A modern bathroom is hardly the utilitarian outpost it once was. Ranging in price from $20 to $200 and well beyond, showerheads commonly offer such features as adjustable spray patterns, massage jets, self-cleaning nozzles, and tough finishes. The difference in cost between one head and another relates mostly to the durability of its construction and the type of finish material it features, but other factors have an impact. The traditional showerhead mounted on a simple shower-arm is often eclipsed by adjustable mounting systems and multi-head sprays that can add considerably to the cost of a fixture. And a single head isn't always the end of it—shower areas often include multiple heads mounted on the ceiling or on any of the walls.

Key Specifications

Showerhead mount type--Wall-mounted and arm-mounted heads are fixed in place. A handheld showerhead is attached to a flexible spray hose and can be removed from its mounting to rinse down shower walls. Adjustable heads are typically mounted on a vertical shaft or swing-arm, allowing them to be repositioned to suit bathers of any height.

Installation type--A typical single showerhead is mounted on a shower arm that extends from the wall. Used singly or in multiples as a body spray, a showerhead should be wall-mounted, a low-profile method that is less obtrusive than a shower-arm mount. A deck-mounted head is one that can be installed on a horizontal surface, such as alongside a spa tub.

Finish--The overall finish of any faucet is a combination of several factors. Finish appearance type distinguishes between faucets that have a metallic finish (e.g. chrome, polished brass, etc.), and those with an enameled or colored-epoxy finish. Finish material describes the specific material used to finish a faucet. Generic finish refers to the style of the finish (e.g. polished, antique, oil-rubbed, powder coat, etc.). To prevent materials from tarnishing and to improve their scratch-resistance, faucets may have a generic coating that provides a protective barrier. This coating can be lacquer, sometimes called a clear coat, PVD (physical vapor deposition), or a powder coating.

In many areas, declining water supplies have dampened enthusiasm for multi-head showers, but water-conserving models are readily available and can cut water usage by as much as two-thirds. Another water-saving feature is a cut-off, a simple valve on the showerhead that enables you to temporarily stop the flow of water without turning off the shower entirely and changing the temperature.

Chrome and polished brass are the most popular finish materials for showerheads, but they have been joined by more expensive finishes such as nickel, bronze, stainless steel, and even gold and silver. Despite numerous possibilities, the choice of finish material is often determined by a desire to match those already chosen for faucets or fixtures.

Anti-scald mixing valves are standard in new construction but it's not always possible to replace old valves during a remodeling project. In such cases, consider installing anti-scald fittings between the shower arm and the showerhead, or look for showerheads that incorporate this technology.

Showerhead Specifications Resources: American Society of Plumbing Engineers
http://www.aspe.org/

National Association of Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors
http://www.phccweb.org

National Kitchen and Bath Association
http://www.nkba.org/

Plumbing Manufacturers Institute
http://www.pmihome.org/

Valve Manufacturers Association of America
http://www.vma.org/html/flow_control.html