The more awareness spreads, the more people opt for environmentally conservative technologies. For showerheads, the flow rate is an important feature to consider. The lesser water consumed by a showerhead in a minute, the more suitable and futuristic it seems. 1.8 GPM is an ideal number for the job.

However, it is hard to filter out the best 1.8 GPM showerhead among the copious sum of showerheads posing for the fit. Furthermore, several states like California and New York have restricted the maximum flow rate in showerheads from 2.5 GPM to 1.8 GPM, making the search even more crucial.

On the plus side, low flow showerheads like those with a 1.8 GPM rate are not only great in terms of the environment, they can be a relief to your water bill. Besides, if you have a limited water system, these can restrict usage significantly. This article will arm you well enough to search for the perfect showerhead.

Best Handheld 1.8 GPM Showerheads Reviews

1.8 GPM showerhead is budget-effective, environmentally profiting, and still provides a stellar experience. In this article, you will find everything you need to know to get yourself the best 1.8 GPM showerhead.

1. Best Overall: Waterpik XRO-763E Powerpulse

For showerheads with a 1.8 GPM flow rate, you can’t go wrong with the WATERPIK XRO-763e. It delivers the ultimate comfort and relaxation you might demand from a showerhead.

This 7-mode handheld showerhead features a patented PowerPulse therapeutic-strength massage spray that provides up to two times the massage force of a regular water stream. This aspect paves the way for maximum muscle relief and relaxation.

With this showerhead, you can suit the mode of the shower to suit your taste. Your choice has to be between the Power Pulse massage, Full-Body spray, Power Spray, a mixture of Full-Body and Power Pulse Massage, Power Spray and PowerPulse massage combo, Eco Spray, and a Water-Saving Trickle.

This can make for a preferable variety of options for houses with multiple individuals. The showerhead includes a built-in filter to remove impurities from your water supply.

Waterpik Power pulse massage shower head is a handheld shower with an adjustable bracket placed overhead or used as a handheld shower. The water pressure provides a full body spray. The 5-foot hose allows you to hold the nozzle at any angle for maximum coverage.

Waterpik’s patented pulsating massage action helps stimulate blood flow in your scalp while reducing stress and tension throughout your body. It is clinically proven to provide muscle soothing, increased flexibility, and sound sleep.

Pros:

• Five feet, flexible hose
• Seven different settings
• Clinically proved for a soothing effect, relieving tension, and sound sleep

Cons:

• Considering height, not suitable for short individuals

2. Aqua Elegante 3 Inch High Pressure Shower Head

The Aqua Elegante is a high-pressure showerhead, which means you don’t have to send away your love for high-pressure showers due to a reduced flow rate. This showerhead is made from ABS thermoplastic resin. It resists corrosion, withstands physical impact, and does not rust easily.

The Aqua Elegante also comes with a lifetime guarantee against leaks and defects, making your purchase safer. This high-pressure showerhead delivers a powerful, full-body spray that will leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated every time you take a shower.

The unique mineral-resistant silicone nozzles prevent calcium buildup inside the nozzles, so you don’t have to worry about clogging or reduced water flow. Considering the ergonomic engineering and the materials involved, it will last a lifetime.

The showerhead is durable, curated out of the dynamic combination of solid brass and stainless steel. It has a high-quality rubber washer to prevent leaks. The showerhead is designed with a large diverter nozzle that delivers an even, firm spray designed to portray the feel of a waterfall. A lifetime warranty is included against leaks, cracks, or defects.

The clandestine of the superior design is the patented swivel ball joint that allows you to point the shower head in any direction without kinking your hose.

Pros:

• Offers a lifetime guarantee against leaks and cracks
• Has a swivel ball for movement
• Available in 4 colors; brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze, chrome, polished brass

Cons:

• Sometimes delivers a weak stream of water

3. Voolan Modern Luxury Rain Shower Head

The Voolan High-Pressure Shower Head with 1.8 GPM is made from polished stainless mirror finish, with the lustrous luxury modern chrome look. Furthermore, it is decked with ultra-thin materials, and is lead-free. It’s the perfect replacement that will jet out high-pressure rain of hot water.

Moreover, it is designed to give you a luxurious rainfall showering experience with its large size and beautiful design. It can be used in residential and commercial applications like hotels, salons, spas, and homes. Being a high-pressure showerhead with 1.8 GPM flow rate, it is easy to clean and maintain, and no tools are required for installation.

Voolan High-Pressure Shower Head is the perfect shower head for those looking to save money on their water bill while still enjoying a powerful high-pressure shower.

Additionally, you get a high-pressure massage experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated each time you use it. It features self-cleaning nozzles that prevent lime and hard water deposits from building up in the showerhead. This makes it easy to maintain and ensures that your showerhead stays clean. They also contribute to the longevity of the showerhead.

Pros:

• Available in 3 colors; chrome, brushed nickel, and matte black
• Environmentally friendly

Cons:

• Not a good fit for lower pressure settings.

4. High Sierra’s 1.8 GPM High Efficiency Low Flow Showerhead

The High Sierra 1.8 GPM all-metal spray nozzle is made of solid brass with a new and improved surface plating. The plating is guaranteed not to rust, regardless of your water quality. Moreover, this sprayer features a patented nozzle design that will not clog even under the most demanding conditions.

High Sierra’s All Metal 1.8 GPM High-Efficiency Water Saving Showerhead is one of the most efficient, reliable, and durable showerheads available on the market today. This high-quality metal shower head has a flow rate of 1.8 gallons per minute (GPM), saving 25% or more water than a standard 2.5 GPM showerhead.

Furthermore, it is WaterSense Certified (it uses only 2 gallons per minute at 80 PSI or less). It provides an even fuller spray of large droplets than their original 1.5 GPM models.

In contrast, the push-button control valve shuts the flow off to a trickle while lathering for even more significant savings. The showerhead features all-metal construction with an integrated anti-clog filter. The filter prevents sediment from entering your plumbing system, prolonging its life. To top it off, it is available in three colors; chrome, nickel, oil rubbed bronze.

Pros:

• Available in multiple colors and settings
• Has an anti-clog design
• WaterSense labelled

Cons:

• No variability in the spray setting

5. WASSERN High Pressure 1.8 GPM Shower Head

Wasserflow is a brand of handheld showerheads that focuses on improving water flow by more efficiently channelling water. Therefore, the WASSERN Shower Head is a relatively unique showerhead, with features spanning over both sophistication and expert engineering.

Moreover, it has a compact 5.2-inch diameter faceplate that is the perfect size for your tub or shower stall without being too bulky or heavy like other large showerheads. The water-saving trickle feature will help you save water while keeping your shower warm.

Wasserflow Handheld Shower Head 1.8gpm for California has eighty-one angled nozzles. The nozzle work for a constant stream and are anti-clogging featuring touch-clean technology. It was designed to be used as an overhead or handheld showerhead and has six spray settings that are all adjustable with simple one-finger control.

Rotation swivel ball joint adapts to suit you, while the showerhead delivers high-pressure oxygenic spray. Added with the power massage feature, it is one of the ideal 1.8 GPM showerheads in the market. It can provide high-pressure oxygenic spray even under low water pressure.

The angle-adjustable swivel ball joint lets you set the showerhead at any angle you like. Quick-connect system makes it easy to install with no tools required and features an eco-switch that will shut off your water while lathering up.

Pros:

• 80-inch hose
• Available in 3 colors; brushed nickel, chrome, and matte black
• Easy installation
• Angle-adjustable swivel ball joint

Cons:

• The handle is too wide to fit into any holder

6. Aqua Elegante 9 Inch Large Waterfall Showerhead

The Aqua Elegante is the perfect shower head for your bathroom. It’s made to stand out in any setting with a 9-inch diameter and a high-pressure flow rate of 2.5 GPM. The solid ABS thermoplastic resin construction means that you’ll never have to worry about rust or leaks. At the same time, the large surface area provides a refreshing wash every time you step under the nozzle.

It is a superior product engineered with self-cleaning nozzles made from mineral-resistant silicone. The unique nozzle design prevents calcium buildup so that you can enjoy a clog-free shower experience. Plus, the wider water flow creates a beautiful waterfall effect.

The Waterfall shower head is a luxury shower head that delivers a high-pressure massage. Its patented chrome ball joint lets you rotate the showerhead 360 degrees, which means you can point it exactly where you want it. It’s also made of durable brass that doesn’t crack or leak as most plastic threads do.

The Waterfall Shower Head comes with everything needed for installation and is backed by a 100% Money Back Guarantee. This durable showerhead will serve you well for years to come.

Pros:

• Available in 3 colors; chrome, brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze, and polished brass
• Easy installation with no tools required
• Available in two flow settings, including 1.8 and 2.5 GPM

Cons:

Don’t function like a waterfall showerhead, and the stream is more like a shower than rain

7. American Standard 1.8 GPM, Polished Chrome Shower Head

The American Standard Spectra+ rain showerhead is a drenching rainfall-style shower that is made to imitate the feeling of being outdoors on a summer day. The water pressure is comparable to an outdoor garden hose, so you can enjoy the strangely rejuvenating experience without having to leave the comfort of your home.

NSF International has tested this model against ANSI/NSF Standard 61 for material safety, performance, design, and construction. Therefore, it has been confirmed that this masterpiece is reliable in the long-term. These showerheads are designed to provide a powerful, consistent, and even flow of water.

The pressure compensating flow device provides a consistent flow over a wide pressure range, from 10-75 psi. The spray nozzles are easy to clean and have beautiful finishes resistant to scratches and tarnish. You can avail it in four colors, including brushed nickel, legacy bronze, polished chrome, and polished nickel.

The 1.8 GPM (gallons per minute) flow rate is CEC WaterSense® certified for efficiency and performance. Besides, this rainfall showerhead features an easy-clean anti-clog filter that removes sediment for cleaner water and longer life. A removable flow regulator allows the user to adjust the water output easily.

Pros:

• Self-cleaning nozzles.
• Available in 4 colors.
• Durable and lightweight
• NSF tested

Cons:

• Available in one spray pattern.

Buying Guide (Factors You Need to Consider)

While buying a showerhead with a low flow rate, you need to consider certain characteristics. Some of them are:

Flow Rate

It might appear weird that the list starts off with the most basic element, the flow rate when clearly it needs to be 1.8 GPM. However, the issue is deeper than that, and its roots are harder to find. Some showerhead companies take 2.5 GPM of flow rate and sell it under the tags of softer flow rates. This unethical methodology can also take place in your case.

You might be buying a showerhead thinking it has a low flow rate and ends up buying against the principle altogether. The best way to check might be the Water Sense label. Additionally, the showerheads mentioned in the list above are relatively eligible for the job. They have been tried and tested and proven worthy additions to the team.

Features

Although 1.8 GPM is a great flow rate in terms of environmental conditions, a reduced flow which almost equals a trickle doesn’t float the boat for everyone. Most people prefer the slow and steady flow of these low flow showerheads. This is good for their skin and isn’t too rash on them. However, for others, this may not be the case.

Many of the more sophisticated pieces know to use the air-in technology, which allows air to mix up with water in the showerhead. The falling shower now gives off the attributes of the high-pressure showerheads, with its faster and fuller stream of water. Other than these, the showerhead can also come with several other features, such as the pause feature, multiple spray settings or modes.

Installation Type

Installation should be taken into account when buying a showerhead. Sometimes, the process can be hefty and might require the attention of an expert. Other times, it may be relatively simple, and you can get the job done and over with by simply attaching it yourself to the wall mount.

Nevertheless, it is best to consult a professional specifically in areas asking for a bit of drilling here and there onto the tiles. Otherwise, you may end up deducting an even larger sum from the bank.

Finishes

There are multiple finishes available for showerheads. You can have them customized according to the interior decorations of your bathroom. But most importantly, make sure the finish is rust-resistant. Avoid finishes that come off cheap as they rust quicker and ultimately deliver an even larger issue.

If you are tied down with a budget or only need a showerhead for the short-term, these will work too. Rust-resistant finishes usually include metallic ones, whereas chrome is also widely accepted.

Type of Showerhead

The selection of what type of showerhead you want will depend upon your own needs. Handheld showerheads are best for the elderly, kids and pets, but you can elect overhead ones too. Other than being used as single showerheads, a combo of the two can be availed.

FAQs: 5 Questions & Answers

Why should I use a 1.8 GPM showerhead?

3.5GPM was the maximum federally mandated flow rate for a showerhead since 1992. However, 1.8 GPM is the ideal flow rate if you’re looking to save some bucks on your water bill and yearning to be environmentally friendly. Moreover, several states now have a law to use this flow rate.

Can a 1.8 GPM showerhead deliver higher pressure?

Yes, it is possible to obtain faster pressure with the latest air technology. This allows air to mix in with the actual water, giving the impression of a fuller and faster flow.

How can I remove the flow restrictor?

It is an easy job, and you can remove a flow restrictor by following these simple steps:

• Unscrew the showerhead.
• Remove the shower screen and the gasket.
• Unscrew the flow restrictor with the help of a sharp object.
• Put everything back and check for any leaks.

Is 1.8 gpm good for a shower head?

Using a showerhead with a lower flow rate can surely affect the experience but not be huge. If you have a low stream, that is probably due to some obstruction.

Do some places have flowrate restrictions?

Yes, unlike other states, California has mandated 1.8 GPM showerheads. This is because California is prone to droughts. Additionally, New York is also one of these states with this strict restriction on showerheads.

Final Thoughts!

1.8 GPM flow rate has been made a compulsion in several states, where water conservation is necessary. These showerheads are economical and can help cut down costs on the water bill while delivering performance and stability. Therefore, their use is more common now than at any time before. However, the major concern is that the spray isn’t powerful enough for a sustaining shower.

The most sophisticated can still deliver the stronger spray you prefer while upholding the merits of the environment. These are mostly WaterSense labelled, with ergonomic engineering having a major role in manufacturing.