Showerheads - 6 Things You Should Know Before You Buy

1: STYLE IS KEY.

The color or finish of your showerhead should match the faucet and tub filler. Additionally, the style should have a similar look, but doesn't necessarily have to match. The showerheads of today not only offer massage, but up to 25 different spray patterns from a drenching rain to a fine mist.

2: SPRAY ME.

There are numerous showerheads available on the market. Choose a handheld version with a controlled spray to bathe children, wash a pet or help those who need to shower sitting down. Some mount on a vertical slide for versatility and allow for height differences. The wall-mounted shower is most common with an overhead shower placed on the ceiling. This may require more water to operate. Body spray showerheads are small showerheads installed in series of two or three along opposite walls. The ultimate is body mist shower with a series of jets in a single bar to gently wash the body and have adjustable force and spray patterns.

3: THE SELF CLEAN TEST.

A self-cleaning showerhead is extremely important if you live where there is hard water. Additionally, if you live near salt water, ask about a special protective coating for chrome and brass fixtures. The coating will allow you to maintain the look without discoloration, tarnishing or pitting.

4: FLOW.

Low-flow showerheads conserve water by restricting flow through smaller openings. The federally mandated effort to save water has reduced the flow of showerheads to no more than 2.5 gallons per minute. Some showerhead manufacturers offer flow restriction mechanisms that reduce levels even lower. While they save water at this lower level, the water temperature may be lower than desired.

5: PRICE CHECK.

You will find a wide price range of showerheads, from $20 to $500 and up. Generally you will get what you pay for with the lower priced models offering less features and less warranty, if any. If you are replacing a wall mounted showerhead, you will most likely want to select another one. Changing to an overhead showerhead may mean expensive plumbing renovations.

6: SCALD GUARD.

Will your shower be used by small children or older adults? If so, select antiscald protection. If you replace old mixer valve with an antiscald one, this is an expensive plumbing expense. Think about an antiscald fitting which install in between the shower arm and your new showerhead.

Steven M. Fisher is a well known expert in the Home Improvement, Building and Decorating Fields. Before you make any big purchases for your home, go to the Home Remodeling Portal where you can find information on thousands of products and manufacturers at the click of a mouse, as well as, several informative "6 Things To Know Before You Buy..." articles. For more information go to the http://www.HomeRemodelingPortal.com

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