You might imagine that people before the modern ages would stay unbothered about their hygiene, but it was never the case. Bathing has always been a significant part of our health since the early civilizations used waterfalls or streams to rid themselves of odor and dirt. Then around 300 BC, Greeks and Romans invented indoor bathing facilities, showers, and plumbing that resemble the structure we have now.
Today, most people shower daily to stay hygienic or even for stress relief. However, even an extensive shower can be unfulfilling if you have a leaky faucet, or the water pressure isn’t enough. Hence you need the right bathroom components, especially a good shower head.
What is a showerhead?
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A shower head is a plastic or steel structure that has perforated nozzles to distribute and spray water over a fixed or adjustable angle. It is usually placed over a person’s head for them to bath under it.
Typically, there are two main types of showerheads:
- Ceiling mounted showerhead: This type is usually fixed to a place in your bathroom, preferably near the ceiling. It does allow you to adjust the angle of the water spray within a specific limit
- Handheld showerhead: As evident by the name, these shower heads are meant for handheld usage and come with a metal hose. They allow a more flexible bathing experience and are also useful for directed water spray, e.g., for cleaning the bathroom
Modern shower heads are now split into many categories as per their functional designs. There are shower heads for RVs, rain showerheads, and even hybrid ones that can be used as a ceiling mounted shower head as well as a handheld showerhead.
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Can shower heads increase water pressure?
Many shower heads have an adjustable design that lets you control the outward water-flow with just a turn of the knob. You can choose from various settings that range from a hard massage to a soft water spray. However, there are several reasons your shower head is underperforming, so let’s dive right into it.
- Water restrictor: New showerheads usually come with a rubber or cardboard piece that restricts the flow of water. Make some holes in it or remove it entirely if you’re having pressure issues
- Old showerheads: Older shower heads have a high flow rate with a lower PSI. Investing in a showerhead with lower GPM can increase the pressure with the same plumbing
- Shower cleanup: Another reason for your shower to underperform is hard water or mineral deposits inside the shower. The perforated nozzles can accumulate substances to block the pathway, resulting in pressure decrease. Make sure to clean the nozzles with a strong cleaning agent regularly
Note that in the US, the law restricts to you use any shower head that delivers more than 2.5 gallons per minute. This practice is in place to save and manage water resources and make sure you abide by it.
Are there any showerheads that can save water?
Yes, newer shower heads provide you with an adequate amount of water-saving options. These options can be built-in or optional for the consumers and can help you save up to 13-liters per minute. According to watercalculator.org, conventional showerheads flow at 5 gallons per minute or more, whereas low-flow showerheads typically flow at 2.5 gallons per minute (or less!).
Note that leaky faucets play a significant role in your water usage, and it might amount to massive water wastage in the long run. A study suggests that approximately five to ten percent of US homes have easy-to-fix leaks that drip away 90 gallons a day or more. Make sure you replace your existing showerhead with a durable, non-leaky one to manage your water usage.
What is the best showerhead for my bathroom?
The best shower head for your bathroom is the one that’s durable, inexpensive, and above all, provides you with the water pressure you need. Many brands label their products as the best in the market, but it is rarely the case. However, there are some crucial features you must consider while purchasing the best shower head for your bathroom.
- Look for handheld sprayer as it proves to be more reliable and flexible
- Adjustable spray patterns are a must for a customized shower experience
- Choose a sleek style that fits your bathroom décor
- Make sure the showerhead is water economical and doesn’t have illegal GPM
- Lastly, it should provide sufficient pressure according to your needs.
How do I clean a showerhead?
Cleaning a shower head is a necessity as mineral build-up can significantly reduce your shower’s efficiency. You can use active cleaning agents to break down mineral deposits and unclog the pores of the showerhead. Here’s a step by step on how to do it:
- Remove the showerhead from the mount bracket
- Place it face-down inside a wide container
- Pour vinegar in the container until the face of the showerhead is immersed
- Leave the showerhead in the container for 30 minutes or overnight
- Take out the showerhead from the container, wash it and scrub the leftover residue with an old toothbrush
- Re-mount the showerhead onto the bracket and let the water run for a few minutes to clean out the internal residue.
Today, most new showers come with a self-cleaning design that prevents the pores from clogging and keeps them clean. However, they still require occasional rub-down to remove any substance on the handle or outside the pores.
How much do showerheads cost?
Typically, a showerhead could cost you as low as $25, and there’s no additional replacement cost. If you’re looking for a high-end product, you might find shower heads with lights, speakers, or even motion sensors for up to $300. However, the most expensive shower head might not be the best choice for you or your family.
Where do I purchase a showerhead?
You can visit the toiletry section of most grocery stores to purchase a showerhead for your new home or to replace the old one. You can also look and search for it on the internet and get it delivered to your home through an online vendor such as Amazon, Target, etc. However, the sheer variety of showerheads in the market might surprise you, and it can be challenging to make a decision. Hence, our researchers came up with a detailed buying guide that compares the best showerheads on Amazon.
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