Showerheads: An In-Depth Guide

What Is GPM?

The efficiency of different showerheads is rated in GPM, or gallons per minute. Gallons per minute is the flow rate that measures how many gallons of water flow from a water fixture each minute. Standard showerheads use 2.5 gallons of water per minute, as mandated by federal regulations.

How Much Water Does the Average Shower Consume?

Since the average length of a shower is just over 8 minutes, around 20 gallons of water are used for each shower. However, some people enjoy taking longer showers, which can significantly increase the amount of water used. Shorter showers and more efficient showerheads can offer a similar experience while reducing the amount of water used.

What Is the Recommended Showerhead GPM?

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that homeowners opt for showerheads with a flow rate of under 2.5 gallons per minute. Ultra-low flow showerheads deliver a flow rate of 1 gallon per minute as opposed to 2.5 gallons per minute in traditional products. If a family of four showered once per day and took an average of 10 minutes per shower, the family would reduce their daily water usage from 100 gallons of water to 40 gallons. They would be saving almost 22,000 gallons of water each year.

Are Water Saving Showerheads Worth It?

Since the average price of water across the United States is $1.50 per 1,000 gallons, the family could expect to save around $33 per year by simply changing the showerheads in their home. Low-flow showerheads will also reduce your electricity bill by cutting back on the amount of energy needed to heat the water for your showerheads. One website estimates that for every 6,000 gallons of water reduced, homeowners can expect to save $90 per year on their heating bill. For our theoretical family of four outlined above, switching their showerheads could lead to total savings on both water and heating bills of around $350 per year.

How Often Should You Clean Your Showerhead?

Many types of bacteria thrive in moisture. While cleaning our showers and bathtubs is common practice, many of us are guilty of never cleaning our showerhead. Even those on municipally treated water should still look to clean their showerheads as additives in the water settle and form sediment in your water pipes while waiting for use. Showerhead cleaning is especially true for people who have unfiltered well water or hard water. Cleaning solutions are readily available at most hardware and grocery stores. It's essential to look for safe and natural cleaning solutions or opt for white vinegar.

The most common sediment that almost all of us will notice is calcium. Over time, calcium begins to collect in the nozzles of our showerheads to form white, rocky material. Showerheads should be cleaned every 6 to 9 months or as needed if calcium or other buildup becomes noticeable. In severe hard water cases, you may notice the appearance of little black dots on your showerhead, which is the formation of black mold. While black mold is tough to get rid of, you can avoid using harsh chemicals by soaking your shower head in white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Ensure the entire shower head is submerged in the hydrogen peroxide for one hour.

What Are Fixed Showerheads?

Fixed showerheads, often referred to as single spray, are the most common in homes across the country. Also known as a wall-mounted showerhead, these are usually smaller in size, with an average diameter of 4-5 inches, and attach to the wall or ceiling of the shower. Newer models of showerheads offer dozens of settings and options. Some homeowners might prefer the simplicity of a showerhead that delivers water savings by doing nothing more than turning on the shower faucet. There are also multi-function fixed showerheads that allow you to play with different spray patterns for a more personalized shower experience.

What Are Rain Showerheads?

Rain showerheads are another option in this category. These showerheads mount from the ceiling or the shower wall with a diameter of up to 12 inches. This means that you have a wider area of coverage for your shower. If you opt for low-flow rain showerheads, smaller amounts of water will be delivered across the 12-inch diameter, thus making for less water pressure.

What Are Handheld Showerheads?

Handheld showerheads usually include a detachable hose and a holder that is mounted to the wall. These types of showerheads are popular with families who have young children and for the elderly who prefer to sit on a shower bench when bathing. If you prefer a fixed shower, you can place the handheld device onto the mount. This option offers the most versatility for families with different bathing needs.

What Are Shower Panels?

Shower panels, commonly referred to as shower towers or shower spas, consist of several different jets of water, different levels of pressure, mists, and even lighting options. While most shower panel systems use considerably larger amounts of water, there are simpler shower spa products that use similar amounts of water to a bath. Shower panels can be mounted on the wall and easily attach to standard plumbing. This leads to a simple and often easy installation. Most panel showers include a fixture similar to a rainfall shower, one or more body jets. Some models even include a handheld shower attachment. All of these water outputs can work individually or together at the same time.

What Are Sliding Bar Showerheads?

Sliding bar showerheads are perfect for families with young children or mobility issues since the height of the showerhead can be adjusted by sliding the showerhead up or down. Once the ideal height is reached, it can be conveniently locked in place. Sliding bar showers often have multiple heads, which provide easy bathing of the head, the back, feet, and other hard-to-reach areas.