February 2018 Testing Update Additional Flow photos are now available here, showing spray pattern and stream quality. As mentioned below, each flow photo was shot with the shower head's 2.5 gpm flow restrictor installed, using a medium system supply pressure of 60 psi, and using only the cold side of the water supply to reduce steam in the photos. This means you can expect to see the same high quality streams in your shower!
January 2017 Testing Update
Continuing refinements were made to the testing methodology resulting in very minor ratings changes for the rain shower head models, plus the redesigned Luna and Perfect models were retested. See the latest testing results
March 2016 Testing Update
Flow photos of all shower heads are now available here, showing spray pattern and stream quality. Each photo was shot with the shower head's 2.5 gpm flow restrictor installed, using a medium system supply pressure of 60 psi, and using only the cold side of the water supply to reduce steam in the photos. This means you can expect to see the same high quality streams in your bath!
September 2015 Testing UpdateMinor refinements were made to the testing methodology to improve the consistency between standard spray and massage spray measurements. See the latest testing results
February 2015 Testing Update
After almost 10 years, we've updated our testing and pressure rating process and for the last few months we've been busy refining it to incorporate everything we've learned since we began evaluating shower heads in 2005. The most visible changes are (1) separate ratings for massage pressure and regular pressure, to help you find exactly what you're looking for in a shower head, and (2) and improved system for measuring pressure in products that are adjustable from coarse to fine. Our new rating system is much more detailed and we'll be sharing more of the behind-the-scenes details soon. Over the next several months we'll begin posting videos of each shower head undergoing the dreaded 20 psi torture test. (One quick note - the new rating system and the old system are not directly comparable, meaning you can't compare the scores from one shower head measured via the old system with another shower head measured on the new rating system.)
Shower Head Testing
Our testing has shown that there are three main factors which determine if a shower head will provide a powerful spray:
1) Stream Integrity: Do the streams of water stay cohesive with a precise, uniform and symmetrical flow or are they inconsistent, random or even colliding? Are there renegade streams plotting their own courses? Does the stream pattern stay the same at very low water supply pressures?
2) Flow Efficiency: Does the shower head convert all the available water supply pressure into shower head pressure? This is particularly important in low water pressure areas.
3) Spray Dispersion: Does the shower head spray stay focused or does it disperse at a wide angle?
Powerful, soothing shower heads will excel in each measure, not just one or two. A garden hose, for example, would have an extraordinarily high flow efficiency but provide a lousy shower, while many shower heads have the proper spray dispersion but provide poor flow efficiency. Of the three measures, the first two are the most important and very few heads perform well in both these measures. Measuring flow efficiency and testing the integrity of the streams at various lower pressures requires special test equipment.
We developed this testing criteria with the goal of measuring shower head performance in an objective way that exactly matched the practical but subjective measure of how strong and powerful the streams feel in the shower. After much trial and error, some head scratching and several equipment redesigns, we arrived at our current methodology.
Testing Photos
(Please note these are our original testing photos from many years ago, included here to help explain our testing methodology. For the most recent testing photos (and much higher quality photography) please see our current testing photos here)
Stop-action photography can reveal flaws and problems with streams that the naked eye can't catch:
FAQs
The gauge will give you a reading in pounds per square inch (PSI), which will help you choose a shower head that is compatible with your water pressure. Keep in mind that most shower heads require a minimum of 40 PSI to function properly.
What is a good psi for a shower head? ›
The gauge will give you a reading in pounds per square inch (PSI), which will help you choose a shower head that is compatible with your water pressure. Keep in mind that most shower heads require a minimum of 40 PSI to function properly.
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.
How to pick a shower head with good pressure? ›
Generally, the fewer openings the water has to escape the shower head, the more pressurized that stream of water will be. If you want to make sure you're getting maximum pressure but still want the option to expand the stream for more coverage, choose a shower head with several stream settings to choose from.
How much psi is good for shower? ›
Shower Heads - The optimal water pressure for a shower head is between 40-60 PSI. Below 40 PSI the flow of water may be weak and unsatisfying, while over 60 PSI it may be uncomfortable or even painful.
Is 70 psi too high for water pressure? ›
Normal psi for a home pipe system is between 30 and 80 psi. While you don't want the psi to be too low, it violates code to be above 80. Instead, you should aim for a psi that's between 60 and 70.
Is a high-pressure shower head better? ›
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.
Does higher GPM mean higher pressure? ›
GPM (gallons per minute) and pressure are related but different factors. While a higher GPM may create a greater feeling of pressure due to increased water volume, actual water pressure is determined by your home's plumbing system.
How many gpm is a good shower head? ›
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 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.
Powerful High-Pressure Spray
The AquaBliss Turbo Spa provides a powerful and invigorating shower experience with its 42 high-pressure nozzles, making it a standout choice for those seeking a shower head that increases water pressure.
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.
Are expensive shower heads worth it? ›
Spending more on a quality shower head ensures the following benefits: Waste Less Water. Getting a quality shower head can reduce the number of gallons of water used on average. Sure, it might be a bit more money upfront, but it'll be worth the savings down the road.
What is a good psi for a shower? ›
Considering shower head flow rate typically is between 1.8 gpm to 2.5 gpm, if we use 2.2 gpm as a medium number, and consider the pressure drop (remember that all shower heads are rated at 80 psi, but house pressure typically are not at 80psi), then the shower usage would be somewhere between 16.5 gallons to 18 gallons ...
What is the difference between a 1.8 and 2.5 shower head? ›
A standard 2.5 GPM shower head uses 2.5 gallons of water each minute. That's 25 gallons for a 10-minute shower. VS. A low-flow 1.8 GPM shower head uses 1.8 gallons of water each minute.
Will a new shower head improve pressure? ›
In some situations, the showerhead may be damaged or may have too much sediment to completely remove. Unfortunately, this means that you'll need to replace the showerhead in order to improve your water pressure.
What is a good bar pressure for a shower? ›
What is the normal mains water pressure? Normal water pressure is around 1-1.5 bar, however, it will depend on your heating system, the area you live in, the location of the tap or shower in the house, and so much more.
Can a shower head really increase water pressure? ›
Whether your shower head is clogged with hard water minerals, such as calcium deposits, or your water comes from a well, there are plenty of shower heads available that can amplify your low water pressure, without having to change your water system entirely.
Does higher GPM mean more pressure? ›
GPM (gallons per minute) and pressure are related but different factors. While a higher GPM may create a greater feeling of pressure due to increased water volume, actual water pressure is determined by your home's plumbing system.
