Factors To Consider When Choosing a Showerhead

Have you ever looked at the showerhead in your bathroom and thought, “I really should replace that old showerhead.” Sounds simple, right? Maybe so if you’re satisfied with a regular showerhead that’s not much better than the old one you’re replacing.

But if you’re a discerning buyer who wants the best shower head, the kind that you’ll look forward to standing under for the next couple of decades, then you’ll want to take the time to learn just exactly what’s out there and what will work best for you and your bathroom. This simple purchase will pay off for you and your future showers.

Step 1: Choose the Type of Showerhead

Surprisingly, there are several showerhead types. They all do something different that can make or break your relaxing time in the shower. Pick your favorite style, and then you’re on to step two! For your consideration:

Fixed Types — This is the most basic and affordable showerhead. Typically found in dorms or apartments, this type does not swivel or move. It’s fixed in place and installed high up in the front of the shower stall or tub area. This is the type for you if you’re more concerned with a budget and keeping it simple.

Adjustable Types — This is almost like the fixed type, but some adjustment is available in water flow, typically by turning the showerhead clockwise or counterclockwise.

Low-flow Showerheads — Designed to save water, this type offers a low water flow to allow for the least amount of water use possible.

Handheld Showerheads — This type is usually installed in the front of the shower and can be detached for more convenient use. The handheld costs more than the fixed type, but those who choose it feel it’s worth paying a bit more.

Rain Showerheads — This type features a larger showerhead and is sometimes installed directly overhead to get the full effect. This type provides more water coverage with lower water pressure, giving its user the feel of standing in a soft summer rain or under a gentle waterfall. It’s more “spa-like” than the fixed type but is designed for those who enjoy low-pressure showers. This type is typically slightly higher in price than the fixed or handheld.

Dual Showerheads — The dual showerhead offers a fixed showerhead plus a handheld showerhead.

Shower Systems — If you’re looking for a big change in your shower, this is just your type. Shower systems come with many options and features like water pressure adjustment (even in the systems with a rain showerhead) and water diverters that supply water to more than one fixture. You can choose water systems for tub and shower combos or walk-in showers. And, since this type offers more than just a showerhead alone, the price goes up.

Step 2: Choose the Water Spray Pattern

In case you’re wondering, there are variations in how the water sprays out of the showerhead. And they are essential in setting the stage for your shower experience. Whether your preference is standing in a refreshing rain shower or you like a little steam, there’s an option that will send you searching for your rubber ducky every chance you get.

• Rain — A low-flow water spray pattern with a larger showerhead and light pressure. The Kingston Brass K124A7 Victorian 8″ Raindrop Shower Head with a brushed brass finish is a great example of a showerhead with a rainwater spray pattern and features 91 water channels.
• Massage — Several water pressure options with higher pressure settings for a massage experience. Typically use various parts of the showerhead to accomplish different settings.
• Full — A couple of water pressure options that utilize all the showerhead outlets.
• Jet — High-pressure water patterns with a concentrated water stream option.
• Pause — Medium pressure with an on-and-off water spray pattern.

Step 3: Choose the Type of Mount

The way a showerhead is mounted can affect the way it performs. Too high or too low, and it’s inconvenient and frustrating. Too close to the wall or too far away can also cause limitations in its use. Make sure you’re selecting the right count of mount for your fixtures and the setup for your bath and shower.

• Wall-mount Faucets — This is the most common option you’ll see in shower/tub combos. Faucets are installed on the wall at the front of the tub or shower. You’ll usually find a spoutfaucet for the tub and a showerhead about 80” from the floor. faucet for the shower further up near the showerhead.
• Deck-mounted Faucets — This would only be an option in tub and shower combos. Faucets are installed on the deck area surrounding the tub. You’ll usually find a handshower on the deck next to the faucet.shower faucets installed farther up between the tub deck and showerhead.
• Shower-only Faucets — For walk-in showers, corner, or standup showers, a shower-only faucet only offers fixtures to control showerhead functions. This is typically a wall mount option.

There are also free-standing, and tub-only sets, but those are not options for use with shower areas.

Other Considerations

Choosing a showerhead from Kingston Brass means selecting a product that will last. When your showerhead is going to be around for quite a long time, you want to be sure it’s the one that meets all your expectations. Here are a few additional considerations.

Comfort — Make sure the water pressure supplied by the showerhead you choose is the right comfort level for you. Massage spray patterns may be harsh for some, and rain may be too tame for others.

Easy to Use — If you’re standing in the shower screaming at the faucets, you may have a complicated shower. Some love many options and are willing to tackle the learning curve of a complex shower system. If that’s not you, choose one that is easy to operate and limit options to only those you want. Keep it simple.

Water Pressure - This refers back to comfort addressed previously. If you like intense water pressure, choose a massaging showerhead. Choose fixed if you want normal water pressure that never changes. If you like low pressure, choose a rainwater spray pattern or a low-pressure showerhead. You have options!

Spray Settings - The fixed showerhead is your best bet if you want something that doesn’t move or requires any water adjustment. But if you want to vary water pressure and enjoy multiple settings, make sure you choose a product that offers that, such as the Kingston Brass CK139A8 Shower Scape 3-5/8″ Adjustable Brass Shower Head in Brushed Nickel. Changing the water patternressure is as simple as turning the easy-to-access handle on the side of the showerhead.

Ready, Set, Choose!

Now that you know your options, you can make a more informed decision about what you want. Kingston Brass offers a wide variety of showerheads with all the features listed. Once you decide which kind of showerhead you want, come back and shop at Kingston Brass to find the highest quality and best selections on showerheads and much more.