Is your shower head broken? Is your fixture clogged and producing only small drizzles every time you turn it on? Then probably it is time to replace your shower head.
With different types of shower heads available in the market, choosing the perfect one can be daunting. The first step to understand which design suits your needs.
To help you get a clear understanding, we will be highlighting the main types, and their pros and cons.
This will enable you to choose the right fixture that is best for you in no time.
Table of Contents
Types of Showerheads
People often get confused between choosing a handheld shower, or a wall-mounted one, or a recessed design. Before you opt for any of these, you need to consider a few factors. These include your lifestyle, your needs bathroom size, budget, etc.
Now, let us look at the different kinds of shower heads that are most popular today. Based on your requirements, you can choose anyone from the list below.
- Fixed or Wall Mounted Shower Heads
- Hand Held Shower Heads
- Rain Shower Heads
- High-pressure Shower Heads
- Dual Shower Heads
- Shower Panel Showers
- Lighted LED Shower Heads
- Filtered Shower Heads
- Low-Flow Shower Heads
- Ceiling Mounted Shower
- RV Shower Head
Let us learn in detail about each type below:
1. Fixed or Wall-mounted Shower Heads
The fixed shower heads are the most popular ones that are most commonly seen in many Indian houses.
Construction
Also known as a wall-mount shower head, this fixture is smaller in size, having a diameter of about five inches. These shower heads do not have any frills, bells, or whistles. These are the simplest ones that deliver solid pressure of water.
However, if you want to have a fancier version in the fixed shower heads, you can opt for a multi-function fixture. This multi-function option is a convenient version that allows the user to change the spray patterns, depending on his requirements. You can choose from the pattern range of a very concentrated massage setting to a very gentle wide spray setting.
Installation
The fixed shower heads are easy to install and take about a few minutes to complete the process. All you have to do is just replace the old head with a new one.
Ideal For
A fixed shower head is ideal for people for prefer a simple and elegant look in their bathrooms.
Price
A fixed or wall-mounted shower head is a budget-friendly option. They are widely available and very inexpensive, too. You just need to buy the head and fix it.
Pros:
- A fixed or wall-mounted shower head is very easy to maintain.
- It is a budget-friendly option for those who are looking to replace their shower head within their budget.
- A fixed shower head is smaller in size, having a maximum diameter of five inches.
- It comes in a multi-functional version that allows the user to change the water spray pattern or direction.
Cons:
- The wall-mount showers usually come with a fixed height of the shower. You cannot adjust the height.
- It has a contractor grade.
2. Hand-held Shower Heads
The hand-held shower head is the most versatile and popular shower head type available in the market.
Construction
The hand-held shower heads feature holders and detachable hoses. The holders are for mounting the shower head. These offer great flexibility and versatility while showering. That said, you can keep it in a fixed place to use it as a fixed shower head. Or, you can take it off the holder on the wall and use it. This hand-held option allows you to clean your shower walls, wash your pet, etc.
Always check for the length of the hose before purchasing one. Most standard hand-held shower heads come with a hose having a length of five feet. However, some models come with a shorter hose and a few others with a stiffer hose.
Remember that the hose should be flexible if you want to enjoy the benefits of a hand-held device. Additionally, look for the material of the hose, as it plays a crucial role. The hand-held shower head that comes with a metal hose is durable and also flexible.
The hand-held models usually come in three water flow settings to choose from. You can adjust or change the flow, accordingly.
Installation
The hand-held shower heads are not that easy to install. They come in a package. All you have to do is remove the accessories and fix them. However, some models offer only the shower head and not the accessories. This can be a viable option for those who already have a hose or holder installed. Moreover, it can be a cost-saving option.
Ideal For
A hand-held shower head is most suitable for bathing kids to let them have a fun experience.
Price
Hand-held shower heads are cost-effective and budget-friendly.
Pros:
- A hand-held shower head offers the flexibility to rinse off your hair or body effortlessly in any direction.
- You can use this to bathe your kids and wash your pets
- This shower head model increases the water pressure when you are using it close to your body.
- It is flexible and versatile.
- This shower head is an affordable and budget-friendly option.
- It is very easy to use.
Cons:
- A hand-held shower head is not that easy to install.
- These shower heads are highly prone to leaks and problems.
3. Rain Shower Heads
The rain shower heads are the most luxurious, stylish, and glamorous models. You can mostly find them in hotels and spas.
Construction
The rain shower heads are there to create a luxurious feel in your bathroom while providing a relaxing experience. They come under the fixed category and are considered premium models. You can either mount them on the wall or ceiling, based on your preference.
The rain shower heads are usually larger than the traditional shower heads. That said they have more coverage, starting at six inches and goes beyond. The more extensive coverage allows much water to cover your body. That means you can have a refreshing shower without wasting much water.
The rain showers come in single and multi-function features. The single function option allows only concentrated spray. Whereas, the multi-function rain shower lets the user adjust the spray settings according to his need to enjoy the most satisfying shower experience.
If you are unsure whether a rain shower head suits your bathroom, you can contact your plumber who can assist you with it.
Installation
A rain shower head is not that easy to install. Mount the shower head directly into the ceiling if you have water pipes already installed in the ceiling. If you do not have them, you can use a wall-mounted extender to fit the rain shower head in it. However, you need to check for the water pressure and also the size of your bathroom before installing one.
Ideal For
The rain shower heads are ideal for larger bathrooms. They are most suitable for those who want to have an exquisite addition to their luxurious, stylish, and chic bathrooms.
Price
The rain shower heads are very expensive. Despite this, they are still more popular and accessible.
Pros:
- A rain shower head looks elegant in your bathroom.
- It evens out the water flow during a shower.
- The light water pressure gives a very soothing and relaxing shower experience to the user.
- It allows a gentle rain-like shower.
- The newer models of the rain shower heads are highly water-efficient, as they help you save a lot of water.
Cons:
- It has limited adjustability when it comes to spray patterns.
- A rain shower is not that easy to install when compared to other showerhead types.
- The low pressure from these shower heads makes it harder to rinse off.
- It is suitable only for larger bathrooms.
4. High-pressure Shower Heads
As the name says, high-pressure shower heads are those shower heads that deliver high pressure streams of water during the shower.
Construction
The high-pressure shower heads come fixed or mounted to the wall. They are just like the normal shower heads, except that they use more water per shower than the former. These shower heads help you make the most of your water flow. You can easily differentiate between the normal and the high-pressure flow. Some of these models come with a multi-function option that allows the user to change the spray patterns, depending on his requirements.
Installation
The high-pressure shower heads are easy to install and take about a few minutes to complete the process. All you have to do is just replace the old head with a new one.
Ideal For
A high-pressure shower head is ideal for active people who prefer a hot, steamy, and massage-like shower. The high pressure of the water relaxes your muscles and makes you feel energized after you had a tiresome day.
Price
These shower heads are quite expensive.
Pros:
- The high-pressure water flow from these shower heads makes it easier to rinse off.
- It allows a massage-like shower, making you feel relaxed and energized.
Cons:
- The high-pressure shower heads use more water per shower than the standard shower heads.
- These shower heads may contribute to higher water bills.
5. Dual Shower Heads
As the name says, the dual shower heads come with double shower heads.
Construction
A dual shower head is a combination of both a rain shower head and a hand-held model.
This multiple shower heads option allows the water to stream from more than one place.
The dual types feature a single lever to control the water supply in the combo water heads. Additionally, they have a diverter valve that helps the user to operate one shower head at a time.
Some dual models come with attached heads, while others have shower heads sitting a few feet away from each other.
Installation
The multiple shower heads come in a kit that has all the components and accessories for installation. These include the fixed or rain shower head, a hand-held shower head, hose, and diverter mount.
Ideal For
A dual shower head is ideal for families that require both hand-held showers and rain showers. They can use the former for bathing their children and pets, and the latter for treating themselves.
Price
The dual shower heads are very expensive when compared to other showers. However, they are worth it, as you get to enjoy the benefits of two water sources.
Pros:
- A dual type offers two types of showerheads in a single unit.
- It gives you the best of both the rain shower head up and the hand-held shower head.
- It is flexible and versatile.
- The dual type is easy to use.
- It gives you the stability of a fixed and the flexibility of a hand-held shower head.
- It comes with multiple spray patterns for the user to choose from.
- Flexible and easy to use.
Cons:
- These dual types tend to consume more space when compared to the other types.
- When you run both shower heads at the same time, you lose water pressure.
- These shower heads are very expensive.
6. Shower Panel Showers
The shower panels are yet another option to make your bathroom look sleek and stylish.
Construction
These shower panels are very similar to the body spray showers. They come