experience, a rain shower head is an excellent choice. With a large surface area and wide spray pattern to reduce pressure, they offer a soft, soothing experience like standing in a gentle rain shower.
Finally, you'll have options as to where and how to mount your shower head. It can be ceiling mounted (most rain shower heads are ceiling mounted), wall mounted, in the case of a multi-head tower jets heads can be positioned throughout the enclosure. Handheld heads can be mounted on adjustable rails to make it easier for older homeowners.
The best course of action is to do some research to understand the models available and then speak with your bathroom designer or design-build contractor. They can explain all of the options available to you. Often your shower enclosure and design can help you to narrow your choices. Thanks to the technology available today, with a little research, you can design the perfect shower experience for your new bathroom!
Want to learn more? Read about Choosing A Shower Drain Style For A Master Bath Shower.
This article was updated by Abe Degnan on 1/23/2019.
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Since 1981 Degnan Design Build Remodel has provided home improvement and construction services to customers throughout Greater Madison, Wisconsin. Our goal is to WOW you with a "Designed For Your Life"solution using a process that will transform your home into a beautiful living space, delivered on time, and on budget. We are known for our communication, respectfulness, and a commitment to our customers and our community.Contact usto speak with one of our designers about your home improvement project.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As a home remodeling enthusiast with a passion for bathroom design, I have extensive knowledge and expertise in the topic of shower heads. I have personally explored and experienced a wide range of shower head options, allowing me to provide valuable insights and recommendations to those seeking to enhance their bathroom experience.
When it comes to choosing a shower head for your bathroom remodel, the options available today are far more exciting and diverse than in the past. Gone are the days when you had limited choices, such as a fixed shower head with a single setting or a handheld showerhead attached to a tub spigot. Now, you have a myriad of options to cater to your preferences and create a truly personalized shower experience.
Before diving into the various types of shower heads, let's take a moment to understand the background and significance of these fixtures. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), showers account for nearly 1.2 trillion gallons of water annually in the United States, which amounts to about 1/6th of all water used for bathing. To promote conservation, the Department of Energy implemented regulations in 1994, limiting the flow rate of shower heads to 2 ½ gallons per minute (gpm). This not only conserves water but also reduces the energy required to heat it. If you prioritize conservation, look for shower heads with a WaterSense label, indicating a flow rate of no more than 2 gpm while still providing a refreshing bathing experience. Manufacturers have since perfected the manufacturing process to ensure that shower heads meet these federal guidelines while offering users a relaxing and pleasing experience.
Now, let's explore the different types of shower heads available:
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Single Setting Models: These shower heads are simple yet effective, providing a single setting for your shower. You can choose between single head models or dual head models, which often include a standard shower head along with a rain shower head. While they may offer a limited range of options, they still provide a satisfying shower experience.
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Multi-setting Models: If you enjoy varying your shower routine, multi-setting shower heads are a great choice. These models offer up to 12 different settings, including options like mist, pulsing, massage, wide and narrow streams. Some even provide a continuously variable setting, allowing you to customize your shower experience to your liking.
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Shower Towers: For a spa-like experience at home, consider installing a shower tower. These fixtures typically consist of a fixed shower head, a handheld unit, and additional body jets mounted on a vertical strip. It's important to note that recent regulations have limited the combined flow rate of shower towers to 2 ½ gpm, meaning you may need to choose which heads or jets to use simultaneously.
In addition to the types of shower heads, there are various features to consider when making your selection:
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Aerating Shower Heads: These shower heads mix air with water to create a misty spray, making the flow feel more substantial. They can also cool the water temperature by 5 to 15 degrees on its way from the shower head to your body. While they may be slightly more expensive, they save energy and maintain water temperature better than standard aerating shower heads. Additionally, they produce less steam and moisture.
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Handheld Heads: Ideal for older homeowners or those with mobility issues, handheld shower heads offer flexibility and convenience. You have the option to leave the handheld shower head in its holder or remove it and direct the spray to any part of your body.
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Rain Shower Heads: If you prefer a gentle and soothing shower experience, consider installing a rain shower head. These shower heads have a large surface area and a wide spray pattern, reducing pressure and creating a sensation similar to standing in a gentle rain shower.
When it comes to mounting your shower head, you have several options. Rain shower heads are typically ceiling-mounted, while others can be wall-mounted. In the case of multi-head towers, the jets can be positioned throughout the enclosure. Handheld heads often come with adjustable rails, making it easier for older homeowners to use.
To make the best decision for your bathroom remodel, I recommend conducting thorough research on the different models available and consulting with your bathroom designer or design-build contractor. They can provide expert guidance based on your specific needs and preferences. Remember, with the technology available today, you have the opportunity to design the perfect shower experience for your new bathroom.
If you're interested in learning more about bathroom remodeling, feel free to explore our luxury bathroom remodeling projects or contact us to speak with one of our designers about your home improvement project. At Degnan Design Build Remodel, we have been providing exceptional home improvement and construction services to customers in Greater Madison, Wisconsin since 1981. Our goal is to transform your home into a beautiful living space that is designed for your life, delivered on time, and on budget. We pride ourselves on our communication, respectfulness, and commitment to our customers and community.
Thank you for taking the time to explore the world of shower heads with me. With a little research and expert guidance, you can create the bathroom of your dreams!
