handheld shower heads guide

Handheld Shower Heads Guide: Why They're a Must-Have in Modern Bathrooms

Written by: Dimitri Zobnin

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Time to read 6 min

Handheld shower head kits have become increasingly popular in modern bathrooms for their versatility and convenience. These multipurpose fixtures offer a level of functionality that a standard shower head simply cannot match.

From providing targeted cleaning to assisting with household tasks like rinsing off muddy boots or giving the dog a bath, handheld shower heads boast a range of uses that make them a smart addition to any bathroom setup.

Key Takeaways

  • Handheld shower heads offer unmatched versatility compared to fixed shower heads.
  • They come in a range of designs and styles to suit a variety of aesthetics, from minimalist bathroom designs to traditional bathrooms.
  • Upgrading to a handheld shower head is usually simple and enhances shower functionality.

Design and Features of Handheld Shower Heads

Design and Features of Handheld Shower Heads

Your choice of a handheld shower head can significantly transform your daily shower into a more versatile experience.

Multiple Spray Settings and Patterns

Some handheld models come with adjustable spray options allowing you to change the spray pattern and enhancing your showering experience to luxury levels. They're not just about personal pampering but about offering practical solutions for everyone's needs.

Ergonomic Design and Ease of Use

The ergonomic design of handheld shower heads ensures comfort and ease of use, even with soapy hands. They typically feature a handle that is shaped to fit securely in your grip and the hose is often designed to be flexible yet sturdy, resisting tangles and kinks.

Materials and Finishes

There are a wide range of shower head finishes, with chrome being particularly popular for its sleek, contemporary look and ease of cleaning. Many models feature silicone nozzles that prevent the build-up of limescale and make it simple to wipe away any residue. Durable materials like brass are chosen for longevity and to maintain their look over time.

Selecting the Right Shower Head

Selecting the Right Shower Head

When choosing a shower head, it's essential to consider different factors, such as:

  • Budget Considerations: It's crucial to find a balance between affordability and quality, ensuring the product offers good value for money without compromising on durability or performance.
  • Family-Friendly Features: Adjustable spray settings, temperature control, and durable shower hoses are essential for an enjoyable and safe showering experience for all family members.
  • Versatile Shower Systems: Combining multiple outlets, like a 2 outlet shower system or 3 outlet system, can cater to varied preferences, offering both handheld and fixed shower capabilities.
  • Luxury Experiences: Adding a rain shower head or shower body jets along with a hand shower can upgrade the showering experience, adding a touch of spa-like luxury to your routine.
  • Design and Material: Consider the aesthetic and construction material for longevity and compatibility with your bathroom décor.

Top 5 Handheld Shower Heads

1. Traditional Handheld Shower Head and Hose Kit Brass - Antique Bronze

The Traditional Handheld Shower Head with Hose in Antique Bronze combines timeless design with modern functionality. It features a solid brass construction for durability, complemented by an antique bronze finish for an elegant look.

The set includes a handheld shower unit and a stainless steel hose, ensuring ease of installation and use. Perfect for those seeking to add a touch of classic style to their bathroom, this product is also backed by a 1-year guarantee for added peace of mind.

2. Traditional Handheld Shower Head and Hose Kit Brass with White Ceramic Details

Upgrade your bathroom's elegance with the Traditional Handheld Shower Head with White Ceramic Details, featuring classic white ceramic details and an antique bronze finish. Meticulously crafted from solid brass and complemented by a durable stainless steel hose, this kit has both timeless design and modern durability.

It's designed for easy installation, ensuring a seamless fit into your bathroom or shower room. With a standard UK connection size and a 150cm hose length, it combines style, quality, and convenience, all backed by a 1-year guarantee.

3. Traditional Hand Shower Ceramic Brass - Antique Bronze

The Traditional Hand Shower Ceramic Brass in Antique Bronze stands out with its elegant finish and classic white handle. It embodies a blend of timeless design features and modern functionality, suitable for both family bathrooms and shower rooms.

Constructed from solid brass for durability and featuring anti-clog nozzles for easy maintenance, this shower head offers both quality and style. It's designed for simple installation, fitting any standard UK shower hose, and comes with a 1-year guarantee for added assurance.

4. Traditional Handheld Shower Head and Hose Kit Brass with Black Ceramic Details - Chrome

The Chrome Traditional Handheld Shower Head Kit with Black Ceramic Details combines the charm of traditional aesthetics with a sleek chrome finish, distinguished by its elegant black ceramic handle. It's made from solid brass, ensuring durability, and is paired with a stainless steel hose for longevity.

Designed for easy installation, this set is suitable for any family bathroom or shower room, offering a touch of class. The anti-clog nozzles ensure easy cleaning, enhancing its practicality and appeal. A 1-year guarantee underscores its quality.

5. Contemporary 3 Function Hand Shower Kit Incl. Hose And Wall Bracket - Chrome

The Contemporary 3 Function Hand Shower Kit Incl. Hose And Wall Bracket in Chrome is designed for versatility and luxury. It offers three distinct spray patterns: a high pressure jet for a massage effect, a gentle rainfall shower, and a standard flow, ensuring a personalised shower experience.

With a 150cm long hose and a showerhead diameter of 100mm, it promises ease of use and installation. It features an ergonomic design, easy-clean nozzles, and comes with a 1-year guarantee, making it a practical addition to any contemporary bathroom.

Installation and Compatibility

handheld shower head installation

When you decide to enhance your bathroom with a handheld shower, you’ll need to consider the fittings required for installation and whether the new fixture is compatible with your existing bathroom setup.

  • Shower Head Fittings and Hose Attachments: Most hand shower heads are designed with user convenience in mind, featuring standardised fittings that suit the majority of hose attachments. In many cases, replacing a fixed shower head with a handheld counterpart involves unscrewing the old unit and screwing in the new one, following the manufacturer’s instructions closely to ensure a secure fit.
  • Compatibility with Existing Bathroom Fixtures: Before purchasing, assess the compatibility of the new shower head with your current plumbing. If you have custom plumbing or older fixtures, you may need the help of a professional.
  • Tools and Techniques for Installation: To fit your new shower head, you'll generally only need a few basic tools like adjustable pliers or a suitable wrench. To protect the fitting from scratches, wrap the jaws of your pliers or wrench with tape, or use a cloth as a buffer while tightening connections. When installing, apply plumber's tape to the thread of the shower arm to prevent leaks.

Ensuring that you have the correct tools and understanding how different models fit into your bathroom's design will make installation straightforward and frustration-free. Remember to check the water pressure and flow rate after installation to make sure that your new shower head functions correctly with your existing system.

Upgrade Your Bathroom With HOUSE OF ENKI

Upgrade Your Bathroom With HOUSE OF ENKI

Ready to transform your bathroom with the perfect blend of style, efficiency, and versatility? Explore HOUSE OF ENKI today and discover a wide range of bathroom products, from modern shower valves to rigid riser shower kits, all designed to fit your lifestyle and enhance your home's aesthetic appeal. Whether you're looking for a traditional shower head or a sleek, modern option, HOUSE OF ENKI has the perfect shower head for your bathroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where should a handheld shower be placed?

For convenience and functionality, handheld wall mounted shower heads should be placed within easy reach from the showering position, typically mounted on a shower slider rail or fixed shower head holder along the shower wall.

This allows for adjustable height settings to accommodate different users. Positioning it near the shower controls can also enhance ease of use, ensuring a seamless shower experience for everyone.

Generally a height of about 200cm from the floor is a common practice. The exact height and location might vary based on personal preference, bathroom layout, and the needs of all potential users, including children and those with limited mobility.

2. How do handheld shower heads compare to fixed ones in terms of functionality?

Compared to a fixed head, handheld shower heads offer more versatility by allowing you to direct the water flow to where you need it most, ideal for rinsing and cleaning. Fixed traditional shower heads typically provide a consistent, hands-free experience which some users may prefer.

Pro Tip: Check out our Handheld vs Fixed Shower Heads Guide for more information and expert advice.

3. Is it possible to add a handheld shower head to an existing shower?

Yes, it's often straightforward to add a handheld shower head to most existing showers. You'll need an adapter to connect it to your current plumbing system. Contact a professional plumber if you are unsure about the process.

4. Can I attach a handheld shower head to a bath tap?

You may be able to use adapters to connect a handheld showerhead directly to a bath tap, or you can choose bath shower mixer taps as an all-in-one solution.