Shower Heads
Shower heads are overhead bathing fixtures that direct the flow of water through perforated nozzles. Paired with water catching bathing fixtures such as the shower pan or collecting fixtures such as the bathtub, shower heads work in conjunction with valves to control the temperature and flow of water. Shower heads are available in a variety of styles and functions ranging from standard directional heads to rainshowers, handshowers, and combination showerheads. More advanced shower head designs allow users to change the settings and patterns of the water for effects such as massage, mist, full body, rain, and power to name a few.
Shower heads should be installed at 80" (203.2 cm) from the floor of the shower pan or bathtub. This height can be adjusted for special cases, but it has proven to be a comfortable industry standard for the typical person and for those that are slightly taller.
Because shower heads may collect calcium and magnesium over time, it is important to descale the shower head for optimal flow. To clean a shower head, place and fasten a plastic bag filled with white vinegar over the shower head. After several hours, remove the bag and use an old toothbrush to remove any remaining particles of build-up from the fixture.
To change out a shower head, begin by removing the old one by turning the head counter-clockwise by hand or slip-joint pliers. Once removed, clean off any deposits and wrap Teflon tape clockwise 2-3 times around the threads of the arm, pressing down on the tape. Screw on the new shower head replacement and check for leaks—applying more Teflon tape until no leaks occur.
