Best High Flow Shower Heads for Low Water Pressure
Have you ever wondered how to increase water pressure in the shower? Are you aware of the advantages of a high pressure shower head? You should know that increasing the pressure could be as simple as changing the shower head. You can finally have the water pressure that you have always wanted. Consider an option designed for low water pressure, such as our recommendations below.
Quick NavigationHigh Pressure Shower Head ComparisonTop 10 High Pressure Shower Head ReviewsWhat Does High Flow Mean?Advantages of Using a Powerful Shower HeadWhy You Might Be Experiencing Low Pressure Possible ways to Improve Water Pressure What To Look For In a High Pressure SystemFAQ
High Pressure Shower Head Comparison
| Unit | Flow Rate | Finish | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Speakman Anystream | 2.0 gpm 2.5 gpm | multiple | Check Price |
Vida Alegría | 2.5 gpm | chrome | Check Price |
Delta  | 2.5 gpm | chrome | Check Price |
WantBa  | 2.5 gpm | chrome | Check Price |
Thunderhead TH2.5 | 2.5 gpm | white | Check Price |
Top 10 High Pressure Shower Head Reviews
1. Speakman Anystream 2252
The Speakman Anystream 2252 is arguably the best shower head for low water pressure. It comes at a great price, looks stylish and is durable. With a Solid brass construction and patented Anystream 360° technology, this unit will give you an amazing shower experience for years to come. Also, you get a limited lifetime warranty, for a peace of mind. It features 6 adjustable jets and 48 individual sprays, giving you powerful and strong water pressure. With 2.5 gpm flow control, this shower head makes a perfect fit to standard U.S. plumbing connections. What makes this unit one of the bests, is that the spray performance is powerful and consistent, even in homes with low water pressure.
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Read full review of the Speakman shower head
2. Vida Alegría
The Vida Alegria is one mean shower head, as it is cleverly designed. With silicone jets that are well organized all over the shower head, it is easy to pick your favorite spray pattern and make the most out of your shower. Choose among high pressure, pulsating massage, soft, and water-saving drizzle spray patterns. Solid brass connector and ball joint work together to prevent leaking and cracking, making this unit hard to fail. The pressure is high and powerful, but if you want more, then just remove a restrictor. As for the downside, the unit is rather noisy.
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3. Thunderhead TH2.5
Now, if you are after a really powerful shower experience, this is the way to go. The Thunderhead makes easy work of delivering high pressure over and over and over again.
With a wide head and rain spray pattern, this shower head will clean you from head to toe, in a blink of an eye. The rain spray pattern will give your muscles massage they need, leaving you relaxed and rejuvenated. This shower head is a great choice for a quick shower, since it covers your whole body, shortening the shower time. You can adjust the shower head and find the angle that suits best your needs. The design is not anything special, but the performance is!
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Read the full review of the Thunderhead shower head
4. Delta Water-Amplifying
This Delta Water Amplifying shower head is a good choice for those looking for a versatile shower head. With two flow settings -1.85 GPM and 2.5 GPM, you can enjoy both high pressure and low pressure, depending on what you need.
The head is designed in such a way that it brings you more coverage and more pressure, without increasing your water bill. You will definitely appreciate the powerful spray performance of this unit, as it will give you a completely new shower experience.
What also contributes to a top notch shower experience is that the shower head can be fully rotated. This is especially useful if you have a big family so that everyone can enjoy their shower time how they like the most.
The downside is that this unit is plastic, but for the price, this is as good as it gets.
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5. Moen Velocity
Our five choice comes from Moen, and as such delivers a great performance. If you are looking to buy a shower head that will give you a wide water coverage, you just can’t go wrong with this one. With 8-inches shower head, you will easily lose yourself in the water and will enjoy your shower time like never before.
Thanks to an immersion technology, the spray performance is much more powerful and gives a thorough rinse. Since there are adjustable water flows, you can effortlessly choose the one you like better. On top of all, this unit looks stylish, thanks to its mirror-like chrome finish.
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Click to read the full review of the Moen Velocity shower head
6. Aqua Elegante
The Aqua Elegante is without a doubt, the most elegant shower head at this price point. It comes in four colors to choose from, so you will easily find the perfect match for your bathroom. With 36 nozzles, this shower head delivers serious water pressure, but you can also remove the flow restrictor and make things a bit more challenging.
Made of sturdy ABS plastic, this unit is sure to last. It also comes with a solid brass fitting so there will be no leaking. The installation is a breeze and the self-cleaning nozzle prevents scale and calcium build up.
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7. Speakman Anystream 2005
Now if you are willing to pay a bit more and are looking for a beautiful shower head, the Speakman 2005 is just the thing you need. Whether you choose Polished Chrome, Polished Brass, Brushed Nickel or Brushed Chrome, your bathroom will look stylish and modern.
The shower head features patented Anystream 360° technology, so you will have a memorable shower experience. In addition to that, there are 5 adjustable jets that give 8 pulsating massage sprays and 50 streams, for the best shower experience ever (at this price point). So, if you are looking for a shower head that will be as powerful as you want, this is it.
With 2.5 GPM flow control, this shower head complies with US regulations so no need to worry about that. Like some of the previously mentioned products, this one also features a self-cleaning nozzle, making easy work of cleaning this unit. Moreover, the spray performance will constantly be high, since there won’t be scale and calcium buildup. Of course, you need to clean the shower head from time to time. Some users that removed the water restrictor said the pressure is too intense and they didn’t like it.
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8. Kohler Forte
The Kohler Forte is a wide shower head, and as such will give you an enjoyable shower time all over again. With the Katalyst air-induction technology, the air and water are combined to give you even and powerful flow, relaxing your muscles.
Moreover, MasterClean spray face is easy to clean, due to the prevention of scale buildup. As for the looks, this shower head comes in five colors, all of which look powerful and elegant.
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Check out the full review of the Kohler Forte
9. High Sierra
If you are looking for a unique and eye-catching shower head, then you will fall in love with The High Sierra shower head. With its extraordinary design, this unit looks amazing. Not only that, but it also performs amazingly. You can choose among Chrome, Nickel, Oil-rubbed bronze, and Polished Brass, adding a modern touch to your bathroom.
The spray performance is strong, due to a patented nozzle. With this unit, you will save up to 40% of water and energy. It is WaterSense certified. As for the downside, some say it can be a bit noisy. Additionally, it does not provide a very wide coverage.
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10. Wantba
Our last product comes from WantBa and delivers a top notch performance. It also comes at a reasonable price. This low water pressure shower head is 6 inches wide and has 57 jets. In addition, the metal swivel ball allows for angle adjustment. The nozzles are rubber and self-cleaning, so you won’t have any difficulty with cleaning this head.
On top of all, this shower head looks elegant and will be a shiny addition to your shower.
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What Does High Flow Mean?
A high pressure shower head is specifically designed to give you more water pressure without using more water. This is important because most units are only able to put out 2.5 gallons of water per minute so they have restrictors in place to ensure they do not put out more, like those on many water saving systems. This leaves people choosing to either remove the restrictor and waste water or purchase a new head that actually saves water, but provides the pressure they want.
Some shower heads achieve more pressure by offering an adjustable spray setting or by using a pressure chamber. With the adjustable spray models you will simply be compressing the water through fewer holes to give more pressure. The chamber model will work by adding air and pressure forcing more water out.
Advantages of Using a Powerful Shower Head
Why people choose an option to get better water pressure is their simple desire to feel more when they step into their tub. However, there are several other reasons and each person must decide why it is right for them, or whether it is worth it. Especially if you’ve tried to remove the flow restrictor in your current unit and noticed no difference in flow. Here are a few reasons for you to think about.
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Why You Might Be Experiencing Low Pressure
Whether you have troubles with filling your bathtub, watering your garden, or your shower head doesn’t deliver a powerful spray performance, one is for sure – your home’s water supply system doesn’t work as it should. There are a few reasons of why that is so, and you’re about to discover them.
1. Valves
In general, two major valves are responsible for controlling water pressure in our homes.
A water meter valve is the first one and you have probably never used it. This valve is placed outside of your house and is used by city utility workers. However, sometimes it is you who need to check a valve, in case you notice low water pressure in your entire home. Low water pressure may occur if your home has been renovated or repaired. Probably, someone of workers partially closed the valve. So, go to the valve and see if it that’s the cause of low water pressure.
Maybe there is nothing wrong with your water meter valve. In that case, you need to check the second valve. This valve is called the main shutoff valve and is located on an outside wall, in a point where the main water line comes in your home. So, check whether this valve is fully opened.
2. Plumbing system
So, it’s been months now since your water pressure is very low. Well, you will not like what we have to tell you. The reason for low water pressure, in this case, is probably the plumbing system. Meaning, the pipes are too old so they corroded, or they are completely filled with lime and scale. Needless to say, replacing or cleaning a whole plumbing system in your home requires a significant amount of money and time. Of course, you need to call a plumber, instead of trying to figure out how to fix things by yourself. Note that that way you risk to cause a big damage in your plumbing system, because, obviously, you are not a professional. So be smart and leave that to the plumber.
3. Pressure regulator
If your home plumbing system has a pressure regulator, that may be the cause of sudden low water pressure. A pressure regulator is actually a valve used for controlling the input pressure in a plumbing system so as to prevent pipes getting damaged. However, in time, the performance of pressure regulator may weaken thus you need to buy a new one.
4. Shower Head
One of the most common reasons your pressure may be decreasing is due to your shower head. They can easily build up with limescale and calcium depositings, causing them to clog up. This will decrease the water flow through your shower head. It may be time to clean your shower head or replace it!
Possible ways to Improve Water Pressure
Well, not that we’ve gone through most common reasons of low water pressure system in homes, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to also give you ways to improve the said water pressure.
So, here’s what you can do to improve water pressure:
1. Open Valves
In case water pressure in your home is low because main shut-off valves aren’t fully opened, clearly, you need to open them. This step should be enough to improve water pressure. So, find valves and make sure to fully open them.
2. Change the plumbing system
As we already mentioned, there are usually two reasons of constant low water pressure in your home – old/corroded plumbing system or build up the scale in the pipes. After decades of use, it doesn’t come as a surprise that pipes are corroded or that scale is accumulated inside of the pipes, disabling proper water flow. Whatever the case is, you need to call a plumber since the plumbing system needs to be replaced. Of course, this is a big investment, but better safe than sorry.
3. Pressure regulator
If you notice a sudden decrease in water pressure that may be due to a pressure regulator. In that case, you need to replace it with a new one.
4. Clean or Replace Shower Head
If your shower head is causing you to lose pressure in your home, this is an easy fix! You can clean your shower head by soaking in some vinegar overnight. If that alone doesn’t help, try using a toothpick or safety pin to remove the tough deposits. If you are still having issues, it might be time to replace your shower head. Don’t fret though, there are many budget friendly options to give you more pressure in your shower.
What To Look For In a High Pressure System
Is there anything better than taking a powerful shower the first thing in the morning? Or perhaps you are the type who loves to take a powerful shower right before you go to bed so that your body and mind enjoy those precious moments of serenity.
Either way, you have to buy a high-pressure shower head. It will give you a remarkable shower experience, clean you effortlessly AND will not affect your water and electricity bills (in a negative way, of course).
But, in order to choose the best high-pressure shower head for your body, first, you need to know how to do that. That being said, here are some things you need to pay attention to when buying.
Design
The first thing you need to pay attention to is the design of a shower head. A high-pressure shower head either comes with adjustable spray settings or with a pressure chamber. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the term “a pressure chamber”; that is a chamber that works by way of adding air and pressure to the water. That way, the water will have high pressure.
Clearly, different spray patterns allow you to control the water flow in the best way, while also giving you powerful pressure for an extraordinary shower time.
So, it is up to you to decide whether you need a shower head with a pressure chamber or with different spray settings. With that in mind, always check the product’s description to find out all about the design.
Examples of different spray patterns
Spray Patterns
Speaking of spray patterns, the best shower heads offer at least four of these. With adjustable spray patterns, you can enjoy any kind of shower, whenever you want. If you are stressed, then you will appreciate a wide rain pattern, because the gentle sound of water and lower pressure will help you calm your mind and feel relaxed again.
On the other hand, if you just finished working out, you will have a good use of a powerful massage setting that will soothe your muscles.
Another great spray pattern is stay-warm mist, perfect for cold mornings when you only want to feel warm.
Most shower heads also come with a pause mode, which comes in handy when you want to apply shower gel but you don’t want to turn off the water completely.
Narrow or Wide
In case your home has low water pressure, you should look for a narrower head size. Even though that means that the covering area will be much smaller, you still get a strong shower experience.
But, if everything is fine with water pressure in your home, and you just want to increase pressure, then choose a wide head.
Water flow
According to law, the Maximum water flow is 2.5 gallons per minute. But, since here we are talking about high-pressure heads, and they are designed for low-pressure situations, most of them come with 1.5-1.75 gallons per minute. But, shower heads usually come with a water flow restrictor that can be detached so as to give increased water flow and better pressure.
Quality and Warranty
The last thing to look for is a warranty. Sure, this will depend on the brand you choose and the quality of the product. Having said that, we advise you to go with trusted brands, as their products are of a good quality and come with a limited warranty.
FAQ
Naturally, there are some things you need/want to know when buying a shower head. So, we handpicked most important questions so that you can learn a thing or two on shower heads.
1. How to install a shower head?
Installing your new shower head is not a complicated task, with the right tools and the right attitude. You’ll need root joint pliers, two pieces of cloth, Teflon tape, adjustable wrench, an old toothbrush, and a new shower head.
The first step is detaching the old shower head. So, you need to put a cloth around the shower arm, so as not to damage it. Use pliers to hold the shower arm with one hand.
Then put another cloth around the fixture and use a screw to loosen the shower head and remove it.
The next step is using a toothbrush to clean the thread of a shower arm. After that, wrap Teflon tape around the thread (in a clockwise direction otherwise the tape will unwrap) and attach the new shower head. Just make sure to use a cloth and pliers for fixing the shower head.
2. How to clean a shower head?
After some time, a shower head will lose its good performance, due to scale and minerals build up. That is why you need to clean it on a regular basis.
There are a few ways to clean a shower head, most of them requiring detachment of the shower head. This step is a pain, as it takes lots of time and effort, plus if you use a cheaper shower head, you might end up having to buy a new one.
So, if you want to play it safe, here’s an easy and simple way to clean a shower head.
Simply fill a bag with vinegar and put it around the shower head. When the head is fully submerged in vinegar, tie the bag to the shower neck with a plastic twist tie. Leave it that way for a few hours or for the whole night.
3. Will a high-pressure shower head make my water bill go up?
Contrary to what most people think, a high-pressure shower head will not make water and electricity bills go up. Quite the opposite, using a high-pressure shower head will actually lower these bills. How’s that possible you ask. Well, that’s possible because with a high-pressure shower head the same amount of water flow will be used, only water pressure will be greater and stronger. This is due to various spray patterns and the design of a pressure chamber.