1: SHOWERING IN STYLE.
The finish or color of your showerhead should match the tub filler and the faucet. The styles should have a similar look, but don't necessarily have to match. You can now get showerheads that offer up to 25 different sprays from massage to drenching rain to fine mist.
2: THE JETS.
All showerheads are not alike and there are numerous types available on the market. The wall-mounted showerhead is the most common with an overhead shower placed on the ceiling. Others mount on a vertical slide for versatility and allow for height differences. One of the best to bathe children, wash a pet or help those who need to shower sitting down is a handheld version. The ultimate is body mist shower has a series of jets on a single bar to gently wash the body, as well as, has adjustable force and spray patterns. Body spray showerheads are small showerheads installed on opposite walls in a series of two or three.
3: THE SELF CLEAN TEST.
Do you live where there is hard water? Then think about a showerhead that offers self-cleaning capabilities. Also if you live by salt water, ask about special protective coating for polished brass and chrome fixtures. You will be able to maintain the good looks without tarnish or discoloration or even pitting.
4: IT'S ABOUT THE FLOW.
Low-flow showerheads conserve water by restricting flow through smaller openings. The federally mandated effort to save water has reduced the flow of showerheads to no more than 2.5 gallons per minute. Some showerhead manufacturers offer flow restriction mechanisms that reduce levels even lower. While they save water at this lower level, the water temperature may be lower than desired.
5: HOW TO PRICE.
You will find a wide price range of showerheads, from $20 to $500 and up. Generally you will get what you pay for with the lower priced models offering less features and less warranty, if any. If you are replacing a wall mounted showerhead, you will most likely want to select another one. Changing to an overhead showerhead may mean expensive plumbing renovations.
6: SCALD GUARD.
If your shower is used by small children or older adults, you need to consider antiscald protection. However, replacing an old mixer valve with an antiscald one can be an expensive plumbing expense. Instead, think about an anitscald fitting which installs between your new shower head and the shower arm. - 15359
The finish or color of your showerhead should match the tub filler and the faucet. The styles should have a similar look, but don't necessarily have to match. You can now get showerheads that offer up to 25 different sprays from massage to drenching rain to fine mist.
2: THE JETS.
All showerheads are not alike and there are numerous types available on the market. The wall-mounted showerhead is the most common with an overhead shower placed on the ceiling. Others mount on a vertical slide for versatility and allow for height differences. One of the best to bathe children, wash a pet or help those who need to shower sitting down is a handheld version. The ultimate is body mist shower has a series of jets on a single bar to gently wash the body, as well as, has adjustable force and spray patterns. Body spray showerheads are small showerheads installed on opposite walls in a series of two or three.
3: THE SELF CLEAN TEST.
Do you live where there is hard water? Then think about a showerhead that offers self-cleaning capabilities. Also if you live by salt water, ask about special protective coating for polished brass and chrome fixtures. You will be able to maintain the good looks without tarnish or discoloration or even pitting.
4: IT'S ABOUT THE FLOW.
Low-flow showerheads conserve water by restricting flow through smaller openings. The federally mandated effort to save water has reduced the flow of showerheads to no more than 2.5 gallons per minute. Some showerhead manufacturers offer flow restriction mechanisms that reduce levels even lower. While they save water at this lower level, the water temperature may be lower than desired.
5: HOW TO PRICE.
You will find a wide price range of showerheads, from $20 to $500 and up. Generally you will get what you pay for with the lower priced models offering less features and less warranty, if any. If you are replacing a wall mounted showerhead, you will most likely want to select another one. Changing to an overhead showerhead may mean expensive plumbing renovations.
6: SCALD GUARD.
If your shower is used by small children or older adults, you need to consider antiscald protection. However, replacing an old mixer valve with an antiscald one can be an expensive plumbing expense. Instead, think about an anitscald fitting which installs between your new shower head and the shower arm. - 15359
About the Author:
Steven M. Fisher has spent several years advising in the Home Improvement, Building and Remodeling Fields. Before you make any big purchases for your home, go to the Home Remodeling Portal where you can find information on thousands of products and manufacturers at the click of a mouse, as well as, several informative "6 Things To Know Before You Buy..." articles.
