The current standard today is a shower head that dispenses 2.5 gallons of water each minute, or lower flow shower head which disperses 2 gallons or less of water per minute.
If you have an inefficient showerhead, you may be washing money down the drain. A low-flow showerhead, on the other hand, can help you conserve water and energy, helping the planet and saving you money on utility bills. Showers are responsible for, on average, 17% of household water use and 50% of hot water use.
Many traditional showerheads offer an output of five or more gallons per minute, or gpm. With a low-flow showerhead system, the average is closer to 2.5 gpm, with some faucets offering amounts as low as 1.6, reducing the volume of water used in a single shower to a mere fraction of what was going down the drain before.
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.
Cons of Low-Flow Shower Heads
Since these shower heads mix the water with the surrounding air, it can cause the water to cool down quickly. There can also be a delay in warming the water, so a fast shower might not be as satisfying.
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.
If the pipes are sound, the pressure of a typical home shouldn't cause a leak when your low-flow shower turns on. That's why this is generally an old house problem. A typical tub spout, with no special flow restriction, can blast water at up to 8 gallons per minute, at about 60 psi.
If the price of electricity is 5 cents per kWh, the low-flow shower head will save $32.50 per year per person. So, for a family of four, the cost savings of using a low-flow shower head is $95.20 per year if natural gas water heating is used, and $130 per year if electricity is used for water heating.
Depending on your current flow rate, you may be able to increase the flow simply by removing the filter or restricting device or replacing the showerhead with a higher-flow model, such as increasing to a standard 2.5 GPM head. Before you change the showerhead, make sure that the new model is legal in your area.
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.
There are low-flow showerheads for every price range, but most cost between $50 and $100. You can get a basic low-flow showerhead for less than $20, but a luxury showerhead could cost more than $1,000. Also factor labor into your shower hardware budget.
Not every home has high enough pressure to accommodate high-pressure heads. Lower levels of water pressure can affect your shower head's power. If you have low pressure, look for a shower head designed for low water pressure. While they use less water, they still provide a full shower experience.
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.
Many modern shower heads are designed specifically to increase the pressure of the water coming out of the showerhead itself. So, while they can't increase the actual water pressure of the home, they do improve the showering experience.
If your water pressure seems low, the first step should be to test how much pressure you're actually getting from the shower head. A typical home's water pressure should be somewhere between 45 to 55 psi (pounds per square inch).
When you turn the shower off, the water built up still might need to get out so a few drips are expected. If you still hear it going minutes after you've gotten out, you need to check that it is fully off. If it is shut off tight, but still dripping, give us a call because that can indicate a problem or cost you money.
If your showerhead is spraying every which way or not providing a consistent water pressure, chances are it could use a good cleaning. Showerheads often spray unevenly, because their tiny holes have gotten plugged with mineral deposits. In order for water to flow freely, you need to remove these deposits.
Choosing the Right Pressure of Water
If your home doesn't have enough water pressure for the head you choose, water won't be able to flow with enough strength or consistency to be effective. Most shower heads need between 40 and 60 psi. Check your home's water pressure and purchase a showerhead that will work for it.
A fixed shower head, aka wall mount shower head, is one of the most common types of shower heads and what most people have in their home. It's no-frills and is typically smaller in size, with diameters from 5 inches or less.
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Many people don't realize it, but shower heads should actually be replaced every 6 to 8 months.
showers don't last very long like they used to do. I have fitted replacement showers for many years now and noticed the trend towards returning customers asking for replacements within 2 - 4 years. 1 Entry level showers are cheap to buy and made to sell cheap - So manufacturers make these for market share.
Experts advise that you should give your shower head a thorough cleaning at least once a month, but regular weekly cleanings are the key in preventing the serious buildup. For hassle-free cleaning, simply spray your shower head with a vinegar-based cleaning solution every week as you are getting out of the shower.