What is a shower head?

• A showerhead is a device that is used to spray water into a large pattern in a shower. The pipe that directs the water from the water main in the house to the shower would simply empty into the shower in a large, uncomfortable stream without a showerhead. The showerhead makes this single stream of water a diffuse spray, which is more comfortable to use when showering. Showerheads also help conserve water because they can actually slow the stream of water as it comes into the shower. When the water is distributed in small streams rather than one large one, it is possible to get greater water pressure which means shorter shower times and fewer gallons per shower used.
  
  

Variations on the shower head

• Showerheads can come with many different functions. Low flow showerheads aerate the water as it leaves the showerhead, which gives greater water pressure with a smaller amount of water. There are also showerheads that can spray different patterns of water, giving either a very focused small stream, or a large gentle diffuse stream. The type of pattern used can be easily switched. Showerheads can also pivot so as to accommodate users of differing heights or to adjust the stream of water so it hits specific body parts.
  
  

Difficulties with shower heads

• A rubber shower head can be easily cleaned of lime scale
  
  Hard water, which is water that contains a lot of minerals, can eventually clog showerheads, and reduce their flow and function. By placing the showerhead in a liquid that dissolves these minerals (which are commonly magnesium and calcium), this lime scale can be removed which leaves the showerhead clean and flowing freely. Rubber tipped nozzles (as in the photo) can be descaled manually with a brush, and do not require the use of a lime removing chemical.