Considerations When Choosing a Low-Flow Showerhead

If you're in the market for a quick and easy bathroom upgrade or a complete remodel, you're probably thinking of shower improvements as part of the process. Upgrading your showerhead to a low-flow model is an easy and affordable way to make your shower more environmentally friendly.

But the plethora of low-flow showerheads on the market today and the potential problems that can arise if you install the wrong one mean that you need to choose your shower head carefully. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when you're shopping for a low-flow showerhead.

1. Different Family Members May Need Different Settings

Your household may have several members who are interested in reducing environmental impact, but one family member whose primary concern is an invigorating, well-pressurized shower each morning. If this is the case, you may want to look into showerheads with multiple flow settings.

Some showerheads have both a normal setting and a low-flow setting, offering the option to adjust your shower's water use rate based on how eco-friendly you want your shower to be.

2. The Low-Flow Setting Still Needs to Provide a Satisfying Shower

If your showerhead's low-flow setting is low-pressure and unsatisfying, even ecologically minded family members may be discouraged from using the low-flow feature. Fortunately, many low-flow showerheads today have designs that compensate for the smaller amount of water (for instance, by adding pressure).

You can read reviews of each product online as you choose to help you ensure you don't get a mediocre showerhead, but you also have to use common sense. Do you typically need a very high-pressure shower to help you wake up in the mornings? If so, consider a low-flow showerhead with invigorating massage spray settings or pressure-boosting technology.

3. Water Pressure May Affect Performance

The water pressure you have in your home may be above or below normal pressure levels. This could affect the function of the low flow showerhead, potentially in negative ways.

For instance, if your water pressure is below what's recommended for the product, you may end up with a low-pressure shower even if the product has good reviews, simply because it's not designed to work well with the lower pressure. So check the recommendations on the product you're considering, and ask your plumber if your home has normal water pressure.

Water pressure that's too high or too low can also cause performance issues elsewhere in your plumbing, so you should be aware of any issues with your water pressure even if you don't care about your shower performance. If you do have lower water pressure, consider getting a pressure compensating showerhead.

4. Lower Flow Saves More Hot Water

If you're trying to choose between a moderately low-flow showerhead and one with extra-low-flow capabilities, remember why saving water in the shower is so important. It's not just because a higher flow means more water used; a warm shower uses both water and energy, meaning that a higher-flow shower is wasting money on your electric or gas bill as well.

Whether you're in it for the ecological benefits or whether you're trying to save money by installing a low-flow showerhead, a super-low-flow product can help. You can lower both your water bills and your energy bills by choosing low-flow, and the lowest flow possible is best when it comes to saving in both areas.

As you can see, not all low-flow showerheads are the. These considerations should help you to narrow down your search for the perfect showerhead.

Whether you need help with shower upgrades, fixture recommendations and installation, or a complete bathroom overhaul, get in touch with Express Plumbing & Drain Service to discuss our installation services.