| Find The Right Showerhead | | | | wet rooms. |
| These days there is more to bathrooms than | | | | Multifunction head: Twist the head to alter the |
| your average bath, basin and toilet suite; with the | | | | flow rate and pattern of the spray. Try out the |
| rising popularity of wet rooms and shower rooms | | | | twist action in the shop, remembering that you'll |
| the range of shower fittings on the market has | | | | have to move it with wet, soapy hands. |
| developed rapidly. So, to help you sort your fixed | | | | Single Mode head: The most common type, this |
| heads from your hand-helds, we've compiled a | | | | one is smaller than a rose head and doesn't have |
| brief guide of some things to think about before | | | | an adjustable spray, but it's cheaper and more |
| you buy. | | | | water-efficient. |
| Fixed Head versus Hand Held | | | | Double head: Either two sprays on one unit, an |
| Shower heads fit into two main categories: Fixed | | | | overhead spray plus a side-spray, or a fixed head |
| head or hand held. Each of these work differently | | | | and a hand-held. Very luxurious, but not water |
| and have their pros and cons. | | | | efficient. |
| Fixed head | | | | Frequently Asked Questions |
| Screwed to the wall or ceiling, these give a | | | | Do water systems make a difference? |
| designer look and, as the spray is fixed, there's no | | | | Not all systems are compatible with every type |
| danger of accidentally soaking the rest of the | | | | of sower head. Generally, gravity-fed and |
| room. It's not the handiest for cleaning, though (or | | | | combi-boiler systems work best with single mode |
| washing a squirming child). Also, it can be costly to | | | | or multifunction heads; mains pressure systems |
| instal and repair as the pipework should be hidden | | | | suit all types if shower heads. |
| in the wall. | | | | What spray options are available? |
| Hand held | | | | A raindrop spray gives a gentle draining effect |
| Slots into a bracket that's either fixed to the wall | | | | with large droplets; a jet spray gives a strong, |
| or on a riser rail so you can adjust its height, | | | | invigorating stream. Mist patterns (fine drops ) and |
| connected by a flexible hose. These don't look as | | | | champagne sprays (small drops, the standard |
| sleek or streamlined as fixed heads, but the great | | | | type) give a relaxing shower. |
| advantage is that you can detach them for | | | | How much water will it use? |
| focussed rinsing and easy cleaning of the shower | | | | Some shower heads are more water-efficient |
| enclosure. | | | | than others. Single mode heads are the best |
| What Is Your Shower Style | | | | options due to the smaller size of the head and |
| Rose head: Stylish option with a wide head and | | | | the more economical champagne spray pattern. |
| lots of small holes, giving a raindrop pattern spray | | | | Can I fit a new head to my old shower? |
| - perfect for those who like a gentle shower. | | | | Most hand-held heads can have the head and |
| Ceiling head: Similar spray to a rose head, but | | | | hose replaced, but check before you buy. Fixed |
| requires more water pressure than usual and is | | | | heads can't be swapped without ripping out the |
| the most complicated head to fit. Good choice for | | | | pipework. |