Sufficient water pressure is a necessity for a relaxing shower. It can be frustrating if you’re constantly fighting low water pressure. The optimal solution is to install a high pressure shower head. It will make a huge difference.
With so many options available on the market, which one is the best high pressure shower head? Let’s talk about the features that are essential and compare a few models.
What Causes Low Water Pressure?
When you get down to the details, your low water pressure is caused by one or more of the following things:
- The water pressure coming into the house
- The pipes in your house
- The shower head currently installed
If your entire house has low water pressure, your supply line may be the problem. The first thing to do is have the city check your municipal feed to ensure it’s receiving sufficient pressure. If it is, then the supply line from the meter into the house may have a leak. Call a plumber in for an inspection.
For those on well water, it may be an issue with your water pump. Verify that it’s feeding the house with sufficient pressure. Also, check the supply line to the house to ensure there are no breaks or leaks.
Another issue may be the pressure reducing valve. Municipal water feeds at high pressure. To ensure it doesn’t cause damage to your home’s plumbing, there may be a pressure reducing valve in place. If the valve is set too low, the entire house may have low water pressure. A plumber can find the valve and make adjustments if needed.
If the low water pressure is confined to your shower, your shower head may be the culprit. Over time, the openings in the shower head can get clogged with sediment and calcium deposits. Soak the head in vinegar for a few hours, then rinse with clean water. This should improve flow.
After ensuring you don’t have a major plumbing issue or a clogged fixture, it’s time to consider upgrading to a high pressure shower head.
How Do You Select a High Pressure Shower Head?
For our comparison, we used the following criteria to determine the pros and cons of each model.
Build Material
When selecting a shower head, you need to consider what material(s) it’s made from. The two main options are metal and ABS thermoplastic.
A solid metal shower head is the preferred option, especially for fixed high pressure models. Metal can withstand the higher pressure and the heat without any issues. If you want a handheld shower, make sure the handheld unit is made from ABS thermoplastic instead. It’s lightweight and won’t damage the tub if you drop it, unlike a metal model.
You can also get fixed high pressure shower heads made from the ABS thermoplastic. It can withstand the heat and pressure, though it’s not built as tough as the metal models.
Finish
Select a shower head that fits into your bathroom decor. This is important whether you are just upgrading the shower or doing a complete bathroom makeover. Fortunately, manufacturers offer different finishes in most models.
Some typical finish options include:
- Chrome
- Nickel
- Brass
- Bronze
- White
- Black
Besides finish color, you may have the option to choose whether the finish is polished, shiny, or satin.
Water Efficiency
In the United States, all shower heads must use 2.5 gallons per minute or less. Manufacturers have developed designs that use less water per minute. Using less water helps keep your water bill down while being careful with water resources.
For those that live in the state of California, the maximum allowed is 1.8 gallons per minute.
Spray Pattern
When selecting a shower head, the spray pattern is important. You may want a relaxing rain pattern to rinse off, while desiring a massage pattern to soothe muscles after a hard day’s work. Many high pressure shower heads offer multiple patterns in a single unit.
Warranty
Any fixture in your bathroom is going to get a lot of use. It’s important to look at the warranty offered by the manufacturer.
Some offer lifetime warranties. Be careful because some of these are limited to certain parts of the shower head, not the entire thing. For example, it may cover the spray mechanism, but not the finish or connectors.
Others offer limited warranties for a few years. These warranties are usually for specific parts of the unit, not the entire thing.
Price
High pressure shower heads come in a range of prices. Comparing shower heads strictly by price, however, is problematic. Some are fixed or wall-mounted models, while others have both a fixed and a handheld shower head. A few offer handheld only. Plus, some models offer extra features a lower priced option may not have.
The best advice is to find a balance between your budget and the features that are most important to you.
What Style of Shower Head Works Best for You?
Shower heads come in a multitude of styles. It’s important to consider how you use the shower when selecting which style to buy.
Fixed, Handheld, or Both
Look through a number of shower heads and you will see fixed, handheld, and dual models. Each offers a different showering experience.
- Fixed shower heads are attached directly to the shower arm and remain in one position. It may pivot to allow adjustment of where the water flows within the tub.
- Handheld shower heads have a hose that connects the unit to the shower arm. The handheld shower may have a hook that allows it to be used the same way a fixed shower head is. When the user wants to use the unit for washing specific parts of the body, it’s just a matter of detaching it from the hook and using it.
- Dual shower heads have both a fixed unit and a handheld unit. The fixed unit offers a steady shower of water, while the handheld unit offers the convenience of mobile water direction.
Comparing The Best High Pressure Shower Heads
We’ve selected five of the top rated high pressure shower heads on the market. Let’s see which one is the winner in our comparison.
Speakman S-2252 Signature Icon Anystream Adjustable High Pressure Shower Head
The Speakman S-2252 Signature Icon Anystream Adjustable High Pressure Shower Head offers adjustable pressure with a simple turn of a knob. This solid brass shower head has a sleek contemporary style that works well in almost any decor.
This shower head’s Anystream 360° technology allows for easy transition through three different settings: Intense, Rain, and Full Flood. A simple knob on the side makes it easy to adjust the pressure. Internal plungers adjust the spread of water. This is the mechanism that gives the user a high pressure experience with a low pressure input.
The plungers also keep the unit clear of most contaminants. This prevents hard water buildup and sediment clogs.
The manufacturer offers eight different finishes, allowing you to find the perfect one for your bathroom. Select from Polished Chrome, Brushed Nickel, Oil-Rubbed Bronze, Polished Brass, Polished Nickel, Satin Brass, Brushed Bronze, or Matte Black. It’s also available in three different flow rates: 1.75 gpm, 2.0 gpm, and 2.5 gpm.
This shower head is made in the U.S.A. and comes with a lifetime limited warranty from the manufacturer.
Pros
- Solid brass construction
- Modern sleek design
- Limited Lifetime warranty
- Self-cleaning plungers enhance water pressure
- Comes in multiple finishes and flow rates
- Three spray patterns
Cons
- Highest price in our comparison
- Fixed shower head with no handheld
6 Function Adjustable Luxury Shower Head – High Pressure by Aqua Elegante
The 6 Function Adjustable Luxury Shower Head – High Pressure by Aqua Elegante offers multiple spray patterns and four finishes, making it an easy buy for many. Made from durable ABS thermoplastic, this shower head is ready to take pressure and heat with no problems.
The unit is lightweight and easy to install. The nozzles are made from a mineral-resistant silicone that prevents calcium buildup. It’s a good choice for houses that have hard water issues. Its manufacturer used solid brass fittings that won’t crack or leak like plastic ones do. It has a ball joint to allow for easy movement of the head itself.
Six settings allow the user to find just the right pressure and spray pattern. The user can go with the firm spray, pulsating for massage, low pressure deluge, water saving flow, and two mixed sprays. It has a removable flow restrictor to enhance pressure.
The manufacturer offers a full five-year warranty. If there’s a problem, you can return it for a full refund. No questions asked.
Pros
- Six spray pattern settings from low pressure to massage
- Solid brass connectors
- Available in four finishes
- Easy installation including free teflon tape
- Five year full refund warranty
- Lowest price in our comparison
Cons
- Narrow spray requiring constant movement for full body coverage
AquaDance 7″ Premium High Pressure 3-Way Rainfall Combo
The AquaDance 7″ Premium High Pressure 3-Way Rainfall Combo shower head is a dual model that offers multiple spray patterns on both units. It’s easy to install and includes everything that’s needed to get the water flowing.
Both the 7″ rainfall shower head and the 4″ handheld unit come with six different spray patterns: Power Rain, Pulsating Massage, Power Mist, Rain Massage, Rain Mist, and Water Saving Pause. The 7″ shower head offers easy angle adjustment. The handheld unit sits next to the fixed shower head when not being used. Both units have rub-clean jets for easy cleaning and to prevent lime buildup.
Its handheld unit has a five-foot stainless steel hose with brass connection nuts. A three-way diverter allows each unit to be used on its own, as well as together. The entire unit comes with Teflon tape and washers to ensure a quick, easy installation.
The fixed shower head offers decent water pressure, while the handheld unit offers almost twice the pressure.
The manufacturer offers a limited lifetime warranty and a no-hassle customer service line.
Pros
- Dual shower heads, each with six spray patterns
- High quality ABS thermoplastic
- Stainless steel handheld hose with brass fittings
- Easy installation with all parts included
- Three-way diverter so each shower head can be used individually or simultaneously
- Limited lifetime warranty with no-hassle customer service
Cons
- Adjustments are made at top of unit, which is not convenient for shorter people
- Handheld not easy to secure in hook
Ana Bath 5-Inch Anti-Clog High Pressure 3-Way LARGE Dual Shower Head with Handheld Spray
The Ana Bath 5-Inch Anti-Clog High Pressure 3-Way LARGE Dual Shower Head with Handheld Spray offers two five-inch spray heads with anti-clog nozzles. Its modern design makes it a stylish addition to any shower or tub.
This dual model offers a five-inch fixed shower head with 5 spray patterns: Rain, Massage, Massage/Rain, Bubbling, and Bubbling/Rain. The handheld unit offers the same spray patterns, giving you up to 25 options. The angle of the fixed head can be moved up or down. The handheld unit sits next to the fixed head.
A three-way diverter allows the fixed and handheld units to be used simultaneously or separately. The stainless steel 60-inch hose has two brass connectors for durability. Its made for easy installation by almost anyone.
The manufacturer offers a three-year warranty and includes all the parts needed for quick installation.
Pros
- Dual model with five-inch heads on both fixed and handheld
- No clog nozzles
- Three-way diverter allows for dual and separate use
- Flexible stainless steel hose with two brass connectors
- Easy installation with parts included
- Brass ball joint connector
Cons
- Three year warranty
- Some units spin loose when hanging the handheld unit
Shower Massage Handheld With Hose by Aqua Elegante
The Shower Massage Handheld With Hose by Aqua Elegante offers ease of use and six spray patterns. Its made from ABS thermoplastic that’s lightweight and durable.
With nozzles made from mineral-resistant silicone, this shower head is easy to clean and resists clogs. It comes with six different flow patterns: firm spray, pulsating, gentle mist, water saving, and two mixed patterns.
It comes with a flexible stainless steel hose and a shower arm bracket mount. Hang it on the bracket when you want a steady flow of water from above. Then, take it down to get water in specific areas. The solid brass connector won’t split or crack.
The manufacturer offers a full money-back warranty for five full years.
Pros
- Silicone nozzles offer clog resistant performance
- Six spray patterns
- Easy installation with all parts included
- Five year full refund warranty
Cons
- Handheld unit only
- No pause button to stop water flow
And The Best High Pressure Shower Head Is
The Ana Bath 5-Inch Anti-Clog High Pressure 3-Way LARGE Dual Shower Head with Handheld Spray is the clear winner in our comparison. This dual model offers both a fixed head and a handheld unit, making it more versatile than the fixed or handheld only options.
The generous five-inch heads offer up to 25 different spray patterns between them. A three-way diverter makes it easy to use either unit separately or both together. The handheld unit sets solidly in the hook next to the fixed head. The AquaDance unit had problems with setting the handheld unit in place.
Its transitional style makes it an easy addition to any bathroom in your home. The self-cleaning nozzles resist mineral buildup. The kit comes with everything needed for easy installation. Brass nuts, brass ball joint, and flexible stainless steel hose are built to last.
The biggest downside is the three-year warranty offered by the manufacturer. Others in our comparison were five years or longer. The quality of this unit, however, sets it apart. Plus, the manufacturer offers easy customer service to get repairs made quickly.