We all spend a lot of time in the shower, whether we're there to reflect on life, sing some tunes, or get ready for a big evening out. Do you even know which type of showerhead you have? Is it the right one for you and your family?
We will be covering the most popular types of showerheads and breaking them down into their pros.
1. Wall-Mounted
Wall-mounted shower heads are the most popular type in Australian homes. Wall-mounted showerheads are just like their name implies, they are mounted to your bathroom's wall.
Wall-mounted showerheads are the most affordable. They are easy to install and require little maintenance.
Some showers can be mounted on walls and have adjustable spray patterns. This allows you to personalize your shower experience.
Wall-mounted showerheads often come with an adjustable arm that can be adjusted to accommodate people of different heights. There aren't many options for wall-mounted models.
Advantages: Low-maintenance, cost-effective, and adjustable in water spray height.
Cons: Few styles available.
2. Rain
Do you ever wish to be the first one out in the rain? But hate the feeling of being wet? Rainshower heads recreate this experience and let you do it in the comfort of your shower.
These types are most often mounted from the ceiling. However, they can also be attached to the wall using a long arm. Installing ceiling-mounted rain shower heads requires pipes to run through your ceiling, which can increase the cost of installation.
These types have a tendency to use lower water pressure and one spray setting.
The Pros: A relaxing experience in the shower, with a stylish appearance.
Cons: Low water pressure, limited adjustability and spray settings. More expensive than other types of showerheads, and more difficult to install.
3. Handheld
A handheld showerhead is the best choice for a multi-purpose device that does more than rinse off suds. A handheld showerhead makes it easy to wash the dog, rinse the shower walls, and give the kids a bath.
This makes it easy to shower for the elderly or disabled. These can also be very cost-effective for simple models with just one or two spray patterns to very costly versions with many bells and whistles.
This type is a great option, but it also has a major drawback. This type of showerhead can leak due to its flexible hose and other connections.
Benefits: Easy to shower pets/children, and easier to shower elderly/disabled.
Cons: Prevents leaks
4. Dual
Are you interested in installing a rain head shower head, but aren't looking for low-pressure showers all the time? Dual shower heads are what you want.
Dual types combine two types of showers in one unit, most often rain and handheld. You can have a relaxing, gentle shower with a rain type and a more intense, massaging shower with different spray patterns one day.
However, this extra functionality comes with some drawbacks. These types are more expensive than regular showerheads, as you get two! Dual shower heads are bulkier and therefore don't suit smaller bathrooms.
Pros -Two types of showerheads in one unit.
Cons: More expensive and takes up more space than the other types.
5. Sliding Bar/Rail
Do you have family members of different heights? This can be accommodated by a sliding rail/bar shower head.
There are many options available, and there is a rail showerhead to fit every budget. These showerheads are often available in multiple spray patterns.
However, the rail that the showerhead slides along takes up more space than a wall-mounted model.
Benefits: Affordable spray patterns and height adjustment.
Cons: Takes up more space than other showerheads.
6. High Pressure
Do you want to give your muscles a massage in the shower? High-pressure showerheads might be right for you.
These devices provide a steady flow of pressurized water that can be used to massage any knot. However, there are some drawbacks to this type.
The first is the fact that higher pressure water means that you will use more water. This can lead to an increase in your water bills. Your showerhead will need to be replaced more frequently if you have high-pressure water.
Pros - Massage your body while you're in the shower
Cons: Increases your water bill and wears out quicker than other types.
7. Low-Flow
Are you actively trying to reduce water consumption in your home? Low-flow showerheads can be used to reduce water consumption, no matter if you are motivated by the environment.
Water-efficient showerheads use less water than traditional models, are available in many styles, and offer high water pressure. This will mean you are doing your environment and wallet a favour.
Although most showerheads won't reduce water pressure, water-saving models can make showering less enjoyable and more difficult. Although they are more expensive up front, you will save money in the long term.
Benefits: Reduces household water consumption and your water bill. Available in many styles.
Cons: Higher upfront costs, but lower pressure water.
8. Panel
A panel shower head is the best choice for a luxurious and relaxing experience in your bathroom. These showerheads come with every feature you would want in a shower. You can control the temperature, spray pattern settings, and even LED lighting. This is only the beginning.
Panel showerheads often come with both an overhead and handheld shower. You get both water pressure and rain showers, so you can have the best of both worlds.
Unfortunately, these features come at a high price. Two holes are required for panel shower heads to be installed in your bathroom wall.
The pros: A stylish appearance with highly customizable shower settings.
Cons: High upfront cost. Professional installation is required. Two holes must be drilled into your bathroom wall.
9. Filtered
Is your city affected by hard water? Hard water can cause stains on your dishes and fixtures. It makes shampoos and soaps more difficult to sud up and can make your clothes feel stiff.
Filtered shower heads are the best way to get rid of hard water from your shower. You'll have healthier hair and skin with a filtered head showerhead.
This type has a few drawbacks. There are very few styles with limited spray patterns. Depending on the hardness of your water, you will need to replace the filters every six months.
Pros: Soaps & Shampoos are more gentle and leave your hair and skin feeling smoother.
Cons: Limited spray patterns and styles, filters must be replaced frequently.
Metropolitan Plumbing is the right choice when it comes to replacing your shower head. Metropolitan Plumbing has expert plumbers available to install your shower head in a matter of hours. Weekends and after-hours appointments are not charged extra.