A new shower head is one of the cheapest upgrades in a bathroom, and replacing one takes about fifteen minutes. The harder part is choosing among the dozens of models on the shelf.
Types of shower heads
- Fixed wall-mount: the classic. Easy to install, available in every price range.
- Handheld: on a hose and bracket. Practical for rinsing the tub, washing kids or pets, and for people who shower seated.
- Rain shower: a large, flat head mounted overhead or on a long arm. Gentle flow, but it works best with good water pressure and enough ceiling height.
- Dual or combo: a fixed head and a handheld that can run together or separately.
Flow rate and water use
US federal rules limit new shower heads to 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm). Models with the EPA’s WaterSense label use 2.0 gpm or less and are tested to make sure the spray is still satisfying (EPA WaterSense showerheads). Because less hot water flows, they also cut water heating costs.
If your water pressure is low, look for heads designed for low pressure; they use smaller nozzles to keep a strong spray. If you have hard water, rubber or silicone nozzles are easy to clean by rubbing off the scale.
Finish and features
Chrome is the most common and the easiest to keep clean. Brushed nickel hides water spots; matte black looks modern but shows limescale. Spray settings (massage, mist) are nice to have, but more settings also mean more parts to clog.
How to replace a shower head
- You do not usually need to shut off the water, just make sure the shower is off.
- Unscrew the old head counterclockwise. If it is stuck, use an adjustable wrench and wrap the shower arm in a cloth so you do not scratch it.
- Clean the threads of the shower arm with an old toothbrush to remove old tape and scale.
- Wrap plumber’s tape (PTFE) two or three times clockwise around the threads.
- Screw on the new head by hand, then give it a small extra turn with the wrench, protected by a cloth.
- Turn on the water and check for drips at the joint. Tighten slightly if needed.
For a handheld, the hose attaches to the arm through a bracket or diverter, following the same steps.
When the problem is the valve
If the shower drips when off or the temperature swings, the problem is in the valve behind the wall, not the head. That is a bigger repair; it is worth considering as part of a bathroom remodel. To match the rest of the bathroom, see the different types of shower doors.
