Choosing the best overhead shower

Once upon a time shower was attached to the wall or ceiling, which was very popular in the days of our grandparents, but over time this technology has been undeservedly forgotten - it became more popular "classic" shower, which must be held in the hand. But recently the overhead shower has begun to gain popularity again, no longer the prerogative of dormitories and communal apartments. For this we should thank not only the convenience and ease of use, but also a rich variety of models that can satisfy the taste of the most demanding customer and fit into the most sophisticated interior. One of the most convenient is an overhead shower.

As a rule, the overhead shower comes in two types:

• Built-in shower. Is located under the ceiling covering. All communications are hidden from view, with only the shower head on the outside. However, and it can be built into the ceiling surface - it all depends on taste.
• Overhead shower is attached to the wall or ceiling with a special beam. The convenience of this design is that the shower can be made if you buy a wall mount for a classic shower, as well as the ability to adjust the angle of the shower head. Unfortunately, this feature is usually provided for more expensive models.

The choice of the type of overhead shower should primarily depend on the size of your bathroom - for small rooms, a built-in shower is suitable, as the beam for a hinged shower takes additional space.

There are 3 main types of showers, depending on the material.

Lightweight and inexpensive. However, its main disadvantage is the lack of durability - the structures of plastic often break, crack, which causes the shower to start splashing or leaking. If you are willing to buy a shower at a low price and change it often, plastic will be a good option for you.

Metal made of steel, brass and others - Does not have the disadvantages of plastic. It is more durable, does not break, does not deform, that is, the quality of metal showers is much higher than plastic ones. However, quality has its own price - metal showers are much more expensive and usually heavier than their plastic counterparts.

This is a good compromise, as it combines the advantages of plastic and metal showers and has virtually no disadvantages. All important communications that are prone to breakage are made of metal, the showerhead itself is made of plastic with a metallic admixture. Metal shower will cost you less than metal and will last longer than plastic.

As a rule, the overhead shower is a construction of a watering can and a hose or pipe connected to the faucet. The shower head is mounted on the wall or ceiling, and communications connect it to the faucet.

With a built-in shower design, the connections are embedded in the wall and ceiling, and the faucet and shower head are led outdoors. This method of installation is good because nothing spoils the appearance of your bathroom - no pipes and beams.

With a hinged design, the hose or pipe usually remains outside and is connected on one side to the faucet and on the other side to the beam on which the shower is mounted. This method is somewhat less aesthetic, because all the connections are in plain sight, but it is much more convenient in case of failure - you do not have to climb far to fix the problem.

Overhead shower heads come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Perhaps the most popular is a round showerhead - it is stylistically neutral and will suit any interior. But depending on your preferences and the design of your bathroom, you can also choose a square or rectangular showerhead, and for the most sophisticated interiors the original forms with curved edges will suit.

The diameter of the round shower head can vary from 20 to 80 centimeters, and even more. But the choice depends not only on your taste, but also on the pressure that your faucet can create. The fact is that large-diameter showerheads have a greater flow capacity than small ones, so the head must also be strong enough - otherwise instead of many thin jets of water pounding out of the shower, you will get a few, dull flowing.

Modern models of the shower differ from their predecessors in a variety of functions and modes. While in the past the shower was a device from which water pounded, today it has practically transformed into a relaxing whirlpool. In modern showers it is possible to adjust the temperature of the water, the head pressure and the angle of inclination of the shower head.

With it you can not be afraid of getting burned, or get under an icy shower. Almost all modern faucets have a built-in thermostat, but this should be discussed with your dealer.

A pressure-reducing valve - the so-called "pressure regulator" - will help you to smoothly change the head, choosing the one that is optimal for you personally.

Modern models of overhead shower often have several modes of water pressure:

• hard massage,
• soft relaxing,
• shower system with a tropical shower.

The latter provides a not very intense pressure, reminiscent of raindrops in the jungle. It is especially pleasant if your shower head is large - you can adjust the water temperature, turn on your favorite music and relax after a hard day's work.

Models with oblique jets are of great interest. They not only look beautiful, making whole compositions of water, but also deliver a lot of pleasant sensations.

Adjustable angle of the shower, as a rule, provides for more expensive models. This function is only possible with hinged showers - it is clear that the shower heads built into the ceiling are not adjustable. However, you should not overpay just for a movable shower head, because this function is not so important. But if you need it for some reason, you should ask a sales consultant to help you with the choice.

In some modern showers you can find the function of illumination of jets. We must take into account that the price of such models is quite high, but this option can serve as a nice bonus if you are willing to allocate a substantial sum to buy a shower.

Backlighting can be single-color, or with a smooth change of colors, depending on which mode you choose. We can safely say that you will not regret such a purchase - standing in the evening under a "tropical shower" with multicolored jets, you will forget about everything in the world.

Perhaps many people remember the old models of overhead showers - unattractive metal structures of brown color, which greatly spoil the appearance of the bathroom. However, do not be prejudiced against modern models because of this - go to the nearest plumbing store, or look through the catalogs on the Internet, and you will be pleasantly surprised.

Designers do not sit idly by, fashion does not stand still and concerns even such seemingly insignificant things as a shower. The overhead shower nowadays will fit into any interior - both the most refined and the most unpretentious. As a rule, it's a design in metallic color with chrome parts, sometimes with elements of transparent or matte plastic in different colors. However, there are also expensive designer models with elements of stone, glass and even precious metals. Decide for yourself what is right for you.

Some tips for choosing an overhead shower:

1. Always pay attention to the country and the manufacturer - it is even better if you find out beforehand which manufacturers have a good reputation.
2. Invite a plumber to inspect your bathroom to give you some advice on choosing a shower.
3. Listen to the recommendations of the sales consultant, but don't forget: his job is to sell the most expensive product, not the best one.
4. Don't overpay for extra features if you don't need them - it's better to choose a cheaper and more practical shower.
5. Don't skimp on quality - choose the material, shape and size that best suit you.
6. Do not try to install the overhead shower yourself, it is better to call a qualified specialist.
7. Before buying, think carefully about whether you really need an overhead shower - it's easier not to buy one at all than to dismantle it later.

When the decision is made, feel free to go to the store and choose what's right for you!