There’s a lot to consider when fitting a shower, and getting the right shower head is extremely important. Getting the right height on your shower head is one of the most overlooked factors but one of the most important if you want a great shower experience.
This guide will help you understand what the correct height is and how you can make adjustments to your shower head.
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How High Should A Shower Head Be?
It's important you get a shower head height that works for you, so this might vary depending on the user's height.
Generally, the standard height for shower heads is 80 inches, but this depends on the model you have. Handheld shower heads will be 74-76 inches from the floor, and rainfall shower heads will be about 84 inches from the floor. Your shower head should be roughly 12 inches from the ceiling to prevent any splashback from damaging the bathroom.
By getting the correct height of your shower head, you save time in your daily routine by washing more effectively. You can also ensure you have a relaxing experience every time, setting you up properly for the day ahead.
There's more choice of shower heads on the market than ever before:
Wall Mounted
Wall mounted shower heads are the most common type and are found in the majority of homes, hotels, businesses, etc. These should be 200cm, or roughly 78 inches, from the floor to function properly. These are suitable in almost any bathroom, big or small, and well-suited for most heights unless you're very tall.
Adjustable
Adjustable shower heads are also very common in the home and are helpful because of their versatility. You can adjust these shower heads up and down to meet the needs of the user, but you should still make sure they are fitted to the right height. Ideally, you still want this shower head to be about 80 inches from the floor, but if you allow some room above and below, you can adjust for different heights. Adjustable shower heads are great if you have a lot of different people using the shower so they can customize it to their dimensions.
Rain
Rain showers are the ultimate in luxury and offer an experience like standing directly under a waterfall. Rain showers are generally fitted as close to the ceiling as possible and should be between 84-88 inches from the floor. They should also be 5 to 6 inches from the wall so that you can stand beneath them and get the full experience. Rain showers are really well suited for tall users.
High-Pressure
A high-pressure shower head can be fitted slightly higher than standard shower heads because of the power they possess. This makes them well suited for higher ceiling bathrooms and standalone shower units. A high-pressure shower head should be fitted at least 80 inches from the floor and generally no higher than 88 inches.
Shower Panels
A shower panel is similar to a rain shower in some respects but may have slightly more power. These are well suited for larger bathrooms and showers and will work well for tall users. Shower panel shower heads should be fitted around 84 inches from the floor for the best experience.
Dual
Dual shower heads are slightly different as they have one overhead shower and one handheld unit for closer cleaning. The overhead shower head should be fitted around 82 inches, with the handheld shower head at around 72 inches. You should endeavor to keep the two shower heads about 5-6 inches away from each other so you can maximize coverage. Dual shower heads are a real luxury for users of all sizes.
RV
Showers in RVs tend to be smaller, adjustable, and will have less pressure than other models. This means RV shower heads need to be closer to you and shouldn't be fitted more than 76 inches from the ground. They are generally able to be handheld, so if you need them a little higher, you can do that manually.
Handheld
Handheld shower heads are really versatile and are more about utility than relaxation. They can be really useful with younger children and pets and are generally found in small bathrooms or over bathtubs themselves. These should be fitted anywhere between 72 and 78 inches for optimum use.
Disadvantages of Incorrect Shower Head Heights
The height of the shower head directly impacts the quality of the shower you're going to have.
The shower head height will determine how far the water will have to travel to reach you, impacting both the water's pressure and the overall coverage. This can make it difficult to get clean because the water isn’t reaching everywhere it needs to, meaning you have to manually wash off the soap instead of relying on the water flow.
An incorrect shower head height will prevent your showers from being relaxing or effective and negatively impact your body and mind.
4 Ways To Adjust The Height Of Current Shower Head
1. Adjustable Shower Arm
Adjustable shower arms are the easiest way to add a bit more flexibility to your shower head and height. These fit directly into your wall, and you can then attach your shower head to the arm. This lets you adjust the height quickly and help you have a great shower experience.
2. Swivel Ball Adapter
Swivel ball adapters are a great way to give your existing shower head a lot more flexibility. This simple solution is fitted between the pipe and the shower head and allows you to swivel the shower head as needed. This is perfect if your existing setup is spraying more at the wall than you.
3. Shower Arm
Shower arms are a cheap way to raise your shower head up, so it's the correct height. They simply attach to your water pipe and your existing shower head, giving you a few extra inches in the bathroom. There's a lot of options out there but always go for something sturdy.
4. Shower Slide Bar
A shower slide bar gives you that extra vertical reach for your shower head, letting you slide the shower up and down. This is a simple but effective solution that enables you to make your shower head customizable for every user and is helpful in a home with a shower that sees lots of use.
Ideal Shower Head Height for Business Establishments
Businesses have specific standards that they have to comply with when it comes to showers. This applies to gyms, hotels, offices, and any other places with showers. The minimum shower cubicle should be 36 inches by 36 inches. If you need to accommodate wheelchair users, then you will have to fit a grab bar that is no more than 48 inches from the floor.
Any shower head should be adjustable with a cord of 59 inches or more, and any shower curtain should be no more than 80 inches from the floor. The shower head itself should be fitted between 72 inches and 80 inches.
More information about business requirements for shower heads can be found here.
FAQs
Should a shower head be centered?
Yes, ideally, your shower head will be centered so it operates optimally. In some places, you might not be able to fit the shower head centrally, so you should consider a handheld or adjustable shower head.
How far does shower water splash?
Shower water will typically splash 30-36 inches, depending on the exact model.
What is the rough height for a shower valve?
A shower valve is roughly 48-52 inches from the floor.
What is the ideal height for a shower enclosure?
The ideal height for a shower enclosure is 72 to 78 inches, but you can get taller enclosures.
What is the ideal shower wall height?
A shower wall should be at least 72 inches high but ideally around 80 inches.
What is the ideal height for my shower door?
Your shower door should be in line with your whole shower enclosure or wall. Generally, they should be around 80 inches tall.
Conclusion
Showering is a key part of your routine and can make or break your day.
It's important you set your shower head to the correct height so you can get the most out of your experience and really enjoy your shower time. Follow this guide and start getting more from your shower.
Matt is a freelance writer, English graduate, & keen traveler from the UK. As a specialist plumbing expert, he enjoys writing about everything there has to do with at-home plumbing products & related problems. When he isn’t writing, he’s usually drinking coffee or planning his next adventure. In his spare time, he also runs his own blog all about digital nomad life.