Why are some shower heads not available in California?

Californians currently can't ship in showerheads that exceed the 1.8 Gallons per Minute (GPM) flow-rate limit. The showerhead flow-rate rule was first established in 1994 and was pegged at 2.5 gallons per minute.

Why are some shower faucets not available in California?

The flow of water from shower heads and bathroom faucets in California will be sharply reduced under strict new limits approved Wednesday by the state Energy Commission. Current rules, established in 1994 at the federal level, allow a maximum flow of 2.5 gallons per minute from a shower head.

What shower heads are allowed in California?

Residential bathroom faucets must use no more than 1.2 GPM (gallons per minute). Residential showerheads, including handheld showers and fixed body sprays, must use no more than 1.8 GPM.

Can you have 2 shower heads in California?

When a shower is served by more than one showerhead, the combined flow rate of all showerheads and/or other shower outlets controlled by a single valve shall not exceed 1.8 gallons(6.81 L) per minute at 80 psi, or the shower shall be designed to allow only one shower outlet to be in operation at a time in compliance ...

Do all shower heads 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.

California Compliant Low Flow Shower Heads

Can I replace my shower head with any 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.

What is the maximum flow rate for a shower head in California?

Since 1994, federal regulations have limited shower head manufacturers to a maximum flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm). California has enacted its own legislation limiting the flow rate to 2.0, which will be reduced even further, to 1.8 gpm, in July 2018.

Are double shower heads worth it?

While not the most glamourous of benefits, a double shower head provides added practicality when it comes to cleaning your shower. The hand-held head makes cleaning your bath or shower enclosure much quicker and easier, and having two heads means you can also use one to clean the other.

Is 1.8 gpm good for a shower head?

Also known as "flow rate", GPM is a measure of how many gallons of water flow out of your shower head each minute. 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.

Is 1.8 gpm California compliant?

According to the California Plumbing Code, effective July 1, 2018, all residential construction projects must comply with the following regulations: Kitchen faucets: may not exceed 1.8 gallons per minute (gpm) Bathroom faucets: 1.2 gpm.

What is the flow rate in California?

In 2015, the California Energy Commission adopted new kitchen and lavatory faucet standards, setting the maximum flow rate for kitchen faucets and aerators at 1.8 gallons per minute (gpm) with optional temporary flow of 2.2 gpm at 60 pounds per square inch (psi). California also set the maximum flow rate for private ...

What is water flow rate in California?

Residential lavatory faucets - Maximum flow can't exceed 1.2 gallons per minute. Kitchen faucets - Maximum flow rate is 1.8 gallons per minute. However, faucets can have the capability to boost flow to 2.2 gallons per minute to fill pots and pans. Public lavatory faucets - Maximum flow rate is 0.5 gallon per minute.

Does California regulate water pressure?

According to the California Plumbing Code, you are required to have a water pressure regulator on your property if the pressure in your area is more than 80 pounds per square inch (psi). Regulators are the responsibility of the property owner.

Are low-flow toilets required in California?

California will become the first state in the nation to require low-flow toilets in virtually all homes, apartment houses and businesses under a law that begins to take effect in January, officials say.

When did low-flow shower heads come out?

History. In the United States, Water efficient low-flow fixtures such as toilets, faucets, and showerheads first became available to consumers in the 1980s. By 1992, 17 states and the district of Columbia had adopted their own water efficiency standards.

What is the point of a two person shower?

Whether you're looking to build an ergonomic space for spontaneous joint showers or dual showers are a practical necessity in a household where you both need to get ready for work at the same time, a double shower can be a practical primary bathroom luxury for those with the budget and floor space.

Why are double showers popular?

More space is never a negative!

A double shower gives a real upmarket, luxurious feel to your bathroom. This is an area which can be enjoyed by couples together winding down after a long day and they also help in making tasks such as bathing children and pets far more spacious and convenient.

Do multiple shower heads use more water?

In addition, the multiple shower heads will use more water than a traditional shower head, and a lot more water than a low flow version designed to be more environmentally friendly.

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.

Why do shower heads have flow restrictors?

If you've bought a new faucet or shower head in the last 25 years, you've probably noticed that the amount of water flowing through the fixture is lacking in pressure.

Is changing a shower head easy?

Learning how to change a shower head is a simple task that only takes a few minutes. This guide explains the steps to installing three different kinds of shower heads: fixed-mount, hand-held and fixed-mount and hand-held combination models, also known as a dual shower head.

How do you increase water pressure in shower?