Some Things You Need To Know About Rain Shower Heads

Showers have been around longer than you might think. Our ancient ancestors learned to enjoy waterfalls to keep themselves clean, and now a good rain shower head can give you a similar feeling on a much smaller scale. These heads were once reserved for the rich or new construction, but now any homeowner can have family members experience a soothing rain shower from their home.

Think about the size of the rain shower head in relation to your size and other people that will use the shower on a regular basis. Then consider your water pressure as this style of head isn’t known for being high-powered.
Here are some things you need to know about rain shower heads.

The Pros and Cons of Rain Shower Heads

While baths are still popular, there’s a strong chance 99% of our readers have experienced the joys of a steaming hot shower. It’s a game changer when you’re covered in filth and a great way to start your day before heading off to work or school. We love showers and are fans of rain shower heads, but there are some serious differences between traditional and rain shower heads.

The biggest issue you’re likely to face when making the transition is water pressure. Most of these heads are rated at 2.5 gallons which is common for shower heads, but the surface area and number of nozzles can cut the flow back dramatically. It’s the one trade-off if you want a rain-like shower instead of pounding pressure, but something you can get around by removing the restrictor if the head has one.

Needless to say, if you have low water pressure at home, this style may not be the right choice for you – especially if you have a lot of hair. You have to consider other people in your household whether they are bald or have long, curly locks due to bathing habits.

Features

While they make shower heads that have built-in LED lights or play music, things of that nature are gimmicky, and we prefer to focus on quality. There aren’t many features when it comes to shower heads of this style although there are a few exceptions.

You can find a rain shower head with a few extra spray patterns, but the biggest selling point for manufacturers is generally the number of jets and how easy they are to clean. Adjustments are also key unless you live alone as someone with a different height will appreciate a swivel on the back of the shower head. That’s an option on most of the top models, but not if you’re doing a ceiling mount installation or buying a fixed head.

Installation Tips

Most rain shower heads are between 8 to 12-inches and simply screw onto an existing ½” threaded waterline which is the standard in the states. You’ll probably need to pick up some Teflon tape unless it’s included. You will also have to think about the arm that holds the head. Due to the size of this style, you’re going to need a longer arm if you want true overhead coverage. 

If you’re buying a rain shower head that hangs from the ceiling or going with an exotic water panel, you’ll want to call a pro. If you are just replacing an old wall-based system, you may be able to do it yourself. Just be sure to check the measurements of the new equipment against the old included any covers or plates that handle the old holes.

Other things to consider

You’ll also want to consider the area you live and if any water restrictions are in place. California and New York have certain standards, but so do plenty of other regions. If you only have 55 gallons a day to work with, the flow rate becomes a bit more important with showers along with anything that uses water in your home.