Whilst many homes across America enjoy high water pressure, this isn’t ideal when your shower head puts out so much water that you notice your water bill rising quickly each month. If you want to save money whilst getting a good showering experience at the same time, then this guide is just what you need. Many of these showerheads have restrictor valves built into them so restrict the flow of water and they use the latest technology to ensure that you still feel that you are getting good pressure from your shower.
These showerheads have been designed for high-pressure water supplies. You will be able to find one that fits in perfectly with the existing décor of your bathroom so that you can enjoy a spa-like showering experience whilst saving money on your water bill despite your home’s high water pressure. Read on to find out more in our best low flow shower head reviews and check out our useful buying guide which will help you to consider all your essential requirements for your new shower head.
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Why Choose a Low Flow Shower Head?
It has been proven a long time ago that low-flow showerheads really use less water. With such a product, your family can cut down the water consumption by up to 40% or even more.
The average American takes 10-minute long showers. A shower with a standard showerhead uses 2.5 gallons per minute. This comes to a total of 25 gallons of water per person per shower. Now multiply this to the number of people living in your home, and the number of showers everyone takes each month. The number gets big.
When you convert it into money, you see how much your showers cost. Plus, you see how much water your household wastes.
With a low-flow showerhead, you can decrease these numbers by 40%.
Save Energy
When you purchase your shower, you should check to see how energy efficient the shower is. Some of the older showers output 10 to 18 liters per minute, which is highly energy inefficient and can mean that you have to pay more money for your water if your water is monitored using a meter. Water-saving showers usually use between 5 to 7 liters a minute which is half as much as the older models and you won’t lose any of the water pressure either. You can check EPA’s website to learn what is WaterSense to save water.
Another area you will save money in addition to saving water is by heating less water. By only using half the water, you will only need to heat half the amount of water too. This means that you will be able to lower your carbon footprint and save further money on your heating bill. It is estimated that a low water use showerhead can actually cut your water bill by around 15%!
If you would like to know how you could save even more energy still, you should look at the water pressure in your home. Get your home’s water pressure checked. If our home water pressure is too low, then a low water shower will probably not provide you with as much pressure as you need. If your water pressure is too high, you could actually be putting more strain than necessary on all your other water-fed appliances. This could cost you more money in the long run as you will need to replace more items in a short amount of time. Water pressure that is too high could also force more water through your shower head that is supposed to. This means that you won’t really be saving as much if any water at all.
Water Savings
These showerheads are called low-flow because they are designed and intended to spend less water than the average showerheads. While it is regulated that the maximum gallons per minute for showerheads in the US is 2.5 GPM, you are free to use one that is with as low water flow rate as you want.
The low-flow showerheads start from 2 GPM and go lower. You can even find some that have 0.5 GPM. They use two gallons of water less than the average. In one ten-minute shower, you can save up to 20 gallons!
In this day and age, water conservation is vital. It’s a natural resource that we should try to save as much as we can. Buying a low-flow showerhead can save up to 200 gallons of water per person per year. That’s just from showering. Imagine if every single person can do it. For a family of four, it is roughly 800 gallons a year.
Low-flow showerheads are a very environmentally friendly option. If you are looking for ways to live more sustainably, you can choose this method.
Budget
Additionally, to living a sustainable life, another main reason to choose low-flow showerheads is saving money. That leads to a lower water bill at the end of the month. Combine your savings from every month at the end of the year, and you will see how much you can save. Just by buying one shower head that can be as little as $10, you can end up with hundreds of more dollars in your bank account.
What’s more, as these shower heads use less water, less energy is used for warming it. This means that you can also save money on your electricity bill every month. But that can be hard to calculate with precision.
Of course, there are different showerheads and some are more expensive than others. You can decide based on your budget how much you can afford to spend on a showerhead.
Best Low Flow Shower Heads Comparison Chart
PRODUCT | DETAILS | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
High Sierra High-Efficiency Low Flow Shower Head |
| View On Amazon | ||
Niagara N2517 Sava Spa Fixed-Mount Showerhead |
| View On Amazon | ||
Niagara Earth Massage Low Flow Showerhead |
| View On Amazon | ||
Delta 75152 Single-Function Shower Head with H2Okinetic Technology |
| View On Amazon | ||
Take A Shower LLC Original Fire Hydrant Spa Plaza Massager Shower Head |
| View On Amazon | ||
American Standard Flowise 3 Function Water-Saving Showerhead |
| View On Amazon |
Best Low Flow Shower Head Reviews (Updated List)
1. High Sierra High-Efficiency Low Flow Shower Head
High Sierra is a great brand that you can rely on and this high-efficiency low flow shower head would be a great buy for anyone who is looking for a great addition to their bathroom.
The patented design of the showerhead nozzles ensures that every time you shower with this unit, you will be able to enjoy a powerful spray whilst being sure that you are saving water and energy. This showerhead features a restrictor that will restrict the flow of the water to that it only outputs 1.5 gallons per minute so you will be able to save at least 40% of the water that you would normally use. In addition, you will not need to heat that 40% of the water that you are saving, which means that this showerhead will save you money on your heating bill too.
The high-quality showerhead has a design that will not clog. You can enjoy less maintenance and the solid metal construction of the showerhead itself means that it is durable. The chrome finish will match most bathroom decors and makes this showerhead look great in modern bathrooms.
In addition, this showerhead has a splash guard that is made of high-quality ABS plastic. It will ensure that all the water that comes from the shower is directed towards the user instead of allowing it to escape around the shower. This plastic can be finished in any color so that you can match the entire shower assembly to your existing bathroom design.
In comparison to a standard 2.5 GPM flow shower, this item will save you around $50 per person in energy bills on average, make your great savings, especially if you have a number of people in your household.
2. Niagara N2517 Sava Spa Fixed-Mount Showerhead
This luxurious N2517 showerhead from Niagara will save you energy and money every time you shower. As it has a restricted flow of 1.75 gallons per minute, this fixed mount showerhead will maintain the water pressure at a constant flow. The oversized 4.5-inch shower head face ensures that you get maximum coverage from the water spray and the design will give you the best possible showering experience.
The body of this shower head is made of brass and strong abs plastic. This ensures that this showerhead will be as durable as possible so that it will last you for many years. The plastic is heat resistant and can withstand high water pressures.
You can choose from a white or a chrome finish when you purchase this showerhead. This will give you the ability to choose the showerhead that will be the best fit for your bathroom’s existing décor.
The showerhead comes with a 360-degree swivel mount so that you can alter the direction of the water flow as required. The showerhead itself has high-quality rubber jet nozzles so that if there is any mineral build-up from hard water, you can simply squeeze the nozzles and this will dislodge any blockages. The whole showerhead is easy to clean. If you are suffering from hard water in general, you may want to consider getting a good shower filter to solve your problem permanently.
When you purchase this shower head from Niagara, you can be sure that it will last you for many years as it offers you a 10-year warranty. This warranty will cover the construction material and the finish for the duration.
3. Niagara Earth Massage Low Flow Showerhead
This high-quality massaging showerhead will give you a luxurious showering experience time after time. It will offer you a consistent flow rate of 1.25 gallons per minute so that you can wash well under this showerhead. The showerhead outputs a nonaerated spray, which ensures that the shower can flush itself out, making it easy to clean and virtually maintenance-free. Regardless of your water pressure, this showerhead will ensure that you have consistently good water pressure that will never be too low or too high. This can even save you money when it comes to your water bill.
In comparison to conventional showerheads, this shower head attachment can use up to 75% less water than many of the other “low-flow” showerheads that you can find on the market. As it restricts the flow rate to 1.25 gallons per minute, you can be sure that you will save at least 30% of energy and water in comparison to your old standard shower. This means great savings for you, especially over a few years of use.
The showerhead itself offers you 9 great turbo massage functions. You are able to choose from these easily so that you can customize your showering experience every time.
The body of this shower head is thermoplastic and it is highly resistant to corrosion. This high-quality ABS plastic body has a 10-year guarantee so that you can have complete peace of mind. The showerhead has an elegant chrome finish so that you can match it with your other bathroom faucets and fittings.
4. Delta 75152 Single-Function Shower Head with H2Okinetic Technology
This two in one shower kit delivers high pressured water when you need it. It features an integrated fixed shower head along with a second handheld showerhead. This shower gives you the best of both worlds and you can choose to either use the handheld showerhead, the fixed one, or both. You can be sure that you won’t lose any water pressure either if you do decide to use both at the same time.
You don’t need to worry about calling out a professional to fit this Delta shower head for you. Its clear installation instructions and simple fitting mean that any homeowner can save money by installing it on their own. You will receive all the mountings that you need when you buy it and the great news is that it will fit on your existing standard half-inch shower arm.
The fixed shower head has a swivel ball bracket so that you can easily alter the angle of it when you need to, and it is free to move in a 360-degree field. The showerheads are wide so that you can enjoy great coverage as you are showering.
This showerhead offers you plenty of user-customizable spray options including H2O kinetic. This option brings you a unique and modern spray pattern, which sculpts the water flow into the soothing and calming waves.
You will get a lifetime warranty against the finish of this showerhead, which is the same as other faucets and fittings in the Delta range.
5. Take A Shower LLC Original Fire Hydrant Spa Plaza Massager Shower Head
If you want to reduce the amount of water that you use each time you shower, you should check out this low water pressure shower head. It doesn’t matter what your water pressure is like in your home. If you have low water pressure, this showerhead will deliver a powerful stream of water. Eventually, you’ll forget about your water pressure. The water supplies that are under high pressure will be restricted so that you’ll still get all the power without wasting water.
This Fire Hydrant shower head is one of the newest models on the market. Also, it uses some of the latest shower technology to ensure that you can have a great showering experience that is economical too.
The spray function on this shower head is fully customizable. You can change it with ease to enjoy the various spray patterns. From invigorating massaging sprays to gentle and soothing sprays, you can create the spa-like experience that you want, right in the comfort of your own home.
The Fire Hydrant massager shower head comes with a solid brass joint that it mounts to. This joint connects to your existing shower arm. You won’t need to worry about hiring a plumber to fix this, as it requires a basic installation that can be done by anyone. Full instructions are provided. The joint is a swivel-style ball joint and this allows you to easily change the angle of the showerhead so that you can get the best possible use out of it.
6. American Standard Flowise 3 Function Water-Saving Showerhead
If you want to use less water without losing any performance, I do not try this American standard Flowise water-saving showerhead? The showerhead uses exclusive turndown technology that is patented by American standards. This offers you an invigorating shower experience whilst keeping your water and energy bills low. Your family could save around 8000 gallons of water each year through normal use.
This showerhead has three great spray patterns for you to choose from. Turbine spray, full spray, and combination spray allow you to customize your showering experience to suit your needs. You can fully adjust the angle of the spray. Consequently, you can suit your height under the position that you are standing in. No matter which of the shower spray patterns that you choose, this showerhead will always revert back to the basic 1.5 GPM flow rates each time you turn off the shower. This means that every time somebody uses the shower, the default setting will be the lowest possible flow rate, saving possible water.
Despite the water savings that you will make, you will not notice any difference in the performance of the showerhead in comparison to one that does not have a restrictor valve. The water is dispersed evenly over your body, which creates an invigorating flow to refresh and rejuvenates your body.
American standard is one of the best-known brands in the country and you can be sure that when you buy this showerhead, you are purchasing one of the best possible low flow showerheads that you can buy today.
For a showerhead with a removable restrictor valve, you can check out our product review on Aqua Elegante 6 Function.
Low Flow Shower Head Buying Guide
If you’re thinking about buying a low flow showerhead for your bathroom, you should read this useful buying guide. We’ll look at how much money you could save on water bills with showerheads. Also, the kinds of water-saving features that you could take advantage of.
If you already have a shower and high-pressure water in your home, you may find that you can already get a great showering experience. However, when you get your water and heating bill, you may gasp in shock sometimes at just how much water you’ve managed to use with that great high powered shower. One of the best things about low flow showers is that they save even more water than standard eco-style showers. Plus, you don’t lose any of the power that you would expect.
On the other hand, you may find that your current eco shower head outputs such a feeble stream of water that you may as well be standing outdoors in the light rain. A low flow shower manages to restrict the volume of water that comes out of the showerhead whilst maintaining a more powerful flow.
These low flow showers come in a variety of types and styles so that you can find the one that will suit your needs and your bathroom décor. To complete your bathroom décor, you may want to have a look at our shower pan reviews, too.
When you are looking around at low flow showerheads, you will notice that their efficiency is measured by the flow. This number is given in GPM or gallons per minute. The force of the flow is measured by the water pressure, which is in pounds per inch, or PSI. The more pressure that is bearing down on the water, the more water will be pushed out.
Low Flow Shower Head Types
Low flow showerheads come with their benefits and when you are looking for a low flow showerhead to buy, you will be able to choose from two main types.
A handheld low flow shower head is attached to a flexible hose. Therefore, you can reach the showerhead across your bath or shower area. These can be useful for those who want a shower head that is versatile and that can help them to clean more effectively. A strong shower cleaner will make the task even easier.
The other main type of low flow shower head is one that is fixed. This is mounted to the wall and you can usually twist the showerhead around to divert the water in different directions. However, you will not be able to move the showerhead around your shower area. Therefore, you should bear this in mind if you will be installing it over a bath. You may find that a handheld attachment is a better choice, as you will be able to clean the bath with it.
If you can’t decide what type of shower head you want, then why not choose a combination of the two? You can find plenty of low flow showerheads that have both a fixed and a handheld head. So, you can use whichever is most convenient at the time. Some of these showerheads allow you to use both heads simultaneously although the lower quality ones can lose pressure if both showerheads are in operation.
Water-Saving Technology
When you look at how a low flow showerhead works, you see that special technology is used to produce the best results. Thanks to the technology in these showerheads, the amount of water that is pushed through the showerhead has decreased greatly. Where water pressure of 80 PSI was not restricted in the past, some of the older showers could use between 5 and 8 gallons of water per minute. In comparison to today’s standard restricted shower heads that restrict flow to just 2.5 GPM, this is a great difference. Low flow showerheads deliver just 1.5gpm whilst maintaining the pressure of 80PSI!
When you purchase a high-quality low-flow showerhead, you should notice that it produces the same satisfying power output regardless of whether your home has a low or high-pressure water supply. If you have a very low-pressure water system, you can purchase some showerheads that have removable flow restrictor valves. Or, you can consider getting a high-pressure showerhead of the highest quality. That way, you can improve the pressure that you get through the showerhead. The alternative option is to purchase a low flow showerhead that has an automatic restrictor valve to that you don’t need to worry about making your own adjustments.
Water Flow Rate
A good shower at the end of the day or the beginning (depending on your preferences) is a fantastic way to unwind, destress, relax, or boost your energy. There’s nothing worse than having the shower head dripping on you instead of pouring the water.
The water flow rate is essential to your entire home, not just the shower. Some appliances even have minimum requirements for water pressure and water flow.
If you are not sure what the difference between the two is, check these points out:
- Water flow: This refers to the amount of water that comes out of the faucet in a minute. It’s calculated through a special formula and is measured in GPM.
- Water pressure: This is the amount of force that is used to move the water through the pipes. It can refer to the force with which the water comes out of the pipe, faucet, shower, and hose. It is calculated by a different formula and is measured in kilopascals (kPa).
So, this is how water pressure and flow work and are different from one another. They are often used interchangeably, but they shouldn’t be as their meanings are quite different.
Design
You can get overwhelmed easily when you start to look for showerheads. There are literally hundreds of models on the market that are in different sizes, shapes, styles, materials. They have different nozzles patterns and numbers, and most have many additional features.
The price range is wide for these products, as there are too many options. You can find any design from the simplest and cheapest one, to a showerhead with lights. There are even showerheads with speakers that allow you to listen to music in the shower.
The abundance of options will definitely allow you to get the right unit for your bathroom. You just have to have the patience to find it.
Design differences are something usual with these products and here are the two components that are most affected by this:
· The exterior of the showerheads
· Size and arrangement of the nozzles
Spray Patterns
Just like the regular showerheads, the low-flow ones can have a number of spray patterns. Many of the products have several spray settings, and you can choose between them depending on your preferences. You will find shower heads that have only one spray option, but you can find some that have five or more. Of course, that also reflects on the price of the product.
Some of the most common spray patterns are:
- Power spray: It uses concentrated sprays of water into a small area. This is perfect for fast rinsing, and ideal for quick showers overall;
- Shower massage: This pattern uses pulsating jets of water to relieve the stress;
- Full body: The pattern sprays your entire body and relieves muscle tension;
- Mist: The mist provides cooling relief for a tired body;
- Rain: It mimics rainfall and intends to alleviate your stress and calm you. There are shower heads that are called rain showerheads and are the best of their type;
- Water-saving/Pause mode: Switching to this setting, the showerhead will barely leak in order to give you the time you shampoo yourself without wasting water;
- Combo: This option sprays a particular mix of spray patterns at once.
Warranty
The warranty depends on the manufacturer and the materials they’ve used in the making. However, the most common guaranty given to such products is ten years. You can find products with a lifetime guarantee or with less than ten years.
Cost
You can find low flow showerheads that are very basic and have few features for around $10. These low priced showerheads are ideal for those on a budget. If you would like to ensure that you are buying the best possible shower head, you can expect to pay over $100 for the designer and more superior showerheads.
When showerheads are priced up, the pressure, flow rate, a number of spray settings, and other features, finish and build materials are all taken into account as well as the design.
What is the Best Flow Rate for a Shower Head?
Required by law, US showerhead manufacturers’ products have a maximum flow rate of 2.5 GPM (gallons per minute). There are shower heads available with a flow rate of 2 GPM, 1.75 GPM, 1.5 GPM, 1 GPM, and 0.75 GPM for even more water savings. The flow rates from 1.5 GPM and below are thought to be ultra-low, while 2.5 GPM is considered as the standard.
Nowadays, you can find showerheads manufactured outside of the US but sold here that have a higher flow rate. A high flow rate is between 3 GPM and 5 GPM, which are also legal.
It is difficult to say which the best flow rate for a shower head is as people have various preferences for spray patterns and flow rates. A slow flow rate will save more water, and consequently, you’ll save money.
Advantages of a Low Flow Shower Head
The National Energy Policy Act requires the maximum flow rate of all manufactured showerheads in the US to be 2.5 GPM or below in order to save water. However, in addition to saving the water resources, there are other advantages for you and your home.
- They reduce carbon-dioxide emissions.
- Preserving the water resources in your area.
- Low-flow showerheads use less water without hurting the quality of your shower time.
- They reduce water consumption in your home by 20% – 40%, depending on the usage. By doing so, low flow showerheads decrease your monthly water bills.
- The less water they use, the less energy is consumed to warm the water in your heater. Thus, your monthly energy bills are reduced as well.
Keep in mind that low flow isn’t the same as low pressure. Some people mix the two terms. The new low-flow showerheads do not slow down the water pressure. Take all of the advantages from above when you wonder what type of shower head to buy next.
Wrap Up
It doesn’t matter what kind of pressure you have in your home. If you’re going to use a shower, it’s a great idea to choose a low flow one. These low flow shower head reviews give you some examples of what kinds of showerheads are available at the moment and there is something here for most people’s budgets.
As you can see in this buying guide, there are some great advantages to choosing the best low flow showerhead. You will be able to save money on your water and heating bills, and you are not restricted to only a handful of options either. You can purchase luxury showerheads with low flow or you can find money-saving budget low flow showerheads. One can even choose what kind of shower you want, including fixed, handheld, or combo. With so much choice out there and so many benefits, you’ll be wondering why you never bought one before.
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