Find The Right Showerhead
These days there is more to bathrooms than your average bath, basin and toilet suite; with the rising popularity of wet rooms and shower rooms the range of shower fittings on the market has developed rapidly. So, to help you sort your fixed heads from your hand-helds, we've compiled a brief guide of some things to think about before you buy.
Fixed Head versus Hand Held
Shower heads fit into two main categories: Fixed head or hand held. Each of these work differently and have their pros and cons.
Fixed head
Screwed to the wall or ceiling, these give a designer look and, as the spray is fixed, there's no danger of accidentally soaking the rest of the room. It's not the handiest for cleaning, though (or washing a squirming child). Also, it can be costly to instal and repair as the pipework should be hidden in the wall.
Hand held
Slots into a bracket that's either fixed to the wall or on a riser rail so you can adjust its height, connected by a flexible hose. These don't look as sleek or streamlined as fixed heads, but the great advantage is that you can detach them for focussed rinsing and easy cleaning of the shower enclosure.
What Is Your Shower Style
Rose head: Stylish option with a wide head and lots of small holes, giving a raindrop pattern spray - perfect for those who like a gentle shower.
Ceiling head: Similar spray to a rose head, but requires more water pressure than usual and is the most complicated head to fit. Good choice for wet rooms.
Multifunction head: Twist the head to alter the flow rate and pattern of the spray. Try out the twist action in the shop, remembering that you'll have to move it with wet, soapy hands.
Single Mode head: The most common type, this one is smaller than a rose head and doesn't have an adjustable spray, but it's cheaper and more water-efficient.
Double head: Either two sprays on one unit, an overhead spray plus a side-spray, or a fixed head and a hand-held. Very luxurious, but not water efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do water systems make a difference?
Not all systems are compatible with every type of sower head. Generally, gravity-fed and combi-boiler systems work best with single mode or multifunction heads; mains pressure systems suit all types if shower heads.
What spray options are available?
A raindrop spray gives a gentle draining effect with large droplets; a jet spray gives a strong, invigorating stream. Mist patterns (fine drops ) and champagne sprays (small drops, the standard type) give a relaxing shower.
How much water will it use?
Some shower heads are more water-efficient than others. Single mode heads are the best options due to the smaller size of the head and the more economical champagne spray pattern.
Can I fit a new head to my old shower?
Most hand-held heads can have the head and hose replaced, but check before you buy. Fixed heads can't be swapped without ripping out the pipework.
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