The Simplest Shower Upgrade

Perhaps the easiest way to give your shower a lift is by replacing the shower head. Twist off the old one, twist on the new (don’t forget the Teflon tape)… done.

However, a true shower experience upgrade goes far beyond just changing a fixture. It’s a conversation that combines a homeowner’s preferences with practical considerations like flow rate, function, style, energy efficiency, plumbing, drainage, space, and budget.

How Regulations Changed the Shower Experience

In 1992, the U.S. government set new regulations: shower head flow could not exceed 2.5 gallons per minute at 80 pounds per square inch of water pressure.

The goal was to reduce water waste and energy usage, but many felt the joy of a full-force, under-a-warm-waterfall, suds-blasting shower was gone. Plumbers, ever resourceful, learned to follow the rules while still giving customers a satisfying experience. Green is good, but so is a therapeutic shower.

Enter the Multiple-Head Shower

One solution that rose to popularity in high-end homes is the multiple-head shower fixture. Regulations allow 2.5 gallons per minute per head, so more heads means more water—if your hot water supply and drainage can handle it.

Diana Dinges, bath fixtures expert at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting in Carmel, says “His and Hers” showers are especially in demand. These often feature separate heads and controls at opposite ends of the shower stall, plus body sprays and a hand-held nozzle.

Today’s Smart Shower Features

According to Dinges, “the fixtures available today are fabulous.” Energy-efficient tankless water heaters keep high-volume showers eco-friendly. Thermostatic faucets increase comfort by controlling temperature and volume separately.

The True Upgrade

Talking about a great shower will never compare to the real thing. In the world of unique home improvements, few upgrades match the luxury, comfort, and daily joy of a thoughtfully designed, high-performance shower.