The perfect showerhead can change and will change your life. There’s just something special about being in the shower. As you are surrounded by warmth while being pleasantly pelted with water droplets from all angles all over your body. It’s beautiful.
For many, a shower at the beginning or the end of a day can awaken, revitalize, relax and inspire. We all want that perfect home shower experience. No one wants to feel like they are showering at the gym at home. Choosing the best shower head for your needs and preferences can make all the difference in the world.
If you’re in the market for a new shower head – and you absolutely should be – then read on to learn everything you need to know about choosing the optimal shower head for you and your family, and how to install it, too.
It’s Time
Chances are, you don’t think too much about your shower head. Do you even know when you last replaced it or even cleaned it? You might be aghast to find out that, left unchecked, your showerhead could be harboring some dangerous mycobacteria.
These little critters can cause you and your family nontuberculous mycobacterial lung infections if you’re not careful. Although they exist naturally in soil and water, infection occurs through inhalation. Because of the steam and water vapor produced by a hot shower, you are at a higher risk of being infected there than almost anywhere else.
These infections can cause chronic coughs, weight loss, and loss of energy and may be difficult to diagnose. Your best bet is to keep your showerhead clean, or, better yet, to replace it altogether.
Choosing a New Shower Head
When choosing a new shower head, two important things to consider are preference and cost.
Price
There are shower heads out there that cost around twenty dollars, but they go up in price from there to several hundred dollars. The shower head you choose may be dependent on your budget, but the simple, low-end styles are affordable for almost anyone who wants to replace theirs.
The features on the rest of the shower heads vary as price increases.
Style
Multi-setting shower heads give the user a range of options when it comes to water pressure and type of spray. They are great for houses with multiple people who may have varying preferences.
Rainfall shower heads are usually mounted above the user. The water falls softly and feels like a walk outdoors on a pleasant and warm rainy day. Low-Flow shower heads are another option and are great for water conservation purposes and to save money on your water bill. There are also other unique shower heads on the market that include things like LED lights or built-in speakers. What type is best for you and your family is up to you.
Fixed or Handheld
Another shower head option to consider is your preference regarding how it is mounted. A fixed shower head is attached to the wall and is immobile as water pours out of it on to you. A handheld model, on the other hand, allows you to remove the sprayer from a base to point the water in whatever direction you choose.
For many people, a fixed model is plenty, but some people really like handheld shower heads. If you are someone with mobility issues, or if you want to be able to use it to wash your dog in the tub, then a handheld shower head might be preferable.
Finish
The finish you choose for your shower head is based on your taste and aesthetics. Most styles come in a number of different tones and you will be able to find one that matches the overall look of your bathroom without much difficulty. The price of your chosen shower head may vary based on the finish that you choose, though, so keep that in mind.
Want the Best Shower Head? More Things to Consider
There are some other factors you will want to consider when searching for the best shower head.
GPM stands for Gallons Per Minute and the GPM of each shower head for sale should be listed right on the packaging. This refers to the output of the shower head; a higher GPM means stronger water flow. In 1992, in an effort to conserve water, a law was passed that restricts this number to 2.5 or lower. This amount is more than adequate for a shower.
If you live in a home or apartment with strong water pressure, you can choose a shower head with a lower GPM than 2.5. But, if your residence has weaker water pressure, then you should choose one at the higher end of the GPM spectrum for the best results.
You also will want to choose a shower head that holds the water temperature. Aerating shower heads are designed to use air pressure to create stronger water flow, but this can also lower the temperature of the water coming out of them. This is fine if your hot water heater is set at a high temperature, but it can feel unpleasant if it isn’t.
Installing Your New Shower Head
Installing most shower heads is easy. Even if you don’t feel that you are handy, you should have no difficulty with most brands and styles. Installation instructions are included in the package and are deliberately written in a way that anyone can understand.
However, some of the higher-end shower heads are a bit more complex. If the instructions indicate that you should hire a professional to install it for you, then do so. Any plumber will be happy to assist you.
Happy Showering
Now that you know all about choosing and installing a new shower head in your home, what are you waiting for? Go take a look at what is available at your nearest home improvement center and pick one out. Your shower can be vastly improved before you even take your next one, and you and your family will be thrilled.
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