Rain shower heads are an undeniable treat, but are they the right fit for your daily routine? Before making the switch, it’s important to understand their pros and cons to decide what’s best for your bathroom.
The last time I stayed at a fancy hotel, the bathroom was stunning. The star of the room? A luxurious rain shower head. Stepping under it was so relaxing — it felt like being caught in a soft, warm rain. However, I did notice a few downsides. For instance, rinsing out my shampoo took forever, and trying to keep my hair dry during a quick rinse was nearly impossible.
While some rain shower heads can be installed yourself, ceiling installation will most likely require a professional. Home Gnome can connect you with a local plumber to reroute your pipes and install your new shower head.
What Is a Rain Shower Head?
Rain shower heads are designed to offer homeowners a relaxing, spa-like experience as a gentle flow of water, which mimics rainfall, covers you. These types of shower heads are large in size and typically attached to the wall with a shower arm or installed as a ceiling fixture.
| Pros of Rain Shower Heads | Cons of Rain Shower Heads |
| Aesthetic | Not for Everyone |
| Wide Coverage | Incompatible Plumbing |
| Relaxing Experience | Strains Your Water Heater |
| Advanced Features | Expensive |
Not sold on a rain shower head for your bathroom? Discover your options with our guide on the 12 Different Types of Shower Heads.
Rain Shower Head Pros
Aesthetic
One of my favorite things about rain shower heads is how they elevate the look of a bathroom. This simple upgrade can make the whole space feel more elegant and sophisticated, like having a luxury hotel experience in your own space.
Wide Coverage
Another great benefit of rain shower heads is their wide coverage. They average 8 to 16 inches in diameter and consist of many nozzles that gently dispense water over your body. If you prefer the feeling of showering under a rain cloud — instead of a solid stream of water — this type of shower head is a great choice.
Read More: Methods to Clean a Shower Head
Relaxing Experience
Using a rain shower head is incredibly soothing for me. The shower head’s large size, combined with its low water pressure, causes the water to gently fall over my head and flow down my body. If a spa-like treatment is what you’re in search of, then I recommend a rain shower head.
Advanced Features
Rain shower heads aren’t just about looks, they often have great features, too. However, remember that more features also mean a higher price tag. Common advanced features include, but are not limited to:
- Multi-function spray modes
- LED lighting
- High-pressure technology
- Smart temperature control
- Remote control and smart features
- Water filtration
- Dual shower heads
- Eco-friendly and water-saving features
- Adjustable angles and swiveling heads
- Touchscreen or digital displays
Read More: How to Replace a Shower Head
Rain Shower Head Cons
Not for Everyone
While rain shower heads are relaxing, they are not the perfect fit for everyone. Before installing one, it’s important to consider your hair type, mobility challenges, and family members.
- Not ideal for people with long hair: The gentle water pressure and distance from your head can make it tricky to rinse out shampoo and conditioner. If you wash your long hair daily, this could be frustrating. Not to mention, a waste of money.
- Not great for quick showers: Although the gentle flow is soothing, it can slow things down. If you’re always in a rush and need a quick shower, a rain shower head might not be the best choice.
- Not for those who avoid wet hair: Since rain shower heads are installed overhead, it’s tough to avoid getting your hair wet. If you don’t have to wash your hair daily, I suggest paying a little extra for a dual rain shower head.
- Not suitable for seated showers: The overhead design does not provide the accessibility or flexibility you need if you need to remain seated or have mobility challenges.
- Not kid-friendly or eye-safe: The overhead flow makes it hard to keep water out of your eyes.
Incompatible Plumbing
If you want a ceiling-mounted model, your plumbing must be routed over the ceiling of your shower. If it doesn’t, and you need to hire a pro to rework your plumbing, the costs can really add up. Below is a breakdown of the cost based on the level of installation your bathroom requires.
Existing Overhead Plumbing
- Cost: $100 to $300
- What’s Included: Removing the old showerhead and installing a new ceiling-mounted rain shower head.
New Ceiling Pipe
- Cost: $300 to $800
- What’s Included: Running a new pipe through the ceiling, mounting the shower head, and sealing.
Major Plumbing and Renovation
- Cost: $1,000 to $3,500 or more
- What’s Included: Cutting into the ceiling, running new water lines, sealing, drywall repair, and sometimes a new shower valve.
In addition to installation costs, you need to consider water pressure. If your home already experiences low water pressure, contact a local plumber before installing a rain shower head. They can help you choose a model that’s right for your home, install a booster pump, or install larger supply pipes to improve your water pressure.
Read More: How to Unclog a Shower Head
Strains Your Water Heater
Rain shower heads use a lot of water. If your water heater isn’t big enough, you might find yourself standing under a cold “rain” halfway through your shower. In this case, you will need to invest in a bigger water heater to keep up with the demand. A new water heater will cost you from $1,000 to $3,500.
Expensive
Rain shower heads can be pricey compared to a standard wall-mounted model. While a basic plastic model can cost around $50, high-end rain shower heads will cost you anywhere from $150 to $500. The more expensive options include premium finishes, better water flow, and advanced features mentioned above in the pros.
Find a Plumber Near You
As much as I loved the idea of a rain shower head, it just didn’t work with my lifestyle. With a toddler and a baby, the overhead design made bath time challenging. However, don’t let my experience deter you from purchasing one.
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled handymen and handywomen in seconds and leave the rest to us.
Main Photo Credit: H_Ko / Adobe Stock Free / License
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