Don Vandervort, Head Homeboy, has written more than 30 DIY home improvement books, been a segment host on HGTV, served as MSN.com's home improvement expert and written countless magazine articles.
Showerheads are measured by flow—the number of gallons they deliver per minute (gpm). Flow is affected by water pressure, measured in pounds per square inch (psi). The greater the pressure pushing water through pipes and showerheads, the greater the volume of water forced out.
Water pressure on the high side—80 psi, for example—will push a greater amount of water through a showerhead than low water pressure, say 20 psi. This same principle is in effect when you don't turn on the water full blast. Water pressure varies from community to community and even from house to house.
A few years ago, showerheads delivered about 5 to 8 gallons per minute (gpm) at 80 psi. The current standard for low-flow heads is 2.5 gpm at 80 psi. Some showerheads deliver only 1.6 gpm.
It's easy to judge your present showerhead's flow rate. Just hold a gallon container under the head and clock the time it takes to fill it. If it fills up in 15 seconds, the flow rate is about 4 gpm. If it's full in 10 seconds, the flow rate is closer to 6 gpm. With a low-flow head, it should take 24 seconds or more.
Why we like it:
• Very easy to install • Water-saving rainfall with force • Lifetime warranty
A quality showerhead will feel good at both high and low water pressures. Some have flow restrictors that can be reversed or removed to allow more water through on low-pressure lines, allowing you to achieve the right amount of water flow for your water pressure. Others have restrictors that work automatically. For example, Teledyne Water Pik offers one highly rated "Shower Massage" showerhead that automatically senses the available water pressure and adjusts to deliver 2.5 gpm.
Related Search Terms:
what is a low flow shower head, what does low flow mean, showerhead water pressure, shower head water pressure problem, how to find shower head flow rate, how to determine how much water showerhead
