Low-Pressure Shower Heads

How It Works

• These shower heads operate in two different ways, depending on the type that is purchased. An aerating shower nozzle shoots air through the shower head along with water, thus increasing pressure while keeping the water used at the same level. Non-aerating shower nozzles push water out with a series of pulses. In both of these cases, water pressure is maintained at a reasonable level despite the low water pressure that actually exists.

Installation

• Installation is as easy as you might expect. The original shower head is unscrewed from the pipe coming out of the wall, and the new low-pressure one is screwed back in its place. Taking the original off and putting the new one on will require the use of a wrench. Note that depending on the pipe entering into the shower, the shower head may need to have its spiral threads on the inside or the outside, which you should find out before buying the new low-pressure nozzle.

Alternatives

• You have a few alternatives to installing a low-pressure shower head if you have low water pressure, but few will have the same results for the low price. Removing the flow restrictor that can be found inside the original shower nozzle is one option, but it will only increase water pressure by forcing more water out, so it is not cost efficient. The most extreme alternative is fully replacing the plumbing system, which is necessary if pipes have become galvanized. This option requires you to seek the help of a professional plumber and may be costly.

Benefits

• The principal benefit most buyers will probably be interested in is the increased water pressure delivered by low-pressure shower heads. While a good deal of frustration may be curbed, an even greater benefit that becomes obvious over the long term is the fact that these shower heads are conserving water. Because pressure is heightened by other mechanisms, the amount of water used is still at a minimum. Thus, these shower heads prove to be money-saving as well as environmentally friendly.