Does size of shower head matter?

The good news is that for most homes, there is a straightforward answer: Showerheads have a universal thread size in the United States and Canada, which is designated as ½-inch NPT. As a result, any locally sold showerhead should be compatible with your shower arm.

Is a bigger shower head better?

First, compared to a standard shower head, the faces of rain shower heads are a good bit bigger in diameter. Rain shower heads are meant to fully cover your body in a stream of water that feels like rainfall, which requires the head to be anywhere from 6 to 12 inches wide.

Does size of shower head affect pressure?

Using a smaller showerhead will not guarantee an increase in the pressure of your shower. The pressure that comes through a showerhead has more to do with the design of the showerhead, and less to do with the actual size of the showerhead. The water pressure of the building's water line is also a factor.

Does any shower head fit any shower?

Pretty much every shower head has the same connection in the United States, 1/2" NPT. This is the standard! As long as you have the shower arm plumbing coming from your ceiling or your wall, you can choose whichever shower head you want and mount your shower head wherever you want.

Does a bigger shower head waste more water?

Because they're so much bigger than the average showerhead, but still provide the same amount of water (which can vary by water-saving mandate depending on where you live), it's just math: The same amount of water delivered across a bigger surface = less pressure.

How To Choose the Right Shower Head

Can shower head affect water pressure?

Do different shower heads affect water pressure? Yes, depending on which shower head you choose, they can increase the water pressure at the head itself in order to create a more powerful shower or decrease it to create a more gentle shower.

Is 2.5 gpm shower head good?

Since 1992, a maximum of 2.5 GPM is the federally mandated flow rate for new shower heads. This means no more than 2.5 gallons of water should flow out each minute. The GPM flow rate for shower heads has decreased over time.

How do I know if a shower head will fit?

Check for fit. Many showerheads are designed to fit a standard shower arm with a ½-inch outer diameter and male threads. Consider the showerhead's arc, the angle of your shower arm and how much headroom exists above the pipe. Is there room to angle the showerhead and spray how you like it?

Can you just change a shower head?

Yes! Changing out your showerhead can be a do it yourself job and we are going to help you do it. Luckily, it's pretty easy to replace a showerhead. Even if your current showerhead “works just fine”, upgrading is a job that can save you money on your energy and water bills.

How do I increase water pressure in my shower?

What is a good PSI for a shower head?

If your home doesn't have enough water pressure for the head you choose, water won't be able to flow with enough strength or consistency to be effective. Most shower heads need between 40 and 60 psi.

Does rain shower head increase pressure?

A rain shower head will sprinkle low-pressure water down directly on top of your head, giving the feeling of showering in a gentle rain. A regular shower head will provide a much higher-pressure stream with multiple spray pattern options.

Does higher GPM mean more pressure?

GPM stands for gallons per minute. It refers to the flow rate or the volume of water that moves through the pressure washer's nozzle every minute. Think of GPM as rinsing power. The higher a pressure washer's GPM, the quicker you can wash a surface clean.

What is the best flow rate for a shower?

Standard shower heads use 2.5 gpm, but to earn the WaterSense label, a product must use no more than 2 gpm and still meet strict performance requirements. The EPA estimates that the average family could save 2,900 gallons of water per year by installing a WaterSense-labeled shower head.

Is a round or square rain shower head better?

Rainfall showerheads generally come in either a square or round shape. The choice typically depends on what the rest of your bathroom looks like. Square heads typically work better with contemporary bathrooms that already have a lot of angular elements in them such as a square bathtub.

Are shower fittings universal?

Generally, all shower hoses are universal. Most shower hoses are standardized to fit the 1/2-inch thread for NPT and BSP.

Are all shower head holders the same size?

Shower head holders come in various shapes, sizes and designs. For a stress-free option, we show how to fit a universal shower head holder onto a slide rail. With styles and designs of shower head holders (also known as handset holders or clamp brackets) varying greatly, sometimes it can be difficult to replace them.

Are replacement shower heads Universal?

Shower pipes and connections come in universal sizes, which means any shower head should fit your existing pipes.

What is the standard pipe size for a shower?

A 2-inch pipe is the recommended size because showers have a low threshold for flooding, and a 2-inch pipe helps the water drain faster than does a 1 1/2-inch pipe. So, if you are converting from a tub and shower combination to a shower, you'll likely have to change the drain pipe size.

What is the standard size shower arm?

The American Standard 12-inch right angle shower arm is designed for wall mount applications and fits virtually all showerheads. Constructed in brass, it has a half-inch NPT thread.

Is it better to have higher GPM for shower head?

One person who showers 10 minutes per day with a 2.5 GPM shower head uses 9,125 gallons of water per year. Switching to a 2.0 GPM shower head saves more than 1,825 gallons of water and $25 per year in water and energy costs. Those numbers jump to 7,300 gallons and $100 in savings for a family of four.

Is 1.8 or 2.5 gpm better?

When it comes to Shower Heads, you'll typically find 2.5 GPM, 2.0 GPM, 1.8 GPM and 1.5 GPM. If you're looking for the most pressure, go for the 2.5 GPM Flow Rate, unless you are restricted because you reside in California, Colorado or New York. Again, this has been the Maximum Flow Rate since 1992.

What is the average household water flow rate?

The average household needs 100 to 120 gallons per person per day, and a flow rate of about 6 to 12 gallons per minute.