What Is The Height Of A Shower Head?
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Crouching during a shower to fit below the shower head is a likely result of a shower head that’s too low. If the height of the shower head is ill-placed, it can leave you in an uncomfortable situation. Of course, if you’re extremely tall, you still might have to stoop a bit in a standard shower.
There isn’t a minimum shower head height requirement as far as plumbing codes are concerned. But, typically, for an average shower, the height of the shower head should be about 80 inches from the floor. This placement allows ample room for someone who’s even over 6’6” tall to shower comfortably.
If you’re building or installing a new shower, you can base the shower head height on the tallest person in your family. However, it’s best to maintain the 80-inch minimum to accommodate guests (and future homebuyers if you decide to sell).
How High Should A Shower Head Be?
While plumbing codes dictate a number of dimensions regarding a shower, they don’t specify heights for shower heads. Therefore, over time, the standard has become roughly 80 inches.
This works out reasonably well for most everyone since the average height for men is about 5’10,” and for women, it’s 5’4”. A shower head that’s placed 80 inches above the floor could accommodate someone 6’6” easily. At this height, they wouldn’t even need to stoop to wash their hair.
But, it’s also worth noting that where you mount the shower head isn’t necessarily how much clearance you have for a shower. Many shower heads angle downward, decreasing your available space by about 6 to 8 inches.
Therefore, keep the style of shower head in mind when mounting your shower head 80 inches high. However, you can also find shower heads placed lower than this, especially in shower-tub combos.
Shower Head Height In Shower-Tub Combos
Many shower-tub combos feature pre-fab tub surrounds that are typically about 58 to 60 inches tall. Adding this to the height of the typical tub, you get an overall height of roughly 72 inches.
The shower head installs into the surround; therefore, a plumber mounts the shower head at about 70 inches. At this height, it could be a struggle for some to fit comfortably in the shower.
You can resolve this dilemma without moving your shower head by choosing a shower head with a gooseneck arm. These types of shower heads can give you another 6 to 10 inches of clearance, depending on the style.
Extra Considerations When Choosing A Shower Head
Shower heads come in many different styles and sizes. Before you choose one, think carefully about who uses the shower.
1. Combination Shower Heads
If you opt for a handheld or adjustable shower head, keep in mind that it needs to be within reach of everyone. Therefore, if the people in your house have a wide range of heights, consider a combo shower head. It features a larger shower head, usually with an extension arm, with a separate handheld shower head you can mount lower.
The handheld sprayer of the shower typically installs at about 72 inches above the floor. So, most people can reach it easily, even if they have to stretch upward.
2. Wall-Mount Rainfall Shower Heads
Exceptions to the average shower head height are rainfall shower heads. These shower heads typically work better the higher they are to maximize the rainfall effect. Although you can mount a rainfall shower head on an arm at 80 inches, 84 inches is better.
To increase the effect even more, you can secure a rainfall shower head with an adjustable extension arm. This allows you to raise or lower the shower head to better suit the person showering.
3. Ceiling-Mount Rainfall Shower Heads
Another possibility is a ceiling-mount rainfall shower head, which suspends from the ceiling and is typically about 12 inches. In a regular 8-foot ceiling, this places the shower head 84 inches from the floor.
4. Massaging Shower Heads
If you get a shower head with various massage settings, ensure the height allows the water to hit your back and shoulders. Many of these shower heads will feature an adjustable arm so different people can set it to the best height. If the shower head does not have an arm, it should at least have a tilting or adjustable head.
Can You Raise Your Shower Head?
Before you call a plumber to raise your shower head, you can do it yourself and leave the original mount in the same place. You can purchase a different model of shower head that comes on a tilting head or adjustable arm. Or you can replace the short pipe from the mount to the shower head with a different style of extension arm.
Some arms are straight and adjustable, while others are S-shaped and in a permanent position. You can look at various styles and decide which is the best option for you.
If you don’t feel comfortable switching out the arm yourself, then call a plumber. It will still be less costly than moving the entire shower mount location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the size of a standard shower?
A standard shower is a minimum of 32 by 32 inches. However, a more comfortable size is 3 feet by 3 feet. You can purchase standard shower kits; the most common dimensions are 36” x 36”, 38” x 38”, or 42” by 42”.
It’s also common to find rectangular showers that measure 3 feet by 5 feet. This size will also accommodate a two-person shower, but 4 feet by 6 feet allows for more personal space. Corner showers typically are 36” x 36” or 42” x 42”.
However, if you’re building a new home or installing a new bathroom, you can also commission a custom shower. When you have the space, you can create a shower that rivals a small room. It’s all a matter of space, budget, preference, and how much time you plan to spend in your shower.
How far should double shower heads be from each other?
Large bathrooms, especially master ensuites, often feature oversized showers with two shower heads (sometimes more). For example, some showers feature a ceiling-mounted rainfall shower head in the center. Then, there are two separate shower heads mounted on the wall.
If you opt for two separate shower heads, you can install them on the same wall or opposite walls. Shower heads that share a wall should be at least 36 inches apart. This distance allows two people to shower comfortably simultaneously.
What is the cost of a new shower head?
You can purchase a new shower head for as little as $10 or $12, but it would be a basic model. Higher quality shower heads with unique features, like massage and pressure settings, cost closer to $35 to $50. If you buy a luxury, high-end model, you can pay $100 or more for a shower head.
Systems that feature multiple sprayers and unique elements, like LED flights, can cost anywhere from $200 to $500. When selecting a shower head, consider your budget, how long you spend in the shower, and any desired features.
For example, what if you are limited on the budget but love to indulge in a massaging shower? Then, you can find a tilting shower head with three to five massage settings for about $25 to $30. If you have more money to spend, you could get a combo handheld and massaging head for about $50.