Few things are as satisfying as getting home and stepping into the shower. It’s refreshing, relaxing, and leaves you feeling brand new. But, this could all go sideways if the showerhead is getting low water pressure. While many reasons could cause this issue, there’s one quick solution: to get the best high-pressure shower head.
This showerhead improves the showering experience significantly. Water flow gets an improvement, and you get total body coverage for a nice bath. It’s even better considering that some of these showerheads have multiple functions.
But how exactly do you get a high-pressure shower head? Don’t worry! During this article, you’ll find everything related to this type of showerhead. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which one will suit your needs better.
Let’s address a few basic questions first before moving forward.
What is Flow Rate?
Flow rate refers to the volume of water that goes through a specific surface per unit of time. More specifically, it’s the speed at which water passes through the supply lines and pipes. This also applies to bathroom fixtures such as showerheads, faucets, and tub spouts.
How to Know If You Have Good Water Pressure at Home?
This is actually pretty simple to do. All you will need is a pressure gauge, which is already an inexpensive tool. You can find it at any hardware store. Get one with female hose threads, as they’re easier to use. Even better if it has a rubber gasket and capacity to measure about 300 psi max.
Preparations. Turn off all faucets, showerheads, springles, dishwashers, and similar fixtures. Otherwise, you may get inaccurate pressure readings.
Connect the gauge. Preferably to a faucet or hose bib outside. For households with municipal utility lines, the closest to the water meter will do. If you use a well, connect the gauge to the hose bib closest to the well’s pressure tank.
Tighten the gauge. Do it by hand, and then let the faucet run. The gauge should pick between 45 and 55 psi. If the reading is lower than 40 or above 80 psi, you should look into it.
- If it’s above 80 PSI, set up a water pressure regulator. This system will keep it at 75 psi max.
- If it’s below 45 PSI, the pressure regulator may need an inspection. Make sure to adjust the system to 50 psi. But it could also be due to low water flow provided by the municipal water utility. When this happens, a good solution would be to set up a water pressure booster.
Do High Pressure Shower Heads Really Work?
A high-pressure showerhead can maximize water flow. By doing this, it delivers a powerful spray for a pleasant showering experience. The design of the showerhead is simple yet effective. There’s an improved water passage that minimizes flows restriction. This leads to an optimized shower force.
How do high pressure shower heads work?
The way high-pressure showerheads work is very creative. They can have either pressure chambers or different spray settings. These settings help condense the head spray to create a better flow rate. Due to this particular design, the showerhead guarantees improved pressure.
If the showerhead has a pressure chamber, the process is different. This chamber provides pressure and air, allowing the water to flow faster. Most modern showerheads use this method.
What does all of this amount to? Basically, showerheads put all the pressure. That means there’s nothing left for you to do other than enjoy the shower.
Of course, you do get to decide how you’d like your water. Here’s when the spray patterns come into play. Depending on the model, a showerhead could deliver a soothing mist or massage sprays.
Best Types of Shower Heads for Low Water Pressure
Knowing the types of showerheads makes it easier to choose one. In that regard, two are the most prominent for high-pressure applications. Those are the fixed and handheld showerheads. Learn more about them here.
Fixed / Wall-Mounted
Also known as rain showerheads. This type of showerhead remains attached to pipes or walls. That’s why people call them fixed. The design of this unit has a large diameter and patterns to let water flow continuously. Besides rain patterns, these often allow water flow like waterfalls, too.
Fixed showerheads are the most popular option.
Handheld
Handheld showerheads offer the convenience that fixed ones lack. These attach to a hose instead of the pipes, which leads to more benefits. For instance, it’s easier to remove them from their wall bracket. By doing that, you can use it to focus the water stream on specific areas.
Laminar-flow vs. Aerated Which Is Best for You?
Primarily, there are two ways in which fixtures provide water. These are the laminar flow and the aerated flow. Either one has an impact on how the water ultimately comes out of the showerhead. Here are the main differences between the two.
Aerated Shower Heads
Aerated flow can be diverse. On the one hand, there’s the typical aerated flow. This is the most common in households and apartments. Fixtures with this type of flow can mix air into the water properly. By doing that, they guarantee a wide aerated stream. The water feels soft and is non-splashing.
Then, there’s the spray-aerated flow. This one provides a water stream through a shower pattern, which is perfect for showerheads. The stream is also non-splashing and ideal for complete coverage.
Laminar-flow Shower Heads
This is mainly for showerheads, faucets, and tub spouts. Fixtures with laminar flow provide a clear water stream without splashing. Though its uses are many, it’s most suitable for high flow applications.
Which One to Get?
For a high-pressure showerhead, the ideal would be the aerated flow. Then again, it’s a matter of which one you like the most. Laminar flow can also be the better choice depending on the circumstances.
Handheld or Wall-Mounted Shower Heads?
After learning about the types of showerheads, the next question to answer is which one is better. To clear this doubt, it’s essential to understand what separates one from the other. Let’s take a look.
Handheld
A handheld showerhead guarantees thorough cleaning and a satisfying showering experience. Since it can come out of its wall bracket, this showerhead is excellent for many applications. You can use it for showers, to bathe the kids, and to care for your pets.
Wall-Mounted
This type of showerhead is also apt, but it does have its limitations. Due to their fixed nature, wall-mounted showerheads aren’t as convenient as a handheld. They stick to an elevated height that could make it difficult to reach certain spots. Furthermore, they may not be suitable for children and pets.
Which One is Better?
Naturally, this debate raises the question of which one is better. But, the answer is pretty straightforward. If you want the whole experience, you’ll need both.
Doesn’t that make it more expensive? Yes, but it’s definitely worth it. You see, most high-pressure showerheads come in sets of two units. That includes the fixed showerhead and the handheld unit.
Some brands do offer a single unit instead of two. This could mean less money spent, but also some limitations. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which one suits your needs the most.
Most Important Factors When Buying High Pressure Shower Heads
All of that sounds great, but what exactly constitutes a decent high-pressure shower head? This section covers the most important factors to consider before making your decision.
Flow Rate
The standard GPM offered by most showerheads is 2.5 gallons per minute. Of course, some may handle more or less than that. Either way, this is yet another choice purely based on personal preferences. Still, keep in mind that some areas may regulate the use of water. So, make sure to have these things clear before purchasing a showerhead.
Spray Patterns
High-pressure showerheads are fantastic for their capacity to provide strong water streams. But, that wouldn’t be ideal without good spray patterns.
Now, here’s when it gets tricky. Depending on the model, showerheads can offer a lot of spray pattern combinations. During the reviews, you’ll learn about a single unit that provides up to 24 patterns in total. This includes pulsating massage, gentle mist, rain-like stream, and more.
If you need variety, the spray pattern is a factor to consider.
Energy-Saving Features/Certification
Overuse of water can lead to law issues in specific locations. This may result in fines applied to you, which is not ideal. That’s where energy-saving showerheads come into play.
As mentioned before, the standard GPM used by showerheads is 2.5. This is to comply with the law. Still, other showerheads may use less than that. For example, low-flow showerheads work with 1.5 GPM. People may not consider them powerful enough, but they’re efficient. By using just the right amount of water, these showerheads reduce money spent on water bills.
One way to check the showerhead’s efficiency is by looking for a WaterSense label. The EPA-certified WaterSense shows that the showerheads went through tests and were approved. As a result, they save more water and use less energy, too.
Design
The design of the showerhead depends on four models. These are the handheld, wall-mounted, rain shower head, and the three-way.
Wall-Mounted. This showerhead remains fixed in place and often features multiple settings. Additionally, it has an adjustable spray pattern.
Rain Showerheads. These are larger, but they remain fixed on a specific location. Using this will give you a larger coverage area for a more satisfying showering time.
Handheld. These connect to the water supply using a hose. You can also get the high-pressure handheld shower head out of its bracket for more convenience. Use it for bathing children, washing pets, or cleaning tasks.
Three-Way. This refers to the showerheads that include both the fixed and handheld units.
Size
Though it isn’t as important, size is also a factor to consider. Luckily, most showerheads are compact and lightweight. These properties make them super convenient. Before buying a high-pressure showerhead, consider the dimensions. It will allow you to get a unit that fits.
Ease of Installation
Don’t make your life harder. Showerheads are simple units that need only a few minutes to install. Mounting them is a tool-less process, mostly done by hand. You do have to secure the fittings and make sure there are no leaks. But, even that is easy to do. All you have to do is to run some tests afterward.
Nonetheless, check if the showerhead has practical guidelines included. This will help you understand its functions better. A manual is also helpful to learn how to maintain the unit properly.
Clogging
A clogged showerhead can negatively impact water flow. This is an issue that often goes unnoticed until it happens. To avoid it, consider purchasing a showerhead with an anti-clog design.
In many cases, showerheads can keep themselves clean without people’s interference. Maintenance is still necessary but on a minimum level.
Finish
The finish determines the aesthetic design of the showerhead. Primarily, there are three that are the most common. Those are brushed nickel, stainless steel, and chrome. Chrome is by far one of the most popular. This provides an elegant look to the bathroom that grabs attention quickly.
Choosing the finish is entirely up to you. It’s an aesthetic choice that you can make depending on which one fits your decoration better.
Best High-Pressure Shower Heads Reviews in 2021
With hundreds of showerheads available, finding the right one can be tricky. The many opinions online only make it worse, as it’s often hard to tell what’s true and what isn’t. The primary purpose of this article is to give you accurate information true to each product.
These showerheads went through many tests and applications that proved they’re among the best. Ready to learn more? Let’s begin then!
1.Speakman S-2251-PN
Featuring solid brass, this is a premium and eye-catching high flow showerhead. It has smooth and clean lines that make it a contemporary unit. Overall, it’s the perfect addition for bathrooms that need new and modern decoration.
The shower pattern of this unit is quite interesting. It doesn’t have as many settings as the others, but it uses its strengths perfectly. That way, it provides Rain and Flood functions for a warm and pleasant shower experience.
Why We Love It
Optimal Showering Experience
The showerhead has an adjustable build for ultimate comfort. You can choose from different settings like Intense, Rain, and Flood. Transitioning between the three is easy thanks to the Anystream handle. Once you make the switch, the showerhead quickly changes its pattern.
Every setting feels incredible. This is also possible due to the showerhead’s plungers, which control water flow. This helps intensify speed and force to ensure a pleasant shower. Whether you’re starting or finishing the day, this unit makes the shower feel refreshing.
Perfect Pattern
The pattern design of this unit makes each shower super satisfying. It has eight nozzles, all of which create eight small streams. That’s 64 in total. This creates a complete stream with full-body coverage. Use it in Rain or Flood modes, and both water streams will feel fantastic.
Quick Maintenance
Forget about maintaining your showerheads regularly! This unit requires barely any cleaning, and you can do it in minutes. It needs nothing more than mild soap and warm water. You can use this mixture to preserve the unit’s finish for a long time.
It only gets better with the self-clean plungers included. These resist hard-water buildup, and sediment won’t be a problem either. All of these components keep the showerhead clean under regular use. Enjoy a pleasant shower and leave without worrying about cleaning.
Keep In Mind
The only downside of this unit is that it isn’t as flexible. It does offer some angle adjustments, but it won’t point to all directions. This could put limitations on the showerhead for some applications. Still, this flaw doesn’t take anything away from this product.
2. WASSA 3-Inch High Pressure Showerhead
This showerhead has an oil-rubbed bronze finish that looks incredible. It gives the unit a shiny look with a streamlined shape. Such a design also improves the bathroom’s decoration, looking more beautiful. It’s easily the most suitable showerhead for smaller bathrooms that need a cozy feel.
But that’s not all. The showerhead also has a total of 45 jets. These jets have an efficient internal mechanism to secure water flow at any hour. The stainless steel filter only makes it better. With this material, the unit can resist everything: from rust to lime buildups.
Why We Love It
Permanent Pressure
What most will like about this unit is that it is reliable on any occasion. It’s compact, powerful, and consistent. Due to its flow pattern, the showerhead provides a fantastic rain spray at all times. This doesn’t get affected by low water pressure either. As such, it’s the ideal high-pressure shower head for almost any household.
Constant water pressure means a better showering experience. With this unit, you’re free to enjoy a quick rinse or a complete shower.
Silicon Jets
This showerhead is simple, but its design remains one of the best. It comes with a total of 45 silicon jets that provide a comfortable shower. These jets also help with maintenance. They prevent lime and hard water deposits. As a result, you don’t have to do much to keep the showerhead clean.
Standard Mounting
Installing this unit is fast and easy. All you have to do is remove the old one and hand-tight this one on the shower arm. The 1/2-inch threads secure a smooth mounting without a hassle. Plus, the connections make it a showerhead compatible with most standard plumbing systems.
The G1/2-inch brass connection is excellent for another reason: resistance. Once set up, the fittings prevent cracking and leaking issues. You can also work the brass swivel ball joint to adjust the water spray direction. A quick mounting and adjustable angle lead to an improved shower.
Keep In Mind
As mentioned before, this showerhead is simple. Perhaps too simple. Without different settings, the unit lacks versatility. More functions would be something that a lot of people would appreciate.
3. SparkPod RSH High Pressure Rain Shower Head
Make each shower a blast with this high-pressure rainfall unit. It is the perfect replacement for those old showerheads that don’t work anymore. Through an efficient design, this one provides a constant water stream for complete body coverage. Besides, it looks beautiful, which is another plus.
Installation is a breeze, needing only a few minutes. The showerhead also connects to standard shower arms for higher compatibility. Other than the central unit, a Teflon tape and a water filter are also in the package.
Why We Love It
Gorgeous Chrome Finish
This showerhead has an impeccable chrome finish. It’s among the most beautiful out there, increasing the decoration value of this unit. After installing it, the showerhead brings style and a luxurious look.
Keeping the showerhead looking that good isn’t hard either. The ABS plastic build is rustproof and corrosion-free. Plus, the jets included are easy to maintain. They keep away water deposits, lime, and debris. All of this allows the showerhead to remain as powerful as the first day.
Tiltable Angle
With a brass swivel ball joint, this unit is adjustable. Depending on your preferences, you can tilt the showerhead angle as you see fit. This is a convenient feature because it allows you to focus on the water stream. That way, you can concentrate the water in specific areas.
1.8 GPM
This is a clear example of water used efficiently. Though this showerhead uses only 1.8 GPM, the water pressure remains steady. You have the opportunity to have refreshing showers while saving water as well. As mentioned earlier, this only means less money paid in bills.
Of course, this is also possible because the showerhead has only one setting. Even then, that’s not a problem. If used correctly, this one setting makes the shower feel great. It provides water in a rain-like style to cover the whole body from top to bottom.
Keep In Mind
Mounting this showerhead is easy, but the tools included to do it could be better. The Teflon tape found in the package is far from ideal. It doesn’t work at all, coming off in strips not long after putting it. Before installing the unit, make sure to have good tape to avoid these issues.
4. Fire Hydrant Spa Plaza Massager Showerhead
Here’s a showerhead that cares about one thing only: to give you a satisfying shower. So much so that it doesn’t matter if you have a well or city water supply. In either case, this unit ensures proper water flow. It uses a combination of quality parts with a thoughtful design to achieve that goal.
The result is a unique and straightforward showerhead. Plus, the jets included are broad and surprisingly strong. At a close distance, the high speed of the water can actually hurt. That’s how good this showerhead is. But there’s still a lot more to uncover.
Compact Size
One reason why this unit stands out is due to its compact size. Out of all the showerheads reviewed, this is among the smallest. Now, such a small size makes up for a quick installation. The product fits in hand, so it isn’t challenging to set it up.
Polished Finish
The design of this unit is another reason to love it. It looks impeccable, and no rust or corrosion can affect it. In fact, the polished finish is resistant to fingerprints and water spots as well. This guarantees a long-lasting decoration fixture but also less maintenance needed.
Massage Setting
It’s no exaggeration to say this unit is powerful. Set on the massage setting, it provides constant water flow for thorough bathing. This is also one of the most surprising things about this showerhead. Despite being small, it puts up a consistent performance to make it a reliable product.
Keep In mind
Due to faulty design, the unit swivels with ease. This is a significant issue that means you’d have to use both hands to adjust the settings. It’s awkward, frustrating, and inconvenient.
5. AquaDance 3328 Rain Showerhead & Handheld Combo
Made with stainless steel, this showerhead set offers quality and comfort. It takes almost no effort to install, and using it can be a lot of fun. The set includes two parts: the main showerhead and the hand shower. Both can work either independently or complementing each other.
Why We Love It
A Controlled Shower
If there’s anything to love about this showerhead is its versatility. It has six modes that include Power Rain, Power Mist, and Rain Massage. Switching between each function is fast, allowing it to adapt quickly. This is only better due to the adjustable overhead bracket.
The hand shower is also convenient due to its dual option. You can either leave it on the overhead bracket or use it as a handheld. This function guarantees thorough cleaning for every part of the body. Plus, it has an ergonomic grip handle that feels fantastic. If you’re looking for the best high-pressure handheld shower head, this one’s it.
Finish Variety
This showerhead comes in three finishes: Chrome, Brushed Nickel, and Oil-Rubbed Bronze. They all look great, providing various styles to the bathroom.
But, the Oil-Rubbed Bronze stands out the most. It has an intense black color that makes it look modern and stylish. For remodeling projects, this is a fixture to consider.
Tool-Free Installation
The showerhead ships with all the hardware, connections, and guidelines needed. That means setting it up is super easy. Neither professionals nor any plumbing experience is necessary to get it done. Even better, the hand-tightening fittings guarantee a tool-less mounting.
After installing it, the showerhead isn’t of any concern. It doesn’t come loose, remaining stable for years.
Keep In Mind
There’s no denying the power of this unit. But it isn’t always that good. When both show showerheads are active, the pressure isn’t the same. It’s significantly lower, which is a slight disadvantage. This is an issue to keep in mind if you like your water flow rate to remain consistent.
6. Hydroluxe 1433 Handheld Showerhead & Rain Shower Combo
With 24 water flow patterns, this showerhead has no trouble meeting expectations. It adapts to any situation with ease. That means you can use the showerhead to enjoy Wide Rain or Power Massage functions. Plus, the addition of a hand shower only increases its value.
Furthermore, the showerhead set looks fantastic. It doesn’t offer much variety, but it doesn’t need to. The Chrome finish blends with the rest of the decoration smoothly. As a result, the bathroom looks warmer and more welcoming.
Why We Love It
Power Consistency
Since the showerhead has 24 patterns, it’s natural to question its efficiency. But, it only takes a few tests to fall in love with it. Regardless of the pattern combination, the water flow remains constant. There’s no loss in pressure in the slightest.
There’s also the Eco Rain mode. In this setting, the water patterns are thinner to save water. Reducing water consumption leads to less money paid in bills. Overall, the showerhead can be super effective while using water efficiently.
Flexible Hose
The showerhead has a fantastic chrome-finish hose. Besides looking great, this hose is also flexible. It has 5 feet of length to use independently if necessary. This allows the showerhead to reach every area of the body without issues. For all of those reasons, this product is the best high pressure shower head with hose available.
Easy to Mount & Maintain
Installing this showerhead is straightforward. Since no tools are necessary, it takes less than five minutes. At this point, you can adapt the shower to meet your demands. The adjustable overhead bracket lets you set up an angle that feels the most comfortable for you.
And that’s not even the best part! After installing it, maintaining the showerhead is a breeze. The rub-clean jets make it easy to keep everything clean. You can use them to wash the showerhead after every use. That’s one less concern to worry about.
Keep In Mind
The only issue with the fixed head is turning its dial. At times, it feels too rigid for comfort. It is easy to get past it over time, but you will notice it for quite some time before getting used to it.
7. YOO.ME FRHS-JS-1105-030 Handheld Shower Head
While looking for the highest pressure shower head, this is a unit you can’t ignore. It’s among the most consistent out there. With only three settings, this showerhead holds water pressure like no other. It may not be as versatile as the rest, but it truly is a reliable unit.
Dealing with low-pressure issues? Then worry no more! Here’s how this showerhead can improve your showering experience.
Why We Love It
Durable Build
Every material used to make this showerhead is top-notch. For instance, there’s the body and bracket mount made with high-strength ABS. Though it’s plastic, this material is durable and resistant. Besides, cleaning both components takes only a few seconds with barely any effort.
Two other things make this showerhead durable. First, there are the brass connection fittings. These are super solid, securing a firm connection with no loose components. And then, there’s the stainless steel hose. It’s both resistant and tough. This is the type of hose you’d want for a reliable showerhead.
Brushed Nickel Finish
The showerhead has a decent brushed nickel finish with high resistance. It’s easy to maintain, and it withstands regular use. After months of using the showerhead, there are no signs of rust or corrosion. Plus, this finish puts up well against fingerprints and water spots.
Alternatively, a chrome finish is also available. This is just as good as the brushed nickel. But, it does look better in comparison.
Strong Water Flow
If you’re dealing with low-pressure issues, this is the showerhead to have. It only has three settings, but they’re quite powerful. In fact, most would agree that the water stream is among the fastest. Of course, the unit does have lower settings to adapt to different occasions.
The three settings are Powerful Shooting, Pulse Massage, and Mixed. There’s not much to say about Mixed mode, but the other two are fantastic. You can adjust them to enjoy a refreshing shower or a relaxing massage stream.
Keep In Mind
The biggest setback of this showerhead is that it only has three settings. This heavily contrasts with other units that offer at least six.
Nonetheless, these three settings serve their purpose. They can keep you refreshed and relaxed, which is already good.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do high pressure shower heads use more water?
High-pressure showerheads disperse water in a way that looks as if they’re using more water. This gives the impression that the flow is broader due to the width of its coverage. However, this doesn’t mean they use more water. In reality, these showerheads disperse less water.
These showerheads feature immersion technology. This allows them to pressurize water to make it come out at high speed. Thus, creating a mighty stream.
Why Is Low Water Pressure a Problem?
Low water pressure can have an unexpected impact on the living conditions at home. Basically, everything that operates with water gets affected. That includes showering, washing dishes, and doing laundry. It’s a frustrating issue that makes the water flow weakly. As a result, doing any of those tasks takes more time and more effort.
The reasons behind a low-pressure showerhead can be many. It can be due to faulty fixtures, broken pressure regulators, clogged pipes, or closed valves. Running a thorough diagnosis is necessary to find out the source.
Is removing flow restrictor illegal?
Federal laws regulate the manufacturing process of showerheads. Under these laws, manufacturers must ensure their showerheads deliver no more than 2.5 gallons per minute. This is why brands add the flow restrictor mechanism.
The flow restrictor isn’t all that bad. It does serve its purpose, which is to save water. But, it could also be a problem for people that live in low water pressure areas. In this case, removing the water restrictor is almost inevitable.
Keep in mind that removing this device may also have a significant impact on the water bills. It isn’t illegal to remove it, but it isn’t an action free of consequences either.
Is higher GPM better for shower head?
Depending on the model, each showerhead may handle a specific GPM. This also depends on the location where you live, as there are laws that regulate it. Manufacturers stick to the lowest flows available to comply with the law. By design, most showerheads handle 1.8, 2.0, and 2.5 GPM
Low or high GPM doesn’t affect the showerhead, but it does impact the water flow. GPM also has an impact on the money paid in bills.
Here’s an example.
A person in a 10-minute shower with a 2.5 GPM showerhead consumes about 9,125 gallons of water each year. Switch it to a 2.0 GPM showerhead, and those numbers go down over 1,825 gallons of water. For a family of four, that’d be up to 7,300 gallons saved.
Conclusion
With the best high pressure shower head, you can now enjoy showers just like you want them. These units have many purposes, which they achieve by offering multiple settings. That way, you get to experience the natural feeling of a rain shower or the super comfy massage jets.
Before buying, consider the different types of showerheads and their benefits. Each one may be better for you depending on your taste, so make sure to keep all of this information in mind. If you do, you’ll be enjoying the most refreshing showers you ever had.