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Showerheads

The shower is the centrepiece of the bathroom so it is important to have the right showerhead for your needs.  Read on to find out more about what is available.

The Basic Types of Showerheads

There are two basic types of showerheads, fixed and handheld.  Fixed showerheads are mounted permanently to the wall of the shower unit, while handheld showerheads are connected to the wall with a flexible hose, allowing a range of motion.  Handheld showerheads most often hang on a fixed mount bracket.  Some fixed showerheads are mounted in a way that allows the height to be adjusted to suit different people.

Choosing a Showerhead

In showerheads, different spray patterns and options are available.  There are rain style showerheads, and massaging showerheads, amongst the many options available.  There are literally hundreds of different of showerheads on the market in a range of styles from traditional to contemporary.  Chrome is still the most popular finish but brass, brushed nickel, and other newer finishes are available.  Look for flexibility – bendable and moveable arms allow you to vary the angle of the head, while levers, push buttons, and dials, make it easy to change the spray settings on adjustable models.

Common Types of Showerheads

Common types of showerheads include:

• Fixed showerheads – these give a neat, clean finish, which is recessed into the tiles or wall.  The fixed showerhead can be complemented with a supplementary head on an adjustable riser for use for washing hair or rinsing the shower.  For the ultimate fixed showerhead, look for one that is 8 inches or more, to create a rain-like fold.
• Shower body jets – these are directional jets that can be aimed at areas of the body so that the water is falling not just from above but reaching the body from all angles.  When installing body jets in your shower, ensure that a diverter valve is also installed so that the showerhead can be used in isolation if required.
• Shower handsets – these are shaped like a telephone receiver and have a ceramic handle and a circular chrome spray.  Another shape coming into fashion is the simple, conical, microphone shaped handset.
• Dual showerheads – this is mounted to the one existing shower arm, and the user is able to adjust the sprays to accommodate both their face and body.  The dual heads also make it easier to shower with another person.  Each head can be adjusted individually and some allow you to turn the second head off if not needed.
• All in one shower panel – this is a panel that contains the showerhead, hand shower, and body sprays in the one panel.  It is popular due to its ease of installation.

Water Efficient Showerheads

A water efficient showerhead means that you’ll save water, money, and the environment.  Best of all, you won’t have to sacrifice the quality of your shower.  These showerheads use significantly less water than standard showerheads, and produce a fine spray or pulsating jets of water.  Many water efficient showerheads incorporate a function that reduces or turns off the flow of water when a person is soaping up or shampooing their hair, reducing the amount of water used even more.

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