We’ve all been there at some point, whether at home, at a hotel, or with friends or family. You step into the shower, turn it on, lather up… then spend the next 15 minutes chasing the trickle that comes out of the shower head. In our house, we used to call it “the shower dance.”
A potential solution is to invest in the best high-pressure shower head for low water pressure. This is a relatively inexpensive fix that could have you enjoying your shower time again.
Types of Shower Heads for Low Water Pressure
There are two types of low flow shower heads you can get to try and increase the pressure:
Fixed (or Standard) Shower Heads
These shower heads are stationary and fixed to the wall or ceiling in your bathroom. The flow of water is controlled by the amount of water they let through the holes in the shower head.
The holes tend to be smaller, concentrating the water coming through. Think about when you place your thumb over the end of a garden hose; the smaller the gap you leave for water to escape, the greater the force and pressure.
Handheld Shower Head
A handheld shower head has a flexible hose which allows you to move it where you want. It’s usually clipped into a grip or pole and can be removed when you want or left static. They can have multiple water settings and might be more efficient with water use.
What is a Low Flow Shower Head?
A low flow shower head regulates your water flow, so it doesn’t feel like your supply has low pressure. There are two types available:
- Aerated flow.
- Streamline/laminar flow.
Both have smaller nozzles in the shower head, so the water is dispersed and supplied at a regular pressure and amount of water. The aerated models add air for a softer, bubblier feel, while the streamline versions provide a steady flow of water.
These types of shower heads are designed to restrict the flow of showers, saving water, and keeping the gallons per minute (GPM) restricted. The maximum water usage for shower heads is 2.5 GPM (1).
So, while these shower heads are designed to reduce the amount of water used, they concentrate the flow through smaller apertures. This means that even when your water pressure is low, they can be advantageous.
Features of the Best High-Pressure Shower Head
In order to end up with a shower head suited to your low water pressure issue, take these factors into account:
Adjustable Spray Settings
Many shower heads will give you the option of adjusting the type of spray. You could choose from strong massaging jets, pulse options, rainfall or a mix. There’s no overall advantage of one over the other; the choice comes down to personal opinion. We love the massaging jets!
Water-Saving
Some shower heads have water-saving eco-friendly features built-in. These could save you money on water and power bills. One of these devices is a restrictor valve, which can often be removed.
Size
Make sure your choice of shower head will fit in your shower. While some models are quite small, others can be very large. There’s nothing worse than settling on a model only to find it doesn’t fit!
Easy to Install
Most shower heads available on the market will simply screw into your existing plumbing. Double-check to make sure!
Flow Control
Look out for flow control or on-off switches on the shower head itself. This will make it easy to change between the types of flow the shower head might offer, without having to fix the mains supply.
Best High Pressure Shower Head Reviews of 2020
Choosing the best shower head for your low-pressure water can be a challenge. We’ve taken into account industry expert views and customer feedback to help narrow your search down to our top 7 picks.
1. SparkPod Shower Head
How would you like to bring the feel of a monsoon rain into your shower? You can with this fixed shower head from SparkPod. This circular shower head has 90 jets to allow water to cascade over your body — these jets are housed by the 6-inch wide head, allowing for large volumes of water to flow through.
It has an adjustable swivel metal ball, so you can direct the water flow to the angle you want. You can also choose between a chrome, or a black and chrome finish.
Why We Love It
Removable Water Restrictor
The shower head has a water restrictor that can be removed to increase the flow of water coming through it. It’s a rubber ring with a filter, so it’s easy to take out.
This means if your water pressure is very low, it shouldn’t restrict the performance of the shower. Some have found they replaced it after initial removal due to the pressure increase.
Self Cleaning Nozzles
One of the scourges that comes with hard water is limescale. This shower has anti-clogging silicone at the jets that aim to prevent the build up of these hard water minerals. The result is a low-maintenance unit and constant water flow.
Easy-Fitting
Designed to connect to a standard shower head fitting, you shouldn’t need extra tools for installation. Additionally, a roll of Teflon tape is included with this unit to help seal it.
Keep In Mind
Not Solid Metal
This shower head is not all constructed from metal. Instead, it’s chrome plated, and so some find it has a plastic feel that doesn’t seem as durable as solid metal models.
Might Need More Tape
We mentioned Teflon tape is included to assist fitting; however, some find this is flimsy and not enough.
Additional Specs
| Fixed or Handheld | Fixed with tilt |
| Size | 6.9 inches x 6.4 inches x 3.9 inches |
| Weight | 8.6 ounces |
| Warranty | 30-day money-back, 1-year replacement |
| Flow Rate | 2.5 GPM |
2. Water Management Original Fire Hydrant Spa Shower Head
The phrase “fire hydrant” brings to mind a powerful stream of water, and this is exactly what this shower head promises. It’s a fixed model with a metal swivel ball joint at the base, allowing you to angle the spray where you want it. The simple lines and chrome styling should fit in with any bathroom decor.
The shower head measures 3 inches across, but being small doesn’t mean it isn’t mighty. It’s been specifically designed for homes with low water pressure, so it’s likely going to increase the power of your shower water.
Why We Love It
Adjustable Flow
By turning the end of the shower head, you can adjust the type of flow from this unit. It offers a massage setting, a spray setting, and a mix of the two.
It’s very easy for you to choose which one you prefer. There are grooves on the circular adjuster at the shower head to make it easier to grip to change your flow settings.
Self-Cleaning Nozzles
The jets on the fire hydrant aim to reduce hard water deposits and limescale buildup. This means they shouldn’t become clogged or need constant cleaning.
Quick Install
This shower head has a standard half-inch fitting, making it easy to just screw into your existing shower arm. We’re advised it only takes a few minutes to install, and an extra washer and Teflon tape come as part of the package.
Keep In Mind
Two-Handed Adjustment
While the company has thoughtfully placed grooves on the circular end of the shower head to adjust the flow, some find they still need two hands to do this.
Additional Specs
| Fixed or Handheld | Fixed |
| Size | 4 inches x 3 inches x 3 inches |
| Weight | 4.8 ounces |
| Warranty | None specified |
| Flow Rate | 2.5 GPM |
3. YOO.MEE High-Pressure Shower Head
YOO.MEE brings us its proprietary designed handheld, high-pressure shower head. The shower head and adjustable wall-mountable bracket are made from engineering-grade plastic that’s coated in a choice of chrome or brushed nickel.
The 79-inch hose is made from stainless steel and has brass connections. These fittings are solid and shouldn’t crack or split. Included are two extra hose gaskets and a water flow regulator.
Why We Love It
Patented Design and Warranty
YOO.MEE claims that its patented, turbo-designed shower will have a powerful spray with low water pressure. They even guarantee this 100 percent through the 12-month warranty on the shower head for quality issues. A service guarantee card with the information needed is included in the box.
Different Spray Settings
Three different spray settings can be selected for the water flow from this shower head. You can choose a powerful spray, massage mode or both together.
There’s a small lever on the circular part of the shower head that you turn for each one. This makes selection easy, even when you have wet, slippery hands.
Silicone Rubber Nozzles
The nozzles at the jets of the shower head are made from silicone, which can help prevent the build-up of hard water minerals and scale.
Keep In Mind
Pressure Can Be too Strong
Some find that after fitting this shower head, the pressure is too intense and the jets hurt. Although some have installed a water control valve, they then find the power drops out too much.
Additional Specs
| Fixed or Handheld | Handheld |
| Size | 8.9 inches x 3.3 inches x 1.8 inches (79-inch hose) |
| Weight | 1.1 pounds |
| Warranty | 12 months |
| Flow Rate | Not specified |
4. Delta Faucet 2-Spray Shower Head
To conserve water, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends you install a shower head that bears the Watersense label (2). Delta brings us just that: a fixed shower head that can save on water usage and, ultimately, bills.
It’s designed with a low-flow shower spray pattern that still gives the feeling of a high-pressure shower. It has two settings so you can decide between using 2.5 or 1.85 GPM.
Self-cleaning spray holes cut down on cleaning time by helping reduce mineral deposits and scale buildup in the shower head.
Why We Love It
H2O Kinetics Technology
This patented technology promises to reduce water usage by about 20 percent while producing a unique spray pattern. Delta tells us that this produces a drenching, powerful spray or a gentler, water-efficient one. In line with the EPA’s WaterSense specifications, this shower provides three times more coverage than a standard one.
Volume Control
The water volume is controlled using a small, raised toggle on the side of the shower head, making it easy to change between settings. This is great when you want a powerful spray to wash out shampoo from your hair, and then a gentler flow to relax in.
Chrome Finish
The shower head is finished with highly polished chrome for a look that could fit in with most bathroom decors.
Lifetime Warranty
Delta is confident in its product. The company offers a lifetime limited warranty on both the parts and finish of this shower head.
Keep In Mind
No Directional Adjustment
This shower head is truly fixed; there’s no way to adjust the direction of the spray once it’s in place. This could pose a problem in a household with people of different heights or when you don’t want the spray coming straight out at you.
Water Spray Settings
Although there are two settings on this shower head, many find that there’s little difference between them.
Additional Specs
| Fixed or Handheld | Fixed |
| Size | 4.63 inches x 4.06 inches |
| Weight | 12.3 ounces |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Flow Rate | 2.5 or 1.85 GPM |
5. WantBa Shower Head
Close your eyes, and imagine you’re standing in the Amazon, with the rain pouring down off the trees. Does your shower not come anywhere close to this? If not, perhaps this fixed rainfall shower from WantBa will help you bring that picture to life.
It has a brass swivel ball joint in the arm so you can angle the spray in the direction you want. The 6-inch-wide head promises a steady stream of high-pressure water from its 57 jets.
Why We Love It
Easy to Install and Clean
There are no tools required to change out your old shower head for this new one. It has a half-inch female connection that screws into your existing fitting, provided it’s a standard US one.
Unscrew your old shower head, apply some plumber’s tape to the connection, screw in the arm, and then attach the shower head. This can all be done in minutes.
To clean, remove the screws in the shower head to reveal the jets. Simply wipe away any scale and buildup that might clog the jets and affect your spray.
Durable Construction
This shower head is constructed from chrome-plated ABS material. This plastic is designed to be hardwearing, heat-resistant, and impact-resistant (3). Additionally, the nozzles are made from rubber, and the unit can be dismantled easily for cleaning.
Removable Flow Regulator
The flow rate for this shower head is 2.5 GPM, and it’s fitted with a flow regulator. If your pressure is very low, this regulator can be removed, allowing more water to get to the jets in your shower head.
Keep In Mind
Narrowing Water Stream
While the water stream from this shower head starts off at the full 6-inch width of the head, many find the stream narrows as the water falls. This could leave some of your body out in the cold when showering.
After Drips
It seems that water might collect in this shower head, leaving it dripping and draining for some time after you’ve finished showering. This doesn’t last forever, though, and could be due to a faulty batch.
Additional Specs
| Fixed or Handheld | Fixed |
| Size | 6 x 6 x 3.2 inches |
| Weight | 8 ounces |
| Warranty | None specified |
| Flow Rate | 2.5 GPM |
6. Niagara Conservation Earth Massage Shower Head
Handheld shower heads give you the choice of them remaining static in their wall-mounted housing, or being quickly slipped out for targeted spray. This model from Niagara Conservation’s Earth series is no exception. It has a long 72-inch stainless steel hose that’s great for cleaning the tub or washing the dog, as well as meeting your showering needs.
It comes with the mounting bracket for your wall and is made from ABS thermoplastic for longevity and corrosion resistance. The chrome plating and streamline design give it an elegant look to fit in with any bathroom design.
Why We Love It
Water-Saving
This is another shower head that meets the EPA’s WaterSense certification scheme standards. It also meets ANSI (American National Standards Institute) specifications, which helps to protect the safety and health of the consumer (4). With this backing, you know you have a high-quality product in this shower head.
Pressure Compensation
Niagara Conservation has developed patented technology in its shower heads that promises us performance at nearly all water pressures. This occurs no matter which of the three different spray options is selected. These are easily adjusted by twisting the end of the shower head for either a needle spray, massage or a combination of both.
Keep In Mind
May Spring a Leak
There is a possibility that this shower head could spring a leak. Many find that after a while the hose or shower head connections begin to spray water. If this happens to yours and you’ve had it less than 10 years, you should be covered by the 10-year warranty.
Additional Specs
| Fixed or Handheld | Fixed |
| Size | 2.7 inches x 2.7 inches x 4.1 inches |
| Weight | 5.6 ounces |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Flow Rate | 1.25–2.0 GPM |
7. Ionic Shower Head, High-Pressure Water Saving
If you live in a hard water area as well as having low pressure, this shower head could fit the bill. It’s designed to fit an existing shower hose and has two different sets of beads encased in clear perspex.
The shower head has a stainless steel water plate with laser cut holes to allow water to spray through.
The negative ion grey mineral beads, which soften the water, offer a smoother showering experience for skin and hair.
Why We Love It
Easily Disassembled
The shower head and bead compartments can be taken apart with ease. This is great when the beads need to be replaced or when the unit needs cleaning.
Ionic recommends changing the beads annually or, if the quality of your water is poor, every 12–24 weeks.
Three Spray Modes
There are three different spray modes to choose from, including rainfall, massage, and jet. These options are easily selected with grooves etched into the rotating end of the shower head.
Keep In Mind
No Hose Included
While this is a handheld shower head, there’s no hose included in the package. It has a standard half-inch fitting and should fit an existing hose, though. If you don’t have a hose already, consider a model such as this one from HooSeen.
Bead Compartments Can Crack
The clear perspex containing the beads might have questionable durability. Some find they tend to crack and eventually leak.
Additional Specs
| Fixed or Handheld | Handheld |
| Size | 9.2 inches x 3.1 inches x 3.1 inches |
| Weight | 8 ounces |
| Warranty | 1-month replacement, 1-year warranty |
| Flow Rate | Not specified |
Detailed Comparison Chart
| Product | Best | Fixed or Handheld | Size | Weight | Warranty | Flow Rate |
| SparkPod Shower Head | Overall Pick | Fixed with tilt | 6.9″ x 6.4″ x 3.9″ | 8.6 oz | 1-year | 2.5 GPM |
| Water Management Fire Hydrant Spa | Design | Fixed | 4″ x 3″ x 3″ | 4.8 oz | N/A | 2.5 GPM |
| YOO.MEE High-Pressure Shower Head | Handheld | Handheld | 8.9″ x 3.3″ x 1.8″ | 1.1 lbs | 12 mos | N/A |
| Delta Faucet Shower Head | Water-Saving | Fixed | 4.63″ x 4.06″ | 12.3 oz | Lifetime | 2.5 or 1.85 GPM |
| WantBa Shower Head | Adjustable Rainfall | Fixed | 6 x 6 x 3.2″ | 8 oz | N/A | 2.5 GPM |
| Niagara Conservation Earth Massage | Compact Handheld | Fixed | 2.7″ x 2.7″ x 4.1″ | 5.6 oz | 10 years | 1.25–2.0 GPM |
| Ionic Shower Head Water Saving | Softening | Handheld | 9.2″ x 3.1″ x 3.1″ | 8 oz | 1-year | N/A |
Why Is Low Water Pressure a Problem?
Any number of things can cause low water pressure. After checking that your main supply is functional and the valves are fully open, try the following:
- Check the faucets and shower head are clean.
- Check for leaks.
- Use a pressure gauge.
Are Your Faucets and Shower Head Clean?
Water can cause your fixtures to get clogged; it contains calcium and magnesium, which can form scale. These mineral deposits can build up, restricting the amount of flow through your shower head (5).
Both can be cleaned by soaking them in vinegar mix. If your shower head unscrews, detach it and place it in a bowl of vinegar and water to soak. If not, pop some vinegar in a plastic bag and immerse your shower head in it, tying it at the top to hold it in place. That should loosen any sediment that’s clogging the holes.
Check for Leaks
A leaky pipe or drip can make your water pressure drop. Sometimes these might be hard to detect. Keep an eye on your water meter while your supply is turned off. If it’s still ticking over, you have a leak.
Quick Tip
Use a Pressure Gauge
You can check the water pressure around your home using a pressure gauge like this one from Monument. This will give you an idea of whether your whole home has a low-pressure problem or just certain fixtures. The reading should be somewhere between 45 and 80 psi (6).
Once you’ve ascertained your water pressure, this might give you an indication of which type of shower head might suit you best.
Under Pressure
Having low water pressure in your home can be tedious. Appliances might take longer to do their job, tubs take longer to fill, and as for showers — well, they could take forever. Luckily, there’s a solution if you choose the best high-pressure shower head for low water pressure.
Designed to pass the water through smaller openings, these products increase your shower pressure. This means no more standing around for ages trying to wash soap from hair, or twisting and contorting to catch the drips. Remember to check for leaks, clean your current unit and double-check your water pressure before changing your shower head, though.
