Now that our kids are grown, my wife and I like to take road trips, just the two of us. One of our favorites was to Lake Dardanelle State Park and relaxing in a lush VRBO sitting on the edge of the lake. I have developed a bad habit on our trips. We get inside with all of our bags and then I run around checking all the plumbing fixtures.
The master bath in this house was pure luxury. It had a Delta Faucet shower system with a hand shower, two body sprays and a rain head. I love rain heads. They feel both therapeutic and relaxing to me.
Rain heads are becoming a common component in master bathrooms, but they inspire a “love it or hate it” attitude. In a normal set up the rain head can be turned off from the controls for people that fall in the “hate it” crowd.
My wife is one of those people. She does not like them just dumping water all over her, especially her hair, in the shower. I feel like I’m standing in a rain shower when I am using one, and it just puts me in another world.
When purchasing shower systems, we suggest trying out a rain head before you buy one. You might have a friend with one or know a nice hotel with them where you could spend a cozy night experimenting with a rain head.
Here are some critical things to know about rain heads:
- They come in different sizes, from 8” to 12” and up. The size of your shower should be considered when selecting. You do not want a big one in too small of a space or vice versa. The other big factor would be coverage. Just how much water do you want raining down on you? You do not want to feel like you are drowning, and you do not want one so small it does not deliver any sort of therapeutic experience.
- Flat shaped rain heads are the best. The older “can type” heads can retain water and drop a big, cold splash of water when you least expect it.
- Be sure to properly size the shower arm coming out of the ceiling. Most ceilings are eight feet. However, I have seen more nine feet and ten feet ceilings on blueprints lately. Consider how tall your ceiling is and how tall you are. Most arms are available between six and twenty-four inches. You do not want it so low you bang your head on it. Ideally it is only tall enough to not exceed your reach so you can pivot the head if you desire.
- Pay attention to flow rate when purchasing. Most heads of any type today are 1.75 gallons per minute (GPM). Many manufacturers still offer rain heads in a higher flow – 2.5 GPM. This flow rate is much more effective at delivering a true rain head experience.
- In the eight-inch size many rain heads are available with multiple spray settings – massage, intense spray and soft spray. If you like those options, then that is the size to buy.
- A rain head is not designed to function like a normal head. It is a softer spray and not good for rinsing hair or body. If you plan on using a rain head in your bathroom, you will still need a normal head mounted on the wall or a hand shower.
Rain heads are another luxury option for your shower. Keep their strengths and weaknesses in mind and consider how they can improve your showering experience. Come visit one of our showrooms to see all of the rain head and shower options we have to offer.
Written by: Alan Donahue, Showroom Manager