The Ultimate Showerhead Buying Guide - Ross's Discount Home Centre

If you’ve ever taken a shower or washed your hair, then you know how important it is to have the right showerhead. Unfortunately, there is a lot of information that must be considered before you buy a showerhead. Your choice shouldn’t be based on looks or design alone. You should also consider showerhead functionality, your plumbing, your budget, installation requirements and whether or not you want a fixed or handheld showerhead.

When looking for the perfect showerhead, you need to consider all of your options.

To help with the process of buying a showerhead, we’ve created this helpful guide to ensure you make the best decision possible when purchasing one for your home. This article will help you decide which type of showerhead is best for your needs.

Table of Contents

Different types of showerheads

Before buying a new showerhead, the first thing you should ask yourself is what kind? There are many different types of showers heads on the market that cater to various purposes and budgets.

Popular types of showerheads include regular fixed showerheads, rain showerheads, handheld showerheads, dual showerheads, multi-function showerheads, and ceiling-mounted showerheads. You can find all these types right here, at Ross’s Discount Home Centre.

Knowing what type of head you want will help narrow down your search by looking at features like pressure settings and water flow strength (ease-of-use). For example, if just one person uses the shower most often, you only need one pressure setting. However, if multiple people are using the shower or certain family members have sensitive skin, then an adjustable showerhead with multiple settings is preferred.

Let’s take a closer look at each type of showerhead:

Regular fixed showerheads

Regular fixed showerheads are the standard showerheads that are typically attached to a dedicated water outlet. They are very simplistic in design, comprising both a shower arm and showerhead, all-in-one, with or without any height adjustment options.

Due to their simplicity, fixed showerheads are great if you don’t require much pressure or a variety of functions from your showerhead. They’re also are the cheapest option, making them great for renovators or investment properties.

Regular fixed showerheads are generally wall-mounted, so your plumbing config must be compatible.

Pros:

Fixed showerheads are the standard version
Affordable for low budgets
Available in classic designs like chrome, brushed nickel, and bronze

Cons:

Can be difficult to adjust the pressure
Limited range of functions
Can be tricky to install for some plumbing configurations

Rain showerheads

Rain showerheads are similar to regular fixed showerheads in the sense that they feature a single showerhead with no spray options. How they differ is in their design and water delivery. They require more powerful water outlets and tend to have warmer water delivery compared to regular fixed showerheads. Because they project the water at such a high pressure and angle, you won’t need much in terms of actual water output; saving your household’s supply while still enjoying total body cleansing.

Rain showerheads are very simplistic in design, comprising only a large shower head, which can be anywhere between 25-40mm in diameter. They can be square or round in shape, and generally require an additional shower arm to be purchased for mounting.

Depending on the shower arm purchased, they are suitable for standard wall plumbing and ceiling plumbing.

Pros:

Offers a better shower experience
More contemporary in design
Water-saving

Cons:

Costlier than regular fixed showerheads
Warm water only
Can be difficult to install
Require high water pressure

Handheld showerheads

A handheld showerhead is a perfect choice if you love having full control over your showering experience. Handheld showerheads are popular for their convenience and ability to direct water flow in whichever way you prefer. By moving the handheld showerhead, you can direct water flow in any direction.

Many handheld showerheads have adjustable spray options and water temperature settings. These features vary from model to model, so it’s important to shop around for one that best suits your needs.

In terms of plumbing requirements, they typically are designed for standard wall plumbing.

Pros:

Convenient
Enable water to be directed in whichever way you prefer
Many have adjustable spray options, which vary from model to model

Cons:

Must be held while showering
Many have adjustable spray options, which vary from model to model
Some models may not have a hose for convenience

Dual showerheads

Dual showerheads are great for people who want the convenience of both a handheld and fixed showerhead. They typically function like a regular fixed showerhead but also include an additional extension arm to hold the handheld showerhead (a rain-style sprayer). The handheld showerhead component commonly features multiple spray options for a more customised shower experience.

Showerheads with dual spray settings can be used together or separately: helpful for people who like total body cleansing but don’t want to wash their hair under a full-force stream of water. These types of heads are preferred by people who love to multitask. You can use them in the traditional showering position and when shaving or rinsing your hair.

Dual showerheads also come in a variety of styles and designs to meet all preferences. They are suitable for bathrooms with standard wall plumbing.

Pros:

Offers the convenience of both a handheld and fixed showerhead
Suitable for people who want total body cleansing
Can be used together or separately

Cons:

Must be held while showering
May not have a hose for convenience

Multi-function showerheads

Multi-function showerheads are any type of showerhead that provides spray options. Generally, they come with a single shower arm that includes an adjustable rain-style nozzle and another option for a body spray. It is not uncommon for these types of showerheads to have up to four spay options.

Multi-function heads are available in any previous model (fixed, handheld, dual) and give the user full control over their shower experience. They’re particularly great for people who like to multitask or prefer total body cleansing.

Pros:

Offer a variety of spray options
Suitable for people who like to multitask or prefer total body cleansing
Available in any previous model (fixed, handheld, dual)

Cons:

Some models may be difficult to install
May not be suitable for people who like a traditional shower experience
May not have a hose for convenience

Ceiling-mounted showerheads

Ceiling-mounted showerheads are generally the same as rainfall showerheads. Because of their height, they can provide a more powerful water stream and larger water droplets. They are great for people who like the sound of the rain or want to feel completely relaxed under a shower.

Ceiling-mounted showerheads require standard ceiling plumbing or overhead cast iron pipe (OCIP) pluming.

Pros:

Provide a more powerful water stream
Have large water droplets that feel more like rainfall
Suitable for people who want the sound of rain or want to feel completely relaxed under a shower

Cons:

May not be suitable for people who want a handheld showerhead
Require either standard ceiling plumbing or overhead cast iron pipe (OCIP) pluming

Plumbing Considerations

When it comes to shopping for a new showerhead, your current plumbing configuration is vital. As mentioned above, some showerheads are designed for wall plumbing. Others are only compatible with overhead plumbing.

Standard wall plumbing

Showerheads suitable for standard wall plumbing include fixed showerheads, rainfall showerheads (with a wall-mounted shower arm), dual showerheads, and multi-function showerheads.

Opting for a showerhead compatible with standard wall plumbing is a great choice for a number of reasons:

No requirement to hire a plumber
Flexible in terms of what shower arm to purchase
Can be installed in half an hour or less

Showerheads not suitable for standard wall plumbing cannot easily be fixed. If you wish to change your showerhead to be ceiling mounted, you will have to pay a qualified plumber to install and fix it.

Standard ceiling plumbing

Showerheads suitable for standard ceiling plumbing include fixed rainfall showerheads (with a ceiling-mounted shower arm), ceiling-mounted showerheads.

Opting for a showerhead compatible with standard ceiling plumbing is a great choice for a number of reasons:

Can be installed without requiring a plumber (if ceiling plumbing already exists)
Effectively operates like a rainfall showerhead (non-wall mounted)
Suitable for people who like ‘rain’ showers or prefer overhead showering.

Due to their height and large size, ceiling-mounted rain showerheads are not suitable for standard wall plumbing.

Water Pressure

The most important factor is water pressure because it will determine the showerhead you should purchase. Showerheads with different water pressure requirements can be found in both fixed and handheld varieties.

Fixed showerheads: Usually come in low (less than 5 litres per minute/low pressure) or high-pressure (greater than 10 litres per minute/high pressure)

Handheld showerheads: Usually operate on lower pressures but can be found in both lower and higher pressure varieties.

If your water pressure is low, then a fixed showerhead or dual showerheads are best because they have higher volume sprays. However, consider getting an overhead rainfall showerhead for the most luxurious experience if your water pressure is strong.

Pricing and Cost

Next, you should do some research on brands and compare prices to find the best deals. Showerheads range in price from $20 to $1000+. Generally, the more features and flexibility a showerhead offers, the higher its price.

It’s also important to remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best one: sometimes investing a little more can mean you’ll enjoy better features or performance for years to come. For example, dual showerheads come with a price tag of around $280+. However, they are much more cost-efficient in the long run because you can save water by using both spray options at once or enjoy total body cleansing if you choose to use them separately.

Or maybe you’re after a luxury shower experience? Ceiling-mounted rain showerheads are luxurious and affordable, costing $100 plus $120+ for the shower arm.

How to save money buying a showerhead

When it comes to buying a new showerhead, your budget is a very important consideration. Luckily, there are a number of ways you can cut down the price while still getting a product with features and performance to suit your needs.

Look for showerheads with 2+ year warranty
Track down a showerhead on clearance or at a discount
Buy online and get free shipping
Shop from suppliers with a 14-day money-back guarantee. This way, if you don’t like it, you can send it back.

Installation

If you purchase a showerhead to match your existing plumbing configuration, installing your new showerhead will be fairly straightforward and will not require a plumber.

Before you buy a new showerhead, you should also consider how much space it will take up in your bathroom. The size of the head and style of plumbing required will determine whether there is adequate space for your new showerhead.

How to install a new showerhead

The first step in installing a new showerhead is to turn off your home’s water supply at the mains. Next, remove the old showerhead and then install the new showerhead by screwing it onto your existing plumbing. Complete the process by turning the water back on and enjoying your new shower!

Some showerheads require a little more in-depth installation. For example, if you purchase an overhead rainfall showerhead to be installed in your ceiling, the installation process will be slightly different.

Ceiling-mounted rain showerheads come with a metal bracket that needs to be attached to the ceiling and bolted into place, before attaching the head. The bracket also has a hook for a shower hose.

Always read and follow the supplied manufacturers installation guide.

Conclusion

When it comes to buying a new showerhead, there are many options at hand, including regular fixed showerheads, dual showerheads, rainfall showerheads, and ceiling-mounted rain showerheads.

The first step is to think about your budget and the features you need for your new showerhead. Next, think about what style of bathroom or personal taste best suits your needs.

If your water pressure is low, then a fixed showerhead or dual showerheads are best because they have higher volume sprays. Consider getting an overhead rainfall showerhead for the most luxurious experience if your water pressure is strong.

Remember to do some research beforehand but don’t be scared to try something new. There are plenty of showerhead options to both renovate and revitalise your bathroom!

Once you know your requirements, it’s time to do some shopping around. If your current showerhead doesn’t measure up, check out our extensive range at Ross’s Discount Home Centre.

We offer free a huge range of showerheads in our Shower Tapware range, all at the most competitive prices in Perth. We offer a 14-day money-back guarantee and free shipping to Perth Metro. So, there’s no excuse not to shop from us!