Showerheads and Hand Showers

Fixed head, hand shower, or both on one diverter

A fixed head gives a steady overhead spray, while a hand shower on a hose lets you rinse the walls, wash a child or reach a seated bather. Many bathrooms use both, with a diverter that sends water to one outlet at a time. Most heads screw onto a standard half-inch threaded shower arm, so swapping is simple. Flow is rated in gallons per minute: 2.5 is the usual US maximum and 2.0 or less marks water-saving models, which can feel softer.

Keep head, arm and valve trim in one finish

Finish is the visible decision here. The listings center on bronze tones, but nickel, brass, chrome and black are all common in bathroom fixtures, and a showerhead that does not match the arm and valve trim looks odd. Oil-rubbed bronze is a living finish that can darken or lighten with use. Read what each title sells: some entries are tub fillers, Roman tub spouts or clawfoot sets with a hand shower, not a head on its own.

Questions about Showerheads and Hand Showers

Can I change a showerhead without a plumber?

Usually yes. Unscrew the old head, clean the arm threads, wrap them with plumber's tape in the direction the head tightens, and hand-tighten the new one. Replacing a valve, a diverter or a tub filler involves the plumbing inside the wall and is a bigger job.

Why does a new showerhead feel weaker than the old one?

Most heads include a flow restrictor sized to the gpm rating, so a lower-rated head feels softer even at the same house pressure. Mineral scale on the nozzles also cuts the spray. Soaking the head in vinegar clears scale.

How long should a hand shower hose be?

Hoses are commonly about 60 to 72 inches. Choose the longer length if you will rinse the tub, bathe children or reach a seated bather. A swivel connector stops the hose twisting, and braided or stainless hoses resist kinking.