Choosing a new shower system for your bathroom is an exciting upgrade that can enhance your bathing experience. With so many options, features, and factors to weigh, this ultimate guide will walk you step-by-step through selecting the ideal shower system for your home and budget.
As a home improvement expert, I‘ve helped hundreds of homeowners upgrade their showers for more enjoyment, convenience, and luxury. Let‘s explore all the great shower system choices so you can make the best decision for your household.
Popular Shower System Types to Consider
Today‘s shower systems go far beyond a standard showerhead and faucet. Here are some popular styles to consider for your home:
Rain Showers
Transform your ordinary shower into a relaxing tropical downpour with an overhead rain shower. These large 8 to 20 inch showerheads are either wall or ceiling-mounted to mimic standing outdoors in an invigorating rain shower.
Many homeowners love starting their day with an awakening soak under a wide rain showerhead. The ample water coverage is also great for couples. Just be sure your water heater and plumbing can handle the increased water volume most rain showers require.
Steam Showers
For the ultimate home spa experience, you can‘t beat a luxury steam shower. These enclosures include a steam generator that fills your shower with moist, warm steam for a tranquil soak. Extra features like chromatherapy mood lighting, waterproof television screens, and Bluetooth audio help you relax in paradise right in your master bathroom.
Steam showers require complex installation and electrical work, so they carry a hefty price tag. But for those seeking daily in-home pampering, the investment pays dividends for years to come.
Multi-Head Shower Systems
Why settle for one standard showerhead when you can install a customized multi-head shower system? These luxurious setups allow you to install showerheads on multiple walls, body sprays throughout your enclosure, and hand shower wands for targeting specific areas.
With a multi-head shower system, you control the water flow, temperature, and spray direction from each component. This total customization results in an indulgent soak that helps wash stress down the drain.
Shower Towers
Shower towers provide the perks of a multi-head shower but come pre-configured as an all-in-one cylindrical unit placed in the corner of your shower enclosure. Units are available in round, square, or rectangular shapes.
Because shower towers combine body sprays, rainfall showerheads, and hand showers in one enclosure-ready package, they offer an affordable luxury option. There‘s no need for complex custom designing – just pick a tower that fits your space and enjoy!
As you explore options, think about who uses your shower most. Do you need accessibility features? How important is a luxurious experience versus budget? This will help narrow your choices.
Key Showerhead Features and Settings to Enjoy
The showerhead itself is a major factor affecting your daily shower enjoyment. Let‘s look at some of the most popular features and settings available today:
Rainfall Showerheads
These broad showerheads aim to mimic the feeling of bathing in tropical rain, with water droplets streaming down on you from above. The wide coverage soaks your whole body all at once for a relaxing, spa-like experience.
Rainfall showerheads are available in round and square shapes, in widths ranging from 6 to over 20 inches. Make sure to check the gallon-per-minute rating to ensure your home‘s water pressure and plumbing can support the showerhead‘s flow rate.
Massage Showerheads
Working long hours hunched over a computer? Do your shoulders and neck chronically ache? A massage showerhead can help knead your pain away.
These showerheads use water jets targeting key muscle groups across your neck, shoulders, back, and hips. The pulsing sprays mimic an in-shower Swedish massage to increase blood flow and relax tight muscles without ever leaving home.
Adjustable Showerheads
Look for showerheads that allow you to easily adjust the angle of water coverage, spray intensity, and flow settings. Adjustable showerheads make it easy to accommodate children and adults, those who are seated versus standing, and more.
Aim the spray where you need it most to relieve sore spots, wash your hair, or simply angle the water away on cold mornings when you‘d rather not get your whole body drenched!
Handheld Showerheads
While you can install a handheld shower component alongside traditional fixed showerheads, handheld models also work great on their own.
The flexible hose and wand allow you to control the spray and target specific areas like washing your feet or a child‘s hair. For bathers with mobility needs, a handheld showerhead is invaluable for remaining seated while bathing comfortably.
Low-Flow Showerheads
Low-flow showerheads provide ample water coverage and pressure while conserving water usage. This makes them an eco-friendly option, helping you save money on utility bills while still enjoying an invigorating shower.
For households with older plumbing, low-flow models also ensure adequate pressure for a satisfying shower, even if your pipes can‘t handle multiple high-volume rainfall showerheads.
Look for showerheads with easy rub-clean soft jets, durable finishes that resist mineral buildup, and angles that work in your shower enclosure. The right showerhead can make all the difference!
Factors to Consider When Choosing a New Shower System
Selecting a shower system for your home depends on several factors. As you weigh options, keep the following in mind:
Budget – Just a new showerhead can run you $100 to $500, while custom multi-head systems with tile, glass enclosures and even steam can cost up to $5,000 and beyond. Set a reasonable budget for your project scope.
Your Water Pressure – Ensure your home‘s water pressure and plumbing can support the shower system you choose. Measure your home‘s water pressure and flow rate – low pressure can hinder rainfall showerhead performance.
Mobility Needs – Those with disabilities or limited mobility require grab bars, seats, and handrails. If needed in your home, check that your new shower system complies with ADA requirements.
Maintenance – Opt for showerheads with rub-clean soft jets, trim made of mold-resistant materials, and glass treatments that reduce mineral spots and soap scum buildup to minimize maintenance.
Special Features – From chromatherapy lighting to waterproof Bluetooth speakers, the sky‘s the limit for luxury add-ons! Determine which features will enhance your dream shower experience.
Keep this criteria in mind as we explore top shower system brands and pricing. Choosing the right system for you comes down to matching your needs, wants, and budget for an enjoyable shower tailored to your household.
Comparing the Top Shower System Brands
When investing in a new shower system, you want reassurance you‘re purchasing a high-quality product that will last. Here‘s an overview of some top shower system brands to consider:
| Brand | Price Range | Top Features | Finishes Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moen | $$ – $$$ | Rainfall, auto-adjusting, spot resist stainless | $200 – $1,000, chrome, brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze |
| Delta | $$ – $$$ | Rainfall, water-efficient H20kinetic, shower towers | $100 – $700, chrome, stainless, champagne bronze |
| Kohler | $$ – $$$$$ | Rainhead, statement designs, custom showering systems | $200 – $2,500+, polished chrome, vibrant brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze |
| Grohe | $$$ – $$$$ | Thermostatic valves, seamless multi-head systems, touchscreen controls | $500 – $1,200, chrome, brushed nickel, matte black |
| Hansgrohe | $$ – $$$$$ | Rainflow, waterfall, and magic cube waterfall showers. Axor brands. | $200 – $1,500, chrome, brushed nickel, matte black, gold |
I always recommend choosing a shower system from a reputable brand you know and trust. Top brands like Delta, Kohler, and Moen have years of proven performance and durability, so you can rest assured your investment will provide lasting value.
Cost Breakdown – What to Budget for Your New Shower
Pricing for shower systems runs the gamut from just $100 for a basic showerhead upgrade to $5,000+ for a fully customized luxury system. Here‘s a breakdown of what to budget:
- Basic Showerheads: $100 – $500
- Rainfall Showerheads: $200 – $1,000
- Multi-head Shower Systems: $500 – $2,500+
- Shower Towers: $700 – $1,500
- Steam Showers: $3,000 – $5,000+
On top of the shower system itself, factor in costs for the shower enclosure, hardware, plumbing, tile, and any electric involved with installations like steam showers. Full bathroom shower remodels typically run $15,000 to $30,000.
The more complex your system and upgrades, the higher your total cost will be. I always recommend getting multiple quotes before starting any bathroom remodel to ensure the project fits comfortably within your budget.
Professional Installation Tips
While handy do-it-yourselfers can handle installing a basic showerhead, you may want to hire a professional for more complex shower systems.
Pros have the expertise to reconfigure plumbing, install new valves and handles, build out custom tile shower enclosures, and properly place multiple showerheads for optimal performance. This gives you the reassurance your major investment is safely and perfectly installed.
When hiring a professional, I recommend:
- Checking reviews and references to verify quality work and satisfaction
- Confirming they are licensed, bonded, insured, and experienced with shower installations
- Getting a detailed quote outlining the full scope of work and costs
- Securing any permits required based on the scope
- Reviewing warranty coverage – a reputable pro will guarantee their work
For major upgrades, the investment in professional installation is wise to ensure your dream shower functions flawlessly for years of daily enjoyment.
DIY Installation Tips for Basic Showerheads
For simple showerhead replacements, many handy homeowners opt to DIY the project. If you want to tackle installing a basic showerhead yourself, follow these tips:
Gather Your Tools and Materials
- Adjustable wrench
- Teflon tape
- Rag
- Replacement showerhead
- Caulk/plumber‘s putty if needed
Turn Off Water Supply and Release Pressure
- Locate the shutoff valve for the shower and turn off the water supply
- Turn on the shower handle to release built-up pressure
Replace Existing Showerhead
- Use an adjustable wrench to loosen and unscrew the old showerhead
- Apply Teflon tape to the shower arm threads
- Screw on the new showerhead tightly by hand, then give an extra quarter turn with the wrench
Check for Leaks!
- Slowly turn the water back on and check for any drips
- Tighten with wrench if needed to stop leaks
And that‘s it! Adjust your new showerhead angle and settings, caulk if desired, and enjoy your easy DIY upgrade.
Regular Maintenance Keeps Your Shower System Sparkling
To get the longest life from your investment, be sure to care for your shower system. Follow these maintenance tips:
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Squeegee the shower walls and door after each use to reduce mineral and soap buildup.
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Descale metal showerheads every 3-6 months using white vinegar or citric acid solutions. Soak removable parts overnight.
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Inspect seals, caulk, doors, and tracks monthly and reapply caulk/sealant if needed to prevent leaks.
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Deep clean the full shower enclosure weekly using a quality cleaner formulated for showers and tubs.
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Check for clogs and low pressure issues and call a plumber immediately if significant changes occur.
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Disinfect the shower walls and floor monthly to prevent mold and mildew growth.
With proper care, your shower can function beautifully and look freshly installed for over a decade! Preventative maintenance is the key.
Choosing Your Dream Shower for Daily Renewal
As you can see, today‘s shower systems offer everything from water-efficient handhelds perfect for rentals to $5,000 steam spas rivaling high-end resorts.
Determine your must-have features, weigh installation and maintenance commitments, and carefully assess brands to choose a shower tailored for you. An indulgent rainfall soak, a massaging blast after a tough workout – start each day renewed with your home shower oasis!
