In our complicated modern lives, bathrooms have become the inner sanctum of our home sanctuary. We want our showers to be perfect and when they aren’t we need to fix that right away. Do you need a new shower head to make it perfect? Or are you looking to improve the water pressure in your shower? Learn all about low-pressure versus high-pressure shower heads to create your perfect shower.
Low Pressure vs High Pressure Shower Heads
Low pressure shower heads direct the water through a flow reducer and tend to have design features that lower the water pressure, like more holes or specialized sizes of holes across the showerhead. They have the advantage of saving many gallons of water per minute and decreasing costs of heating the water resulting in environmental and financial benefits.
High-pressure showerheads maximize the pressure at the tap and have features that increase the flow of water through the showerhead. Sometimes this is accomplished by removing the flow reducer that is in every shower head as required by law, and sometimes it is designed into the showerhead, like a massage feature. The benefit of high-pressure shower heads is definitely a preferred shower experience for most people. The ideal situation is to get a showerhead that controls the water usage while providing a strong water flow.
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.
What shower head is best for low water pressure?
If you have low pressure at your shower and you want to improve the shower’s pressure there are some well-known brands that offer shower heads designed to increase water strength. There are many excellent brands, like Kohler, Delta, Grohe, and Moen. If you have a shower head that is working well but you want to increase the pressure, reach out to us to see how we can help.
If you enjoy a low-pressure shower, you might enjoy a “rain shower” type of showerhead which makes the best of low pressure for those who prefer a mild showering experience.
Do low pressure shower heads work?
Low pressure showerheads reduce the flow of water via a flow reducer and by using design features like spreading the water out through many more holes, so they absolutely work to make a more gentle shower experience if you are dealing with a situation where there is too much pressure for a pleasant experience.
How do I get more water pressure out of my shower head?
Your plumber can assist you in determining if there is any problem in your system affecting the water pressure at your shower head. You can start with a high-pressure shower head, or even remove the water flow regulator from your shower head first to see if that solves the issue.
How do I make my shower pressure stronger?
While flow regulators are required to be part of every shower head design, it is not illegal to remove them. This will increase the pressure coming out of the showerhead. Other solutions include unclogging the holes in the showerhead by soaking it in vinegar and hiring a plumber to come out and check if you have issues in your plumbing that are affecting your water pressure. Things like leaks, partially open valves, and clogged pipes are common culprits.
Will buying a new shower head increase water pressure?
If you buy the right shower head it will increase how powerfully the water comes out of the showerhead even though it isn’t actually increasing the water pressure of the home itself, it does increase the water pressure coming out of the showerhead.
Are there shower heads that increase pressure?
Many modern shower heads are designed specifically to increase the pressure of the water coming out of the showerhead itself. So, while they can’t increase the actual water pressure of the home, they do improve the showering experience.
If you are in the Mesa or Gilbert area, call us right away to get a quote to have us install your new shower head and we’ll help get your sanctuary just the way you want it. Call 480-388-6093.
FAQs
If you're looking for a luxurious shower experience and have adequate water pressure, a high-pressure shower head may be better for you. If you're concerned about the environment, conserving water, or live in an area with low water pressure, a low-flow shower head may be a better choice.
Is it better to have a lower or higher GPM shower head? ›
A 2.5 gpm shower head will have a better pressure and shower experience than a 1.5 gpm shower head. A 1.8 gpm shower head would have a better pressure and shower experience than a 1.0 gpm shower head.
What are the disadvantages of low flow shower heads? ›
Low-flow shower heads often provide limited coverage, offering a narrower water stream compared to traditional shower heads. This can lead to a less satisfying shower experience, as it may require more movement to rinse effectively.
Do high pressure shower heads use more water? ›
Today's high-pressure shower heads are designed to deliver the same experience that once required three times as many gallons per minute. Consumer Reports suggests today's low-flow models can do even better. But these thrifty shower heads not only use less water.
Should shower be high or low pressure? ›
Water pressure is measured in 'bar', and generally speaking, anything 0.3 bar or below requires a low water pressure tap or shower, and anything at 1.0 bar or above requires a high water pressure tap or shower.
Do high pressure shower heads really work? ›
Many modern shower heads are designed specifically to increase the pressure of the water coming out of the showerhead itself. So, while they can't increase the actual water pressure of the home, they do improve the showering experience.
What is better, 1.8 or 2.5 gpm shower head? ›
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.
Why use a low-flow shower head? ›
If you have an inefficient showerhead, you may be washing money down the drain. A low-flow showerhead, on the other hand, can help you conserve water and energy, helping the planet and saving you money on utility bills. Showers are responsible for, on average, 17% of household water use and 50% of hot water use.
Are low pressure shower heads any good? ›
Not necessarily. While it is true that larger (rain or dual) shower heads may distribute the water over a larger area, leading to a softer spray, there are many shower heads specifically designed for low water pressure that can provide a powerful and invigorating shower experience.
How to pick a shower head with good pressure? ›
There are several functional elements and design features to consider when shopping for a high-pressure shower head. Flow rate is the most important technical concern. In addition to aesthetic choices like appearance and finish, look for features such as spray patterns, energy-saving benefits, and other options.
If you have high pressure (achieved with or without a pump), you will get a better flow rate and can consider big rain heads, body jets and the ability to have two or more taps or showers on at the same time. A high pressure system will work well with a mixer, electric or digital shower.
What makes a shower head more powerful? ›
Most low-flow showerheads have a rubber pressure-reducing valve (called a regulator) to maintain a lower pressure. You can increase the flow by simply taking it out. You could also consider enlarging the hole that allows water into your showerhead with a drill to increase the amount of water coming through.
What is the best pressure for shower head? ›
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.
Is a low-flow shower head better than a normal shower head? ›
Standard modern showerheads use 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM), and some older showerheads use as much as 10 GPM. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that showerheads use 2 GPM or less to warrant its WaterSense label and many low-flow showerheads are even more efficient, using 1.5 GPM or less.
Is a high pressure shower good for you? ›
High pressure shower systems can also improve your skin and hair health. The powerful spray can help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, leaving your skin feeling softer and smoother. It can also help rinse away excess shampoo and conditioner, which can weigh down your hair and cause build-up over time.
