What is a low-flow shower head? A low-flow shower head is commonly regarded as a shower head that has flow rates lower than 1.5 gpm. The standard way to measure shower head flow rate is to measure at 80 psi in coming pressure so we can compare between different brands and models.
Often, you can determine whether your showerhead is low-flow by reading any labels printed around the rim. If your showerhead is labeled 2.5 GPM or less, you have a low-flow showerhead. Any showerhead labeled 2.6 GPM or above is a high-flow showerhead.
Differentiating Between Low Flow And High Flow Shower Heads
When it comes to Shower Heads, you'll typically find 2.5 GPM, 2.0 GPM, 1.8 GPM and 1.5 GPM. If you're looking for the most pressure, go for the 2.5 GPM Flow Rate, unless you are restricted because you reside in California, Colorado or New York.
What are Water Saving Shower Heads? Water saving shower heads, commonly referred to as low flow shower heads, restrict the volume of water that passes through them. Modern shower heads use 9 litres per minute (L/min). You can commonly find water efficient shower heads with a flow rate of 7.5 L/min.
A high pressure shower head sprays out water with more force, maximizing the water flow, giving you a more complete cleaning experience, but using more water and energy. A high pressure shower head provides a spa experience with natural massage therapy and different spray patterns that is beneficial to your wellbeing.
National standard - 2.5 gpm
This includes all type of shower heads like hand-held shower, wall mount shower head, shower head systems, and rain showers. For shower heads made pre 1990s, it is still possible to find 3.5 gpm flow rate or even higher.
Removing the water restrictor from your showerhead can also improve water pressure. Removal might also clear out mineral build-up around the restrictor. It's fine for you to remove one if you live in an apartment unless otherwise stated. Note that your water bill may increase after removal.
A typical UK Power Shower will claim to give you 12+ litres a minute but this is often from the shower hose and not head and to achieve the lower flows our manufacturers put in flow restrictors in the shower head to kill energy and reduce the flow and pressure.
A flow rate between 10 and 15 litres per minute is considered acceptable but can be improved.
The average showerhead uses 12 litres of water per minute, with power showers using around 15 litres. Given that the average shower taken is around 10 minutes long, that's up to 150 litres of water every time you shower!
Low pressure in a shower can be caused by several issues such as a clogged showerhead, a worn-out mixing valve, closed valve, leaking pipe, or even a faulty water heater.
Replacing your showerhead: If limescale build-up has clogged your showerhead or hose beyond repair, it might be time for a new showerhead. The fewer and finer the holes are in the head, the stronger the water flow will feel. Try experimenting with an adjustable showerhead that gives you various spray options.
When shopping for shower heads, be sure to compare “apples to apples.” A 2.0 GPM shower head simply will not reproduce the flow rate of your old, 3.5 GPM shower head. Know the Laws. Depending on where you live, retailers may only sell shower heads with a maximum of 2.5 GPM, 2.0 GPM, or 1.8 GPM flow rate.
The GPM flow rate for shower heads has decreased over time. If your current shower head was made in the 1980's or 1990's, its flow rate could be 3.5 GPM or more!
A 2.5 gpm shower head will have a better pressure and shower experience than a 1.5 gpm shower head. A 1.8 gpm shower head would have a better pressure and shower experience than a 1.0 gpm shower head. Another drawback of low flow shower heads boosting the pressure is the temperature instability.
For water conservation purposes, most plumbing codes require faucets and showering devices to not exceed a certain maximum flow rate. Removing the flow restrictors could cause these devices to no longer meet these codes.
Removing a flow restrictor is illegal according to the US Energy Policy Act of 1992, which limits the maximum shower water flow rate to 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM).
Benefits: Low flow shower heads can decrease water consumption by 40% or more! This not only conserves water, but it cuts down on your monthly water bill providing significant end-of-year savings. Showers take energy to heat the water, thus cutting down on water usage also cuts down on energy usage.
High water pressure: It feels great in the shower, but it may be costing more than you think. High-pressure water can cause serious problems, like pinhole leaks, in your plumbing, and it can severely shorten the life of your water heater, dishwasher, boiler system, and washing machine.
30-40 PSI: Water pressure is moderate and feels comfortable for most people. You can easily take a shower or run a bath. 40-50 PSI: Water pressure is on the high side, but still manageable.
Make a note of the reading shown on the gauge, for a house supplied with mains water a normal pressure would be considered as 2-4 bars or 30-60 psi.