Here ’s what you should know before prefer a rainfall - style showerhead for your home .
There ’s a fortune to love about rain showers — most notably , theyoffer a relaxing exhibitioner experiencewith a gentle rain - inspired flow . They also look fantastic , instantaneously elevating the style of even the most canonic bathrooms . Typically mount up to the ceiling , rainfall cascade can also be bulwark - climb , featuring an extended arm to ease the overhead rain experience .
But before you sic your heart on a rainwater shower , we asked Ebony Stephenson of Designs By Ebony what homeowners should know about the popular configuration . As a kitchen and bath interior decorator , Stephenson can help you consider everything from bathe frustrations to what ’s happening behind your bathroom walls . Here are the top 7 things to think about before choosing a pelting shower head vs a regular shower bath header .
Credit:Ann VanderWiel Wilde
Ann VanderWiel Wilde
1 . Your existing plumbing might not work.
Some of your plumbing system may need to be replaced or upgraded to instal a rain rain shower , which can tot time and expense to the process .
Plumbing Updates
Some of the most significant consideration for a rain shower require plumbing . Stephenson advocate fuck off a qualified pipe fitter to do the business when sum up a rain showerhead , especially for ceiling - mountain installment . “ Those fixtures require a different type of rough - in than your standard rampart - mounted showerhead , ” aver Stephenson . For starters , a ceiling - mount showerhead demand plumbery that reaches above the shower ceiling , which your current bath might not have .
Water Pressure
You need plumbing that provides passable water insistency . Rain showerhead are large — typically 8 - 12 column inch broad , but can reach up to 20 inches — compared to standard showerheads , which are generally 3 - 6 column inch wide . However , rainwater showers have the same flow rates as traditional showerheads , meaning the same amount of water must travel further to be distributed across a big area , which can leave inlow body of water pressure . One remedy is large pipe for more water to travel to the showerhead , which could result inreplacing a significant amount of plumbing , including tear into bulwark and ceilings .
The tonality to have the best use out of a rain exhibitioner is not really the showerhead itself , but the valve hidden in the paries .
Temperature Regulation
Plumbing that adequately regulates the piss is imperative for comfort and rubber . “ The key to possess the good enjoyment out of a rainfall exhibitor is not actuallythe showerhead itself , but the valve hide in the wall , ” state Stephenson . “ Although they may be a short more expensive than your stock air pressure - balanced mix valve if you are installing a rainfall showerhead , always splurge for the thermostatic valve to reduce the risk of temperature variation . ” A thermostatic valve protect the shower from the impacts of a flushing toilet or dishwashing machine bike . “ The last thing you want is to be standing under the showerhead , and the water abruptly changes temperature . This could also be very dangerous , ” tell Stephenson .
2. Your water heater might struggle to keep up.
A rainwater shower with a high flow rate — a high gallon per mo or GPM — could tax yourwater fastball . Upgrades to plumbery to account for a rainfall showerhead can also take a toll . " check that that your place ’s water heater can handle this additional consignment . Otherwise , you will terminate up having a shorter shower experience as you will go out of hot water faster , " says Stephenson . Installing anadditional H2O heatercloser to the cascade can aid .
3. They cost more and offer less versatility.
pelting showers typically cost more than standard bulwark - mount and hand - held showerheads — sometimes hundreds more . This is in part because they ’re much larger than most traditional showerheads .
They also have fewer preferences . Do you like a showerhead that offer multiple sprays , from light mists to pulse volley or beat jet ? Most rainfall showerheads have only one use .
4. It’s hard to avoid getting wet.
“ As someone who does not wash their hair on a daily basis and would have a complete nuclear meltdown if my hair even beget a drop of piddle on it , rain showerhead are not for me , ” says Stephenson . While a wall - mount or handheld shower can be angled and address by from your fountainhead , a rainfall shower derive from above . To avoid getting stiff , you ’ll need to stay outside the piddle — which is ineffective , cold , and may be impossible look on the sizing of the shower — or angle out of the piss , which is uncomfortable and not easy for everyone to do .
“ As someone with a disability , I prefer a touchstone angled wall - mounted showerhead versus a rain shower for my cleansing needs . It is easier for me to stand under the showerhead instead of induce to lean my body to not have a unmediated flow coming down from above , ” state Stephenson . She also points out that if you do n’t like puzzle water in your eyes , it ’s belike not the correct bathing experience for you .
An gentle remedy for this is to add on a rainfall showerhead with a handheld shower or even a bulwark - mount showerhead . That way users have options to choose whatshower experienceis best for them .
Credit: Edmund Barr
5. Washing long hair is a challenge.
Despite all the water , the combination of less water pressure and distance from the showerhead can make it hard to wash and thoroughly gargle longsighted hair with a pelting shower . Shorter or seat user also fight with it .
6. Ceiling height matters.
Your rain shower cubicle can be too short or improbable to pair with a rain shower . " verify that you mount them at the good summit so that they are not too low to hit your head on but also not too high , making for a dusty shower , " says Stephenson . A wall - mount conversion is tricky , too , since a novel rain shower will sit a few inches lower than the original , thanks to the necessary 90 - degree shower bath arm .
Stephenson also point out that ceiling - put on rainwater showers can be hard to cleanse , too . If you already avoidcleaning a showerhead , having it just out of range wo n’t help . However , cleaningisimperative for functionality , especially when low water pressure is an payoff .
Stacey Brandford
Credit: Helen Norman
7. Drips and leaks are common complaints.
Rain - style showerhead are commonlymaligned for leaks , whether they waste water when a exhibitioner is not in habit or drip cold water overhead when other showerheads are in function . droplet can form for a number of reasonableness , from buildup in pipes to urine left inside the showerhead after a shower . But they can also mean exit with the diverter or plumbing system installation , which is why Stephenson recommends hire professional person to do the body of work to begin with .
Types of Showers for the Best Start to Your Day
Showers can be simple or stretch with contraption , depending on the size of the bath and the budget . The most functional type of cascade is awalk - in shower , which will knead in a big or humble space . Curbless showersare optimal for those who need accessibility to get in and out of the cascade since there ’s no threshold . Doorless showersare paragon for oversized bath or outer space with odd slant that ca n’t accommodate a standard exhibitor anatomy and door . For the ultimate in sumptuousness , adouble showercan’t be beat . With two showerhead , double shower bath extend elbow room to spread out out , and they ’re great for shower little 1 who want assistant getting clean .
If you still want to install a rainwater shower however , we ’ve rounded up the 8 good rain shower heads to give your bathroom a health club - like look :
Credit: Edmund Barr
Credit: Gordon Beall
Credit: David Tsay
Credit:Stacey Brandford
