FAQs
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.
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.
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.
How many GPM is good 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 1.75 GPM shower head good? ›
Studies have shown that 1.8 gpm is the minimum flow rate to have a good enjoyable rinsing, so the common 1.75 gpm models, is somewhat good enough for a decent shower. To save water further and still have a full enjoyable rinsing experience.
Does GPM affect water pressure? ›
So if there is a shower running that uses 2 gpm, the washing machine which uses 3 gpm is running, and the kitchen sink is running at 3 gpm, which means 8 of 12 gallons are currently being used. This can often lead to lower “water pressure” because the flow rate simply can't keep up.
Is 2.5 gpm too much? ›
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.
Will a larger shower head improve pressure? ›
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.
What is a good flow rate for a shower? ›
If the flow rate is less than 10 litres per minute, you have low water pressure. A flow rate between 10 and 15 litres per minute is considered acceptable but can be improved. A flow rate that is above 15 litres per minute will be regarded as good.
What is a good water pressure for a shower? ›
1.5 GPM: Standard flow rate for a low-flow showerhead. 2 GPM: Current U.S. Federal WaterSense standard. 2.5 GPM: U.S. legal maximum flow rate for all showerheads.
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.
What is the ideal GPM? ›
It's measured in gallons per minute (GPM). The average household has a water flow rate of 6 to 12 GPM. Therefore, most households use roughly 100 to 120 gallons of water each day. There are a few factors that will affect the water flow rate in your home.
How many GPM is recommended? ›
How Many Gallons Per Minute Do You Need for Your Home? This is a loaded question, that really comes down to preference and the number of individuals that are in the home. The average household needs 100 to 120 gallons per person per day, and a flow rate of about 6 to 12 gallons per minute.
Is there a big difference between 1.75 gpm and 2.5 gpm? ›
A: A 1.75 GPM shower head is more water efficient than a 2.5 GPM shower head. The 1.75 GPM option uses less water per minute, resulting in less water usage, environmental benefits and savings on water bills.
What is considered an efficient shower head? ›
Water-saving showerheads that earn the WaterSense label must demonstrate that they use no more than 2.0 gpm. The WaterSense label also ensures that these products provide a satisfactory shower that is equal to or better than conventional showerheads on the market.
Are 2.5 gpm shower heads allowed in California? ›
Bathroom products: Residential household toilets must use no more than 1.28 GPF (gallons per flush). 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.
Is a low-flow shower head better? ›
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.
What is the best PSI for a shower head? ›
(Normal is 60 psi and very few areas are below 40 psi) The pressure of the streams will drop under these extreme conditions, of course, but the stream integrity is preserved. This photo shows the stream integrity of our Perfect shower head (old style).
Does a bigger shower head mean less pressure? ›
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.