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.
There are several different showerheads available on the market. Some mount on a vertical slide for versatility and allow for height differences. The wall-mounted shower is most common with an overhead shower placed on the ceiling. This may require more water to operate. A handheld version with a controlled spray is best to bathe children, wash a pet or help those who need to shower sitting down. Body spray showerheads are small showerheads installed in series of two or three along opposite walls. The ultimate is body mist shower with a series of jets in a single bar to gently wash the body and have adjustable force and spray patterns.
3: SELF CLEANING.
Self-cleaning capabilities for a showerhead is always a good idea, especially if you live where there is hard water. If you live near salt water, make sure to ask about a special coating for your polished brass and chrome fixtures that will help you maintain the good looks without tarnishing, pitting or discoloration.
4: GET INTO THE FLOW.
The Low-flow showerhead conserves water by restricting its flow through smaller openings. The federally mandated effort to save water has reduced the flow of showerheads to 2.5 gallons per minute or less. Some showerhead manufacturers offer flow restriction mechanisms that reduce flow even lower. While they save water at this lower level, the water temperature may be lower than desired.
5: HOW TO PRICE.
Showerheads come in a wide range of prices, anywhere from $15 to $600 and more. As a general rule, you get what you pay for. The lower priced models will offer less features and a lesser warranty, if any. Changing to an overhead shower may mean expensive plumbing renovations. If you are replacing a wall mounted showerhead, you will probably want to select another one.
6: SCALD GUARD.
Will your shower be used by small children or older adults? If so, select antiscald protection. If you replace old mixer valve with an antiscald one, this is an expensive plumbing expense. Think about an antiscald fitting which install in between the shower arm and your new showerhead. - 16459
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.
There are several different showerheads available on the market. Some mount on a vertical slide for versatility and allow for height differences. The wall-mounted shower is most common with an overhead shower placed on the ceiling. This may require more water to operate. A handheld version with a controlled spray is best to bathe children, wash a pet or help those who need to shower sitting down. Body spray showerheads are small showerheads installed in series of two or three along opposite walls. The ultimate is body mist shower with a series of jets in a single bar to gently wash the body and have adjustable force and spray patterns.
3: SELF CLEANING.
Self-cleaning capabilities for a showerhead is always a good idea, especially if you live where there is hard water. If you live near salt water, make sure to ask about a special coating for your polished brass and chrome fixtures that will help you maintain the good looks without tarnishing, pitting or discoloration.
4: GET INTO THE FLOW.
The Low-flow showerhead conserves water by restricting its flow through smaller openings. The federally mandated effort to save water has reduced the flow of showerheads to 2.5 gallons per minute or less. Some showerhead manufacturers offer flow restriction mechanisms that reduce flow even lower. While they save water at this lower level, the water temperature may be lower than desired.
5: HOW TO PRICE.
Showerheads come in a wide range of prices, anywhere from $15 to $600 and more. As a general rule, you get what you pay for. The lower priced models will offer less features and a lesser warranty, if any. Changing to an overhead shower may mean expensive plumbing renovations. If you are replacing a wall mounted showerhead, you will probably want to select another one.
6: SCALD GUARD.
Will your shower be used by small children or older adults? If so, select antiscald protection. If you replace old mixer valve with an antiscald one, this is an expensive plumbing expense. Think about an antiscald fitting which install in between the shower arm and your new showerhead. - 16459
About the Author:
Steven M. Fisher is well known in the Decorating, Remodeling and Home Improvement 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.
