Our water supply is drying up. As the population expands, so does the demand for water, and supplies are beginning to become more stretched. In fact, the UN predicts that by 2030 shortages will become commonplace.
Historically, as we've faced this kind of problem, companies have searched for new ways to extract water from where it is scarce, or to improve the efficiency of the existing water treatment processes.
In this guide to best low flow shower heads you will learn what they are, how to install them and what the best options on the market are.
Check it out!
1. 6 Function Adjustable Luxury Shower Head
Pros:
- A lifesaver for water-conservation
- All-in-one showerhead
- Versatile
- Low maintenance
- Sleek design
- High-quality construction
- Features massage and other settings
- Rainfall designs are the most popular
- Affordable
Cons:
- Some models don’t fit low-flow pipes
- Doesn’t always work with specialty shower heads
- Might not be able to fit standard rise pipes
The 6 Function Adjustable Luxury Shower Head – High Pressure Boosting, Wall Mount, Bathroom Showerhead For Low Flow Showers, 2.5 GPM – Chrome is the best choice if you’re looking for a showerhead that helps you conserve water without sacrificing quality.
This model is easy to install and only needs a 20 psi-gauge at least to function properly.
It has a lot of features, including a pause button for easy water flow control. Each of its 6 spray modes delivers a strong, consistent flow of water, which is ideal for massaging your back or rinsing off after a work out. Plus, an easy rotation dial lets you switch between each mode so you can pick the best one for the job.
2. High Sierra's All Metal 1.5 GPM High Efficiency Low Flow Showerhead. Available in: CHROME
Pros:
- High quality materials and manufacturing process
- Large showering area
- Very long extension arm
- Affordable
- Lifetime warranty
- Made in the USA
While there are some great, high-performing low flow shower heads out there, High Sierra’s model is very well-reviewed. This one has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 500 reviews. Reviewers name its performance, easy installation, price, and simple design as reasons for recommending it.
This low flow shower head is actually a bit different from the others on this list in that it’s made of solid metal instead of plastic. Also, it offers a far superior extension length than many other models, at nearly 42 inches. With this shower head you get a great combination of water pressure and flow rate. In fact, it is advertised as a 1.5 GPM (gallons per minute) shower head.
High Sierra’s low flow showerhead is available in chrome, brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze, or polished brass … a good selection of finish options. According to reviews, the installation is a breeze, and the quality is very high. The company also has a lifetime warranty, so if any parts wear out, you can get replacements.
3. High Pressure Handheld Shower Head
Pros:
- High pressure spray to save water
- Hand shower and handheld showerhead options
- 6” hose with flow regulator for low-pressure water supply pipelines
- Offers high-pressure massage function
- Includes 5 different water filters to reduce chlorine and other nasty stuff
- Fits on most existing shower pipe connections
- Build to last with lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Noisy
- Doesn’t include Teflon tape
- Produces water spray after extended use
For those who want to get the best shower hose for low pressure water supply pipeline, this is the best option you can consider. It features a spray nozzle that comes with 4 patterns of massage to select from, and it has decent pressure with a minimum flow of 0.5 gallons per minute.
Aside from this, there’s also a handheld showerhead to compliment the standard showerhead. This means you can use both in the shower or bath. There’s also an anti-scalding water protection function. Plus, it’s constructed using high-quality metal materials that are built to last.
4. Delta Faucet 2-Spray H2Okinetic Shower Head
Pros:
- Highly effective
- Consistent water pressure throughout the entire showering process
- Easy installation
- Eco-friendly
- Helps reduce water bill
- Reduces exposure to germs
- Pays for itself in a year
- Makes for a more relaxing shower
Cons:
- Can be difficult to find
- Not much of a difference in temperature
- Water pressure might not be what you’re used to
- Finicky touchscreen can cause confusion
A higher flow rate typically translates into more water flow, which leads to a longer shower. The number of minutes you are spending in the shower adds up over weeks, months, and years, so choosing a low flow shower head can save you a tremendous amount of water.
One of the best options is the Delta Faucet H2Okinetic 2-Spray shower head. This shower head has a saving rate of up to 29% compared to a normal traditional shower head. It features the Diamond Seal technology which minimizes the wear and tear on the washer, which keeps the showerhead working smoothly. Plus, the showerhead is made out of plastic, providing the homeowner with a durable product that won’t rust easily.
5. Speakman S-4002-E2 Showerhead
Pros:
- Efficient water use
- Easy to install
- Sleek design
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Economical
- Showerhead cover included
- Connects directly to your existing shower hose
The Speakman S-Series showerhead is an efficient low flow model designed to save water without making you feel like you're showering with an open hose. Studies reveal that most Americans prefer a powerful high-pressure spray – and that's exactly what this showerhead delivers. Unlike many other models, the S-4002-E2 offers a fixed 2.0 gallon-per-minute flow rate.
This showerhead is easy to install and looks great. One accessory that comes with it is a cover that matches the finish of the rest of the unit, which installs easily and helps keep everything clean in between uses. And unlike some showerheads, this one actually sprays in two directions instead of directly down. According to reviews, it does an excellent job of keeping debris and mineral deposits from forming.
6. Best Shower Head
Pros:
- Affordable
- Handles low water pressure well
- Adjustable
- Water flow rate comprises of 7.5, 13, & 20 GPM (gallons per minutes)
- Water coverage can be adjusted from 80 to 45 degrees
Cons:
- Doesn’t handle high water pressure well
- Head feels a bit unstable/ has a high chance of tilted to the right
- Quality control issues (possible to get a defective piece)
The Original Fire Hydrant Spa Plaza Massager has been creating quite a buzz in recent months.
Featuring a high-quality easy-to-install design that can fit most shower pipes (even if the existing shower head is threaded), it offers multiple water settings that are great to help users save up on water.
The shower head comes with 7.5, 13 or 20-gallon per minute levels that you can control by turning the water flow knob installed right above it.
7. WASSA High Pressure Shower Head
Pros:
- Adjustable
- Solid build
- Can fit on multiple shower arm sizes
- Luxurious design
- Spray pattern is not too strong
- Great customer service
- Bestseller on Amazon
The WASSA High Pressure Shower Head is the best low flow shower head we found for saving water and money. Our favorite part about the WASSA is its chrome finish and flexible arm that you can always adjust whichever way you need to.
We also think the WASSA is the most luxurious looking of this bunch. It has a nicely padded nylon arm, which you can easily wash down with soap and warm water. The nickel finish is powder coated for extra durability.
The shower head can give you two settings – one for rain and a second for power spray. The rain gives you a nice shower and the power spray is enough to leave your skin feeling fresh and clean. With that said, we found the power spray setting a little too strong, but no one else would probably notice.
8. SR SUN RISE Luxury 12 Inch Large Square Stainless Steel Shower Head High Pressure Rainfall Showerhead Ultra Thin Water Saving Polished Chrome 2.5 Gpm
Pros:
- 5-star review from Amazon
- Showerhead that’s easy to install
- High-quality design that’s gorgeous and classy-looking
- Wide water coverage angle for a better experience
This showerhead from SR SUN RISE is the best quality for the price, making it our top choice for the best low flow shower head.
The feature that really sets it apart from others is the full-circle water coverage angle. This allows you to have a complete rain-like experience, rinsing away all the stress from your tough day. With a 2.5GPM flow rate, it’s also significantly better than the standard 2.2GPM flow rates on standard showerheads.
The Sun Rise rain showerhead is completely metal-free, which allows it to function both as a rain shower head and a normal showerhead. This is ideal if you want to avoid buying another fixture for certain parts of the year when you need a reduced flow rate. It includes easy-to-follow mounting instructions, so there’s no need to call a specialist to install it.
9. Niagara Earth Massage 1.25GPM Low flow showerhead
Pros:
- Water-saving shower head
- Easy to install
- High quality at an affordable price
- Easy to install
- This low flow shower head has full-body spray
- High durability
Cons:
- Installation method might be difficult for some users
- Some units have been noted to arrive defective
The Niagara Earth Massage 1.25GPM Low Flow showerhead delivers a powerful invigorating spray that promises to save up to 80% in water consumption.
10. American Standard 1660717.002 FloWise Transitional 3-Function Water Saving Shower
Pros:
- Low flow saves water and energy
- Easy installation (with good directions)
- Available in four colors
- Speeds up water pressure noticeably
- Easy to turn off the 3rd setting
- Includes great mounting hardware
- Great price
Cons:
- Rather small basin
- Shelf divider, rather than adjustment ring, for different spray options
The American Standard 1660717.002 FloWise Transitional 3-Function Water Saving Shower, Polished Chrome has a buyer satisfaction rating of 4.2 stars out of 5. With this low flow shower head, you can expect to save up to 21% more water and up to 58% more energy than other shower heads.
The dial works fine when you adjust it, but you can’t adjust the spray pattern itself. So you can’t really get a very soft, gentle spray or a narrow jet spray. It’s also pretty small, but that’s because its designed as a water saver.
This shower head is as good as it gets if you’re after saving water. You can expect to save around 1,400 gallons of water per year. You can also expect to see much lower energy bills. Adjustments are made easily with either your hand or your elbow.
11. Niagara N2615 Tri-Max 0.5/1.0/1.5 GPM Showerhead
Pros:
- Dual flow performance
- Optional high pressure spray
- Unique angled head
- Durable and stunning construction
- Great price
- Easy to install (no tools required)
- Limited lifetime warranty
The Niagara N2615 Tri-Max is our top pick for best low flow shower heads. This showerhead delivers a great experience, while helping you to save money and water.
The most obvious reason to consider this showerhead is its water-saving ability. It uses up to 50% less water than a majority of shower heads in the market, which can save you a ton of money over time.
Another thing to keep in mind is the design. The Tri-Max has a unique angled head that shoots water out of a thin back plate, the angle of which can be adjusted to match the angle of your existing showerhead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best low flow shower head?
There are many things that you can do to reduce water consumption in your daily life. You can start by simply trying to turn off the water while you brush your teeth or shave. But if you really want to check out some easy ways to cut down on daily water use, a low flow shower head is a must.
There are many types of low flow showerheads on the market. You can purchase a single low flow showerhead or a ceiling mounted combination, and of course there are lots of fancy features and enhancements. Ultimately, the kind of low flow showerhead you choose becomes a matter of personal preference.
Some consumers prefer a single showerhead and prefer a smaller unit that saves water when used in combination with low flow sinks and toilets. While others prefer the wide coverage and larger spray of a combined showerhead and hand shower unit.
How much water do low flow shower heads save?
Low flow shower heads will save you much more than just a few dollars per month on your water. If you install one of these high-rated shower heads and take one more minute than you normally would in brushing your teeth or shaving, you could save around 150 gallons per year. That is almost the equivalent of a half-hour in the shower. While you might think that mental calculation doesn't mean a lot to you, it sure does to Mother Nature and your water bill.
What shower head uses less water?
ToiletTree is a workhorse of a shower head, providing a clean, crisp, powerful spray that will rinse you from head to toe. This is a simple installation as well. You'll just need to remove your old shower head and screw the new one on.
Of course, it's not all about performance with this hand-held model. Besides having many water saving features, there are a number of useful accessories that come with this model body. One of the handiest is a 12-inch hose that allows you to scrub any part of your body from up to 3 feet away. Simply attach any of the included shower heads or attach your own, and you're ready to go.
Also included is a free travel bag that allows you to take your new shower head with you on vacation, business trips, or anywhere else you might want to clean up. There is also a four-color changing LED light that provides a relaxing therapy light for your shower experience.
How do you increase water flow in a shower head?
Generally speaking, shower heads have a flow restrictor that's designed to slow down the water as it leaves the shower head. Why you ask? That's a great question.
Some argue that it's done for energy saving purposes, however, other than costing a few cents here and there over the years, it will never pay for itself. The real reason behind this slow flow design is to reduce the stress on the water supply lines and, more importantly, the water heater.
Ordinary shower heads take gallons of hot water from the tank, which cause a temperature drop in the tank that you might feel in your cold shower. Better to limit the temperature drop by reducing the flow at the source. Right?
However, if you ever wanted to have an intense shower experience, then you might want to consider the opposite. The best way to increase the flow of the water is to simply replace that flow restrictor with a new and improved version.
Conclusion
We’re all concerned about saving water these days, and a big part of that is in the bathroom. There is a growing trend towards low-flow (or low-use) shower heads. Anything you can do to decrease the amount of water flowing through your shower will lower your water bill and reduce your carbon footprint. There are so many low-flow shower heads on the market today that choosing one can be overwhelming. This buyer’s guide should help smooth your path on this important decision.