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Taking a shower is likely one of the more relaxing parts of your day. After a hard day at work, you can just wash your aches and pains away with a high pressure shower head that gives you a free daily massage. However, you may notice that your water bill is just too much each month, or maybe you’ve decided that you want to try going green and conserving water.
Whatever the case may be, switching to a low flow shower head may be a decision that you want to consider.
The Basics: What is a Low Flow Shower Head?
Contents
A low flow shower head is a shower head that is designed to conserve water. It is recommended that you use a shower head that uses less than 2.5 gallons per minute, or gpm. This not only conserves one of our planet’s most important natural resources, but it also helps you save money. When you use less water, you will notice a decrease in your water bill. Many people use low flow shower heads and save hundreds or even thousands of dollars over time with reduced water consumption.
One of the most common misconceptions with these showers is that you’ll only get a trickle of water to come out. This is just not true. Modern low flow fixtures still offer great performance and plenty of water pressure, so you’ll still enjoy your hot showers. You just won’t be wasting water like you were before.
What are the Different Types?
Are you considering changing out your old, wasteful shower head with a low flow design? If so, the first thing you need to know is that there are two main types that are popular. Before you begin shopping for a new shower head, consider which one will be most beneficial for your needs.
• Fixed mount shower heads – These attach directly to your shower arm and cannot be moved off of the wall. They can, however, be adjusted at different angles.
• Handheld shower heads – Many people use handheld low flow shower heads because they are just so convenient. You can easily rinse your hair and body, bathe your pet, or rinse your child off while in the bathtub with these handy models.
What are the Advantages of Owning a Low Flow Shower Head?
One of the biggest advantages of owning a low flow shower head is that they are eco-friendly. You can do your part in conserving water just by switching to a low flow fixture. This also means that you can save some serious money when it comes to your water bill. You’ll find that your shower head doesn’t waste water and is designed to be more efficient, decreasing your water usage. This results in huge savings over time, and who doesn’t love saving money?
Older low flow shower heads were just kind of basic and didn’t really enhance the look of a bathroom. The latest designs are available in a variety of finishes and styles, so they look great in even the most modern bathrooms. Low flow shower heads are also fairly inexpensive, so if you need a replacement for a broken one, you won’t have to spend a fortune, even for the best brands and highest quality models.
Which Products are the Best?
Niagara N2515CH Sava Spa 1.5 GPM Fixed-Mount Showerhead – You’ll save money in more ways than one with this shower head. Not only is it priced to fit any budget, but the low flow design will help decrease water consumption and lower your water bills.
Niagara Chrome Handheld Massage Showerhead – You’ll love the convenience of this handheld shower head that has a great design and gives you a nice massage every time you step in the shower.
Moen 6303EPORB One-Function Eco-Performance Shower Head – If you don’t want to sacrifice style, this quality faucet, available in three different beautiful finishes, will make your shower look better than ever while conserving water.
Considerations for Choosing the Right Low Flow Shower Head
If you’re ready to start saving water and saving money, all while still being able to enjoy your time in the shower, then you’re ready to purchase a low flow shower head. Before you get immersed in looking at hundreds of different styles, take these four things into consideration, so you can feel confident in your purchase.
Water consumption
The most important feature you should look for when switching to a low flow shower head is how many gallons per minute are used. Federal guidelines mandate that a shower head cannot consume more than 2.5 gallons per minute. Most low flow shower heads fall below this number. The lower the number of gallons, the less water you’re consuming.
Shower head type
You will need to decide which of the two types is right for you. If you just want a basic shower head that is fixed in place, stick with a mounted version. If you like the idea of being able to move your shower head all around your walk-in shower or tub, select a handheld version.
Functions
Shower heads come with all sorts of functions that give you a different experience. Some of the most common functions include pulse, massage, and mist. If you just don’t care to adjust your settings, look for one that provides a steady stream with a lot of coverage.
Price
Price does come into play when you decide that you want to change out your shower head. Luckily, the majority of low flow shower heads are priced at $50 or less. Instead of just focusing on price, you also want to consider the durability and other features.
Water consumption
Niagara N2515CH Sava Spa 1.5 GPM Fixed-Mount Showerhead
This low flow shower head is one of the most efficient around. It uses just 1.5 gallons per minute, and it is WaterSense certified.
Niagara Chrome Handheld Massage Showerhead
This water uses just 2.0 gallons per minute, well below the federal guidelines of 2.5.
Moen 6303EPORB One-Function Eco-Performance Shower Head
The Moen Eco-Performance consumes just 1.75 gallons per minute while still providing a steady stream of water.
Shower head type
Niagara N2515CH Sava Spa 1.5 GPM Fixed-Mount Showerhead
This is a fixed shower head that conveniently attaches to standard shower arms, making installation no problem.
Niagara Chrome Handheld Massage Showerhead
This is a handheld shower that you are able to remove from the mount as needed. It is ideal for rinsing off, as well as bathing your children and pets.
Moen 6303EPORB One-Function Eco-Performance Shower Head
You can easily mount this fixed shower head onto your existing shower arm. It installs in just minutes with no tools required.
Functions
Niagara Sava Spa
This has just one setting that cannot be adjusted. However, the one fixed setting does provide a steady stream with the right amount of pressure.
Niagara Chrome
You’ll have three different settings to choose from if you pick this handheld shower head. Those settings are Niagara, Shower, and Power.
Moen
You only have one function on this shower head. However, you will find that the one setting offers superior coverage and a steady stream for a more enjoyable shower.
Price
Niagara Sava Spa
With its price tag, you just can’t go wrong by choosing this shower head. In fact, it’s so cheap that you can easily buy one for every shower in your home.
Niagara Chrome
This shower head is priced competitively, which is great considering how much water (and money) you’ll save.
Moen
Depending upon the finish you select, this model has a few different price points. But it is certainly one of the more expensive low flow shower heads.
Conclusion: Our Low Flow Shower Head Reviews Are In
Niagara N2515CH Sava Spa – Best Cheap Low Flow Shower Head
If you want to save money but don’t want to spend a fortune to do so, this inexpensive shower head is perfect for you. It doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles of the more expensive units, but it looks sleek and stylish, provides steady flow, and best of all, it just uses 1.5 gallons per minute, helping you save water every time you shower.
The chrome finish looks great in any shower, and it’s a breeze to install. Just remove your old shower head, use plumber’s tape to prevent leaks, screw on your new showerhead (no tools are required), and it’s ready to use. The extra-large spray head offers complete coverage, and it swivels easily, so you can adjust it to the perfect angle.
Pros:
- It is one the least expensive low flow shower heads available
- Features sleek styling that complements other fixtures and your décor
- Provides steady, even coverage
- Easy to install
Cons:
- The spray may be weak if you have low water pressure
- The plastic design feels a little cheap and may not be as durable as one made of metal
Niagara Chrome Handheld Massage Showerhead – Best for the Money
More and more people are switching to handheld showers because they are just so versatile and convenient to use. The added bonus of this model is that you get the benefit of conserving water without sacrificing performance.
This shower head has a chrome finish and is equipped with a 72-inch hose that’s tangle-free—no more hassles! It is resistant against corrosion, so you know it will look great, and it’s virtually maintenance free. It installs in just minutes on your existing shower arm, so you’ll be able to try it out just minutes after you remove it from the packaging.
Pros:
- It is maintenance-free and self-cleaning
- Uses just 2.0 gallons per minute
- It has a strong, 9-jet turbo massager
- Installs easily without tools
- Fits all standard shower head arms
- It has a modern style that will look great in your bathroom
Cons:
- The hose that is included may need to be replaced with a better one—this one tends to leak or burst with prolonged use
- It is made of lightweight plastic, so it may not be as durable as heavy-duty plastic or metal
Moen 6303EPORB One-Function Eco-Performance Shower Head – Best Low Flow Shower Head Overall
Your bathroom will never look better after you’ve installed this quality Moen shower head. It’s available in three different finishes, so you can easily coordinate with other fixtures, your paint color, and your décor. The available finishes include Brushed Nickel, Chrome, and Oil Rubbed Bronze.
This isn’t just an attractive shower head, but it also is very efficient, consuming less than two gallons of water per minute, which adds up to big savings. It is WaterSense certified, provides you with excellent coverage, and it is backed with a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros:
- Easy to install in just minutes
- It does not leak
- It has a high-quality finish
- Includes limited lifetime warranty
- It has great water output
- Noticeably reduces water bills
- It has easy clean nozzles so you can always keep it clean and sanitary with little effort
- It features a high-quality construction and is very durable
Cons:
- Some finishes are slightly more expensive than other low flow heads
A Final Though
When you invest in a low flow shower head, you are doing your part in conserving our natural resources. The added benefit is that you also save yourself some money with reduced water consumption. If you’re ready to begin saving water and money, the Moen Eco-Performance will get the job done. Not only will you have a more efficient shower head, you won’t have to worry about performance, you’re protected with a lifetime warranty, and you’ll have a shower head that looks great in your bathroom.