Are you renovating your bathroom and putting in a new shower? Going with a moulded insert or tile is a good option, but you need to figure out the type of shower head you will install.
There are many different shower heads to choose from, and it can be a little daunting. That’s why we have put together a list of the various types of shower heads you can choose that are on the market today. Ultimately, the best type of shower head is the one that does what you need it to do. Compare these different types of showerheads and choose your favourite. Then enjoy your new shower experience!
Here are five different types of shower heads:
Type #1: Fixed Shower Heads
This is the most common shower head you will see in homes and has been the standard for years. At its basic, it is a water pipe coming out of the wall with a showerhead that pivots up and down and sides to side. They are really easy to change out and relatively inexpensive.
They spray water diagonally down towards our bodies, and that’s about it. You can get heads with different stream settings, from the fine mist and wide spray to massaging and pulsating jets. This is your budget-friendly option and can be easily installed by a plumber.
Type #2: Handheld Shower Heads
A handheld showerhead allows you to pick up the head and point the flow of water at your body. It is attached to a flexible house and usually hangs in a mounting cradle until you need it. There are several variations, including:
- A Standard Fitting: This replaces the existing head and allows you to use it as a stationary head or handheld shower.
- Cross Tee Diverter: If you want to have two water outlets, you can install this diverter fitting that allows you to connect the fixed shower head on one side and the handheld unit on the other, giving you a secondary head.
- Tub Spout Diverter: You can have a handheld showerhead without interfering with the existing, fixed head if you like. It involves replacing the old tub spout with a new spout that has a diverter to connect the handheld head.
Vertical bars can also be installed on the shower wall to vary the height of the handheld showerhead mount. These are great for people with mobility issues.
Type #3: Rainfall Shower Heads
Do you want the feeling and look of the rain falling in your shower? Then a rainfall shower is for you. This showerhead is typically mounted on the ceiling, so plumbing pipes must be adjusted. They can also be mounted on the wall, but that defeats the purpose.
You typically only have one setting, but some do have a few options for the stream. Because it is large, you will have lower pressure, but it makes up for it by giving you a wider flow area. They also look great and feel amazing.
Type #4: Shower Panels
Shower panels provide a new showering experience because they combine several different features. They mount on the wall and are a vertical panel with several heads and dials.
On top, you will have a rainfall showerhead extended out that comes straight down while there is a handheld wand to direct water flow where you need it. Horizontal heads with adjustable shower sprayers and water massagers are included to hit all parts of your body. They are very sleek and modern but not very water-efficient, and the more heads you have on, the less water pressure you get. It will give you tons of options and take your shower to the next level if you can afford it.
Type #5: Low/High Pressure Water Heads
Depending on are looking for, you can opt for a low or high pressured shower head.
Low pressured heads are designed for high efficiency by lowering the water flow. An aerator combines the water droplets with air, and while it will lower your water bill, it may take a little longer to get heat and rinse off the soap.
High-pressure showers heads do the opposite. They give you a consistent, strong flow and will have more stream options. Temperature control is better, but you will see increased energy costs.
There is no wrong answer when choosing which is better. It is a personal preference, so choose what works for you.
Other types of shower heads you can get:
- Massage Heads are specially designed to regulate high streams of water to give you that spa treatment. There are various settings for the level of massage you are looking for.
- Filtered Heads have an added compartment to install and replace a filter. If you want to remove excess chlorine, active carbon, sulphur, heavy metals, chemical and other minerals, this will do the job. There is the added price of changing the filter every six months.
- Navy Heads gives you a basic shower stream, but the head has an on/off switch. This conserves water so you can get wet, turn it off and soap up, then turn it back on to rinse.
- LED Heads allow you to set the mood while showering. They have LED lights powered by water pressure, so you just turn on the tap, and the light show begins. They serve no specific purpose other than being fun.
