Are you looking for a way to reduce how much water you use? Exchanging out your traditional shower heads for low flow models can help you save money and limit your impact on the environment. By converting to low flow shower heads in your home, you may also be eligible for rebates from your local water utility provider.
Our top 10 list of the best low flow shower heads is sure to help you identify the styles, sizes, and additional features that will fit with your bathroom space. Check out our number one pick, Aqua Elegante's Low Flow Showerhead, and our buying guide. If our list doesn't inspire your next remodeling project, our guide will show you how to choose the best shower head for you.
Quick List - Top Low Flow Shower Heads
High Sierra Showerheads
A Compact Design That Produces a Powerful Spray
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Low flow shower heads can reduce your home's energy consumption and bring a new look to your bathroom. Before buying one, consider how much your water usage will decrease, the style and size, and ease of installation.
Besides adjusting your habits, installing energy efficient appliances and fixtures is one of the main ways to reduce your utility bills. Low flow shower heads lower the amount of gallons of water per minute you consume while showering. Some of these heads also have features that can reduce the strain on your hot water heater.
By looking at your current flow rate, water pressure, and the heads' water saving features, you may be able to substantially decrease how much water you use each month. You may also save some on your electric or gas use from your hot water heater.
You can measure your flow rate by turning on your shower and determining how fast a gallon-sized container fills up with water. A container that fills in 15 seconds indicates your flow rate is four gallons per minute, which is above the current federal government standard for shower heads.
The current federal standard is two and a half gallons per minute with 80 psi water line pressure. Certain states like California have a lower limit, at 1.8 gallons per minute. You may want to check with your state or city regulations before purchasing a shower head.
However, low flow shower heads are considered anything below two and a half gallons per minute. The typical low flow shower head takes 24 seconds to fill a gallon container and is rated at 1.6 gallons per minute. Reducing your water consumption by between 35 and 45 percent will let you see the most impact on your utility bills.
Psi readings under 40 are considered low, normal ranges are between 45 to 55 psi, and high water pressure is anything above 55 psi. Your water pressure can vary depending on the age of your residence, geographic area, and municipal codes.
Some low flow shower head models may come with flow restrictors, which can be either placed in reverse or removed to accommodate low pressure water lines. A few models have automatic or "smart" flow restrictors that sense water pressure and adjust the flow accordingly.
Multi-setting or function models allow you to change the amount and type of water flow. Some models come with a water-saving setting to reduce flow while lathering, shaving, or bathing. Multi-setting models typically can change between flow types like mist, massage, pulsing, narrow and wide stream.
In contrast, single function models do not allow this flexibility, which is less convenient for families or those who share bathrooms. You may also have to shut off the shower each time you want to conserve water while bathing or shaving.
Low flow shower heads can come in different looks, styles, and sizes. Some models may also have patented or exclusive technologies that can change how the water flow is produced.
Low flow shower heads can range in size from small to large. Consider the size of your current shower head and how its dimensions work and fit with your space.
A low flow shower head can also be fixed, handheld, or a combination. Fixed shower heads remain in place, while handheld models allow you to manipulate them and move them around as needed. Combination units can remain in place but be removed from a fixture to move around.
Others come with added fixture features like a soap dish. You'll also want to consider the style and shape of the shower head, and how it fits into your preferences and existing bathroom look. For example, do you prefer a classic or traditional look or want something more modern?
Ask whether the style and shape will allow enough head room for the individuals using the shower head. Consider other features or items in the shower space that will be changed or upgraded in the future. You'll want to take a look at how well the shower head will be compatible with your design plans.
If more than one person (or pet) will be using the shower head, consider whether multiple water flow and setting preferences need to be accommodated.
Another useful feature are shutoff valves. They allow you to turn on the water to warm it up while it's flowing at a minimum rate. Once the water is warmed up, you can release the valve to allow full water flow.
This can save water and energy necessary to heat the water, either from a traditional or tankless water heater.
Additional features like aerating and rain shower heads can help reduce water temperatures and make mist flows feel stronger. Aerating shower heads can also work better in areas with high humidity since steam and moisture is reduced. Rain shower heads can also soften the water.
Low flow shower heads should be EPA WaterSense certified, with a gallon per minute rating lower than two and a half. Although many shower heads can be swapped out by homeowners, the process does require tools and supplies like an adjustable wrench and plumber's tape.
You may want to hire or consult a plumber if you're uncomfortable with the do-it-yourself route or your home is new to you. A plumber can easily assess your home's water pressure and give you advice about the need for pressure regulators.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Aqua Elegante Low Flow Showerhead | ![]() | Built-to-Last Home Spa Experience | |
2 | SparkPod High Pressure Rain Shower Head | ![]() | High-Pressure Energy Savings | |
3 | High Sierra Showerheads All Metal High Efficiency Low Flow Showerhead | ![]() | A Compact Design That Produces a Powerful Spray | |
4 | Kohler Forte Showerhead|K-22169-G-CP | ![]() | A Classic Modern Look With Multiple Spray Settings | |
5 | Moen Engage Handheld Showerhead|26100EP | ![]() | A Versatile Shower Head That's Also Visually Appealing | |
6 | Waterpik Eco Flow Hand Held Shower|VBE 453 | ![]() | A Handheld Shower Head for Smaller Spaces | |
7 | Niagara Conservation Earth Showerhead|N2912 | ![]() | Uses Even Less Water Than Other Low Flows | |
8 | Speakman Reaction Low Flow Shower Head|S-4000-E175 | ![]() | Colorful and Innovative Shower Head | |
9 | Speakman Hotel Low Flow Shower Head|S-2005-HB-E175 | ![]() | A Modern Design That's Also Space Conscious | |
10 | Voolan High Pressure Rain Shower Head | ![]() | Luxury Look and Rainfall |
This shower head meets California's energy requirements and provides six different spray settings, including high flow, blast and deluge, saturating blast, blast and massage, high pressure massage, and water saving flow.
The self-cleaning jet nozzles help prevent calcium deposit buildup in areas that have hard water. All of the materials and fittings covered by a five-year guarantee.
Some reviewers experienced problems getting all six spray settings to work or didn't see much difference between some of the settings. Other reviewers liked that the shower head was easy to install and were impressed with the water pressure. They also liked the way the jet sprays felt like a massage.
This shower head simulates a rain storm in your bathroom. The high-pressure stream comes out at a wide angle so a person's entire body is covered. This head comes with a one-year warranty and can be installed within five minutes.
Some reviewers did not like that the shower head was made from plastic. Others experienced problems with the water flow. More reviewers liked the design and look of the shower head, as well as the soft feel of the water. They also liked that there was a lot of water coverage.
This shower head is made of long-lasting metal in four finishes, and its nozzle produces strong drops. Its smaller design makes it a good fit for smaller bathrooms and spaces.
Some reviewers did not like the narrowness of the spray or the high-pitched noise that they could hear while the head was in use. Other reviewers were impressed with the water flow and pressure. Some also appreciated the head's swivel and the ability to easily adjust its direction.
This shower head has three different spray settings, including full, pulsating massage, and silk. Special technology adds air and produces fuller and stronger water output.
Some reviewers thought the water flow was too low and removed the flow regulator. Others did not like that the spray jets were plastic. Many reviewers enjoyed the mist setting for cleansing the face in the shower and how they could switch between full and light spray settings.
The Engage Magnetix shower head has six different spray settings, with three of those being for massages. A docking station allows you to use the head in stationary mode or as a handheld device.
Some reviewers experienced problems with the plastic bracket and leaking. Others had issues with uneven water flow. Still others found the handheld hose to be flexible and good for smaller bathroom spaces. They also liked that the head was easy to install and had several spray options.
WaterPik's handheld shower head has a chrome finish that comes with a mounting bracket and five-foot hose. The head has three different flow settings, with one of them being massage-like.
Some reviewers did not like the plastic material and thought the hose was not as durable as they would have liked. Other reviewers found the three different settings worked well for households with multiple people. They liked the trickle setting that could be used to save water while keeping it warm.
This low flow shower head has gentle needle, massage, and combination spray settings. The material is corrosion resistant and the head's flow is able to adjust to different variations in water pressure.
Some reviewers did not like the low flow of water and some noted that hard water led to the need to clean periodic deposit buildup. Others found the shower head easy to install and use. They also found it worked well with homes that had septic systems and tankless hot water heaters.
Speakman's shower head has a single spray setting, but it produces flow in a pulsating and spiraling manner. The unique colors and design also fit well in bathrooms decorated by discerning owners.
Some reviewers thought the shower head made too much noise and the amount of water flow wasn't enough. Others liked the smooth feeling of the water and the look of the shower head. They also found it worked well in homes that had low water pressure.
This shower head has a handle to switch between the different spray settings: intense, massage and combination. The material and jet sprays are resistant to hard water deposit buildup.
Some reviewers found that they still had to manually clean hard water deposits, and others thought the pressure from the head was not strong enough. Still, other reviewers liked the wide coverage of the spray from the head and the adjustable handle. They also found the installation process simple.
This shower head produces a rainfall flow with full body coverage. The head also comes with a mini wrench, flow restrictors, and filters for easy installation. Each of the nozzles and filters help prevent calcium deposits from hard water.
Some reviewers experienced problems with leaking from the ball socket and uneven flow from some of the nozzles. Other reviewers liked that the shower head was quick to install and came with tools. They appreciated the thin design and look.
Low flow shower heads are one way to upgrade your shower experience, but they're not the only way. Check out these other tips and ways to pamper yourself at home!
No. 1: Aqua Elegante|Low Flow Showerhead
No. 2: SparkPod|High Pressure Rain Shower Head
No. 3: High Sierra Showerheads|All Metal High Efficiency Low Flow Showerhead
No. 4: Kohler|Forte Showerhead|K-22169-G-CP
No. 5: Moen|Engage Handheld Showerhead|26100EP
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