Picking the right showerhead for your bathroom
Choosing the right showerhead is a great way of transforming your shower into a refreshing experience. The average person spends around 8 minutes in the shower every day, and for many, it’s the time they forget about everyday life's stresses and reconnect with themselves. So, why not make it an invigorating experience?
Whether building a new home or completing your property renovations, investing in a good showerhead will turn your shower experience into one you long for every day. But which showerhead should you choose? With a wide range of available options, choosing the right showerhead can be challenging.
Worry not! We’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you find the best showerhead for rushed mornings and lazy evenings. We’ll cover the most important points to take into account when shopping for a showerhead so you can make an informed decision before buying.
The different showerhead types
Showerheads come in a wide range of options. With many people willing to spend more money on the right showerhead for the ultimate shower experience, manufacturers have gone the extra mile to ensure those desires are met. However, some showerheads share many similarities, so you may find options that fit into more than one category. Here are the most common types of showerheads.
Fixed showerheads
Fixed showerheads are the most common and affordable type. They are attached to a shower arm that protrudes from the wall. Installing or replacing these showerheads is pretty straightforward, as it only involves unscrewing the old unit and screwing in the new one. Ensure you don't hold onto the shower arm when replacing the showerhead to avoid breaking it. Fixed showerheads allow you to adjust the direction of the spray; however, they have a limited spray range. You may also find models with multi-function sprayers, allowing you to choose from different spray patterns.
Handheld showerheads
This is another popular type of showerhead. These showerheads are very similar to fixed showerheads in that they are installed high up at the front of the shower. The only difference is that handheld showers can be detached from their base. Their flexible tube allows for a range of motion, making it easier to clean different body parts. Handheld showers are also ideal for cleaning children, pets, and bathtubs. Some models have a water-saving pause option that conserves energy.
Rain showerheads
Typically larger than most showerheads and mounted on the wall, rain showerheads are designed to simulate the natural pattern of rainfall. This type can also be ceiling-mounted, although it's difficult and costly. The large head and mounting position of these showerheads allow water to fall straight down, providing a gentle and relaxing shower experience. Water pressure is also minimized, and the water covers more space, allowing you to enjoy a spa-like experience.
Dual showerheads
These showerheads consist of two showerheads: wall-mount and handheld. The primary showerhead is mounted to the wall, and the second showerhead is attached to a flexible hose, allowing you to detach it effortlessly. If you're late for work in the morning and want to prepare yourself fast, this showerhead is a great option as it allows you to wash your body while rinsing your hair simultaneously.
What material should you choose for your showerhead?
Another important point to keep in mind when shopping for a showerhead is the material used to make it. This is because the material affects various aspects of the showerhead, including quality, appearance, and durability. Here are the most common materials for showerheads.
Brass
Often used to make high-end showerheads, brass is known for its sustainable beauty and durability. The material is sturdy and can withstand many years of use without compromising performance. An alloy of copper and zinc, brass is resistant to rust and corrosion. In addition, showerheads made from brass can handle high temperatures. So, you can take that long hot bath after a hard day without fear of damaging it. Brass showerheads are also maintenance-free. Once you install it, you won't spend much time looking after it. However, brass is a more expensive material. It's also heavier than other metals.
Stainless steel
Tough and durable stainless steel possesses high tensile strength, making it one of the best materials for showerheads. Stainless steel showerheads are also resistant to corrosion, rust, and heat. This enables them to last long without regular maintenance or replacement. Stainless steel is also an inexpensive material that still looks good. Furthermore, stainless steel showerheads come with strong thread and brackets, which not only allows for easy installation but also makes the setup sturdy for long-term use. The downside of stainless steel showerheads is that they require regular cleaning.
Plastic
A non-toxic type of plastic known as Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is often used to make showerheads. Plastic is also easy to mold, making it easier to manufacture showerheads in a wide range of designs and colors. Showerheads made from plastic are also inexpensive and durable. It can withstand heavy use without degradation.
Since plastic is made from organic polymers, it's resistant to corrosion and rust. However, it does not have antibacterial features, so you must replace a plastic showerhead after 6 – 8 months. In addition, plastic can look cheaper and cannot withstand high temperatures.
Aluminum
Showerheads made from aluminum are lightweight and durable. It’s also resistant to rust, corrosion, and abrasion. Like stainless and brass, aluminum can withstand high temperatures. The downside of aluminum is that it may turn non-uniformly dark after years of use. This affec ts the look of your showerhead.
What showerhead size should you choose?
Besides material, you need to know what showerhead size to choose. Otherwise, the showerhead will not fit with the shower arm. Even if you manage to fit it, the water will not flow as it should. So, ensure you measure the diameter of the pipe and how it sticks out from the shower wall. Also, check whether the threads are inside or outside the pipe.
Is there a specific size for showerheads?
There is no one-size-fits-all for showerheads. However, it’s good to choose one that measures at least 13 centimetres or more. This will give you enough room to direct the water where you want without turning the showerhead. Generally, most showerheads come in small, medium, and large sizes.
Does showerhead size matter?
The size of your showerhead will affect your monthly water bill, water pressure, and shower experience.
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Body coverage – A large showerhead has a larger surface area, thus providing better coverage of areas of body parts that are away from the center of the head.
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Water pressure – The water pressure varies depending on the size of the head and the number of nozzles. If you like heavy water pressure, go for a regular showerhead. This doesn't mean you shouldn't buy a large showerhead. However, ensure you have sufficient water pressure.
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Water bill – It’s also important to know how much water a showerhead uses. Typically, an 8 centimetre showerhead uses 50 percent less water than a 16 centimetre showerhead.
What showerhead styles are there to choose from?
You can also choose a showerhead based on your design style. Choosing a showerhead that matches your décor theme is a great way to create a cohesive and complete look. Below, we look at the various showerhead styles you can choose from.
Modern showerheads
Most modern showerheads are simple in design. They are often sleek and ultra-slim and come in either square or circular shapes. The basic design of these showerheads makes them ideal for minimalistic-style bathrooms. Besides the more common chrome, other finishes, like mirrored and black, are increasingly becoming popular.
Traditional showerheads
Traditional showerheads are characterized by their almost bell-shaped or domed design and circular or oval shape. Thanks to the growing popularity of class brassware in the recent past, traditional showerheads are now available in different configurations. Traditional showerheads often feature heritage-inspired elements like ceramic or porcelain hands that enhance the look of your brassware and create a well-coordinated traditional bathroom.
Care tips for your showerhead
If your showerhead is not blasting as it used to, it might be time to clean it thoroughly. Here are a few cleaning tips for showerheads:
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Clean the nozzles: Most showerheads come with flexible rubber nozzles that can easily be cleaned by rubbing them with your finger or a toothbrush to dislodge the deposits. You can then run water for a few minutes to rinse the nozzles.
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Soak in vinegar: A deep soak in vinegar is a great way to remove any gunk that is hard to get rid of. Unscrew the showerhead and submerge it in a vinegar solution for two hours. Rinse in hot water and screw it back.
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Hanging soak: If you don't want to remove your showerhead, you can still soak it in vinegar by filling a plastic bag halfway with vinegar and attaching it to the showerhead using a rubber band or tape. Allow it to sit for a few hours and run hot water.
Shop showerheads at vidaXL
Here at vidaXL, we have a large collection of showerheads in different materials, shapes, and sizes. We only list products from leading manufacturers, so you're guaranteed to find showerheads that meet the highest standards. Whether you have a traditional or modern bathroom, we have something for you. Feel free to browse through our collection to find the perfect showerhead for your bathroom.