Buying guide for best showerheads
People often don't think too much about their showerhead and just use whichever one comes with the shower. However, switching things up could give you a much more satisfying showering experience.
If you have low water pressure or think you would enjoy a range of spray settings, a new showerhead could be just what need, but how do you select the right one? The market boasts hundreds of models, and you need to narrow your choice down to one.
Should you replace your showerhead?
Before you begin your quest for a new showerhead, you might be wondering if it's time to replace yours. The answer is probably “yes." Of course, if your showerhead has damage, is leaking, has poor water flow, or is otherwise subpar, those issues might lead you to seek a replacement. However, many experts suggest replacing your showerhead every eight to twelve months.
As it turns out, showerheads are the perfect place for dangerous bacteria to grow and thrive. For example, the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) that grow on some showerheads can cause lung infections. Granted, these bacteria shouldn't cause too much of a problem for healthy individuals. But they pose a definite risk to people with weakened immune systems.
In short, it's best to err on the side of caution and replace your showerhead annually.
EXPERT CONSULTANT
Richard is a seasoned small business owner in the hardware industry. He also owns a pool maintenance business and serves as an advisor on groundskeeping committees for a number of prominent organizations. He’s a regionally renowned safe cracker/locksmith expert, and in his spare time, he renovates and repairs vaults, safes, appliances, and a number of other products.
Richard
Hardware Store Owner, Do-It-Yourself Guru
Showerhead types
Let's take a look at some of the most common showerhead types on the market:
Single-setting showerheads
Single-setting showerheads offer no choice in spray speed or settings; they’re either "on" or "off.” Some people consider these showerheads to be too basic, but others prefer a no-frills showerhead. They simply don't want or need any complicated settings.
Multi-setting showerheads
Multi-setting showerheads provide a range of spray settings from which to choose. Whether you want a strong, powerful shower or a gentle rain bath, this type of head allows you to tailor your bathing experience. The Culligan Filtered Shower Head in our product list offers five different settings, including a massage mode.
Multi-setting showerheads suit people who like to tinker with different shower pressures. They’re also great for households with multiple people, all of whom prefer different settings.
Rainfall showerheads
Rainfall showerheads are large — often eight or nine inches wide. The Moen Velocity on our shortlist is eight inches wide, and the Hansgrohe Raindance Downpour AIR Showerhead is a whopping ten inches wide. This type of head showers water down on you softly, like a gentle rain. It’s ideal if you like to feel the water covering your entire body at once but you're not married to the notion of a powerful flow.
Low-flow showerheads
Low-flow showerheads use a smaller amount of water than other types, yet they make you feel as though the flow is as strong as any out there. These products are as excellent as they are eco-friendly, and they could save you money on your water bill.
Speaker showerheads
Speaker showerheads combine a regular showerhead with a wireless speaker. Most of these products work via Bluetooth, so they'll pick up any Bluetooth-enabled device within a specified radius. You can play music from that device, and it will come out through the shower speaker.
Did you know?
The darkness, heat, and moisture of a shower stall is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. So change your showerhead at least once a year.
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Considerations
Fixed vs. handheld
Some showerheads fix directly to the wall. Other “handheld” models attach to a flexible hose.
Nozzle material
Some shower nozzles are made from the same metal as the main body of the showerhead. Others are made of plastic, rubber, or silicone.
Finish
Presumably, you want whatever showerhead you choose to match the finish of the hardware throughout the rest of the bathroom. The majority of bathroom hardware uses a chrome finish, but you can find fixtures with finishes of white, brushed nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze.
Ease of installation
Most showerheads are easy to install. However, there are showerheads on today’s market that are tricky to install, or your home may have non-standard plumbing. In these cases, you may wish to hire a professional plumber.
Expert Tip
There are two types of low-flow showerheads: aerating showerheads that mix air with water; and laminar-flow showerheads that separate jets of water.
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Price
Showerhead prices range from about $10 to several hundred dollars.
It's hard to judge a showerhead on price alone. A higher price tag doesn’t always equal a superior or more durable product. That said, a basic showerhead costing $50 or more is probably worth a look. If you want to enjoy a variety of spray settings or other features from a quality brand, however, you're probably looking at a cost closer to $100+.
FAQ
These are some of the most frequently asked questions by consumers about showerheads:
Q: What does GPM mean?
A: GPM stands for “gallons per minute,” and for our purposes, the measure refers to the output of the showerhead. As a rule, the higher the GPM, the stronger the water flow. However, as a water-saving measure, federal laws restrict the sale of showerheads with an output greater than 2.5 GPM.
Q: Will I need a plumber to install my new showerhead?
A: Showerheads are fairly easy to install if you're keeping the rest of the stall as is. Just follow the directions that come with your product. You’ll probably need an adjustable wrench and some plumber's tape.
Of course, if you don't feel comfortable doing the job yourself, a professional plumber could certainly handle it. It’s a small job that shouldn’t cost too much.
Q: How do I clean my limescale-clogged metal showerhead?
A: If your metal shower head is clogged with limescale and you’re not inclined to buy a new one, try this DIY treatment. Fill a strong plastic bag with at least one cup of white vinegar and some hot water. Securely attach the bag to the showerhead so the affected nozzle is immersed in the vinegar solution. Leave the bag there for several hours. The vinegar should disintegrate the build-up.
