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How to choose a showerhead for your guest bathroom

Julie Scagell
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If you’re in DIY mode and are looking to make changes to an existing guest bathroom, consider investing in a new showerhead. Showerheads can completely transform a space, adding character and enhancing the design, and an attachment with good water pressure and multiple flow patterns will make sure your guests truly feel taken care of.

There are thousands upon thousands of showerhead options available, but finding the right one for you doesn’t have to be a chore. With this quick guide, you can narrow down your selection and pick one that will look perfect in your space.

rain shower shower head

How to choose a showerhead

Showerhead fittings are standardized in the U.S. at 1/2-inch NPT (National Pipe Thread), so fit shouldn’t be an issue. Therefore, the best unit for you is more about personal preference than the size of your shower. You do, however, have to decide on other features, like whether you want a wall-mounted showerhead or a detachable one. Ask yourself, do you like the elegance of a rain shower, or would you prefer one with more water flow patterns? Once you can answer these questions, you can narrow down your choices a bit.

Related

Finally, determine your home’s water pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI) before making any purchase. Most showerheads need between 40-60 psi to run properly, so be sure to select a shower head that will work for your home.

Style

While it may not be as visible as the vanity or bathroom tiling, your showerhead is still an important design element. It should complement the other decor to make sure the bathroom looks put-together and aesthetically pleasing Almost all shower heads are made of metal or plastic with a colored finish, but you can also choose oil-rubbed bronze, chrome, copper, or brass finishes as well. Most of these options come in polished or brushed. There isn’t a significant difference between the two, but brushed coatings have a little more texture than smooth polish.

Spray patterns

Showerheads have different spray patterns, often depending on the shape of the head itself. Many are also equipped with multiple patterns, so you or your guest can change the flow depending on preference. Most options cover a wide range from a relaxing, drenching spray to a pulsating, targeted one.

Flow rate

As mentioned above, the water pressure in your home is one important consideration, but the water pressure of the showerhead itself is just as crucial. The flow rate of a showerhead is measured by the number of gallons per minute that it dispenses. According to DOE regulations, showerheads cannot produce more than 2.5 GPM at 80 psi. To conserve water, there are also options that use less than one gpm.

We love this Aqua Earth fixed pressure shower head from Amazon because it has an adjustable ballpoint to move the nozzle around, super high pressure, and six flow patterns.

Extra perks

If you want a little more from your showerhead, there are plenty of add-ons you can buy. If you have hard water, check out this PureAction Vitamin C filter head from Amazon, which removes chlorine, chloramine, and sediments, reduces fluoride, and softens well water. If you’re a big fan of singing in the shower, check out this Kohler Moxie option, which combines a wireless Bluetooth speaker integrated with Amazon’s Alexa. If you need to multi-task, it can also fill you in on the morning’s news.

If you’ve splurged on a showerhead or shower system, you definitely want to show it off. Consider picking a transparent shower curtain or, for a more intensive remodel, replace it with a glass shower door.

Showerheads are fairly easy to install but if you’re not super confident, you can hire a plumber to install yours for you. If installing yourself, be sure to check for any leaks after installation. Let the water run for a few minutes and keep an eye out for any errant water coming out of the pipe. As always, YouTube comes in handy when navigating any DIY project, so take a look at this video from The Home Depot to guide your installation.

With a high-quality, stylish showerhead, your guests will feel refreshed and relaxed as they take a nice, warm shower in your home.

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