Today, the maximum flow rate of a shower head has been limited to 2.5 GPM. This aspect signifies that each minute, only 2.5 gallons of water can be discharged from the shower head. The rule mentioned has been applied to shower heads in the USA since 1992. And for some of the best low flow handheld shower heads, the flow is sometimes as low as 2.0 or even 0.5 GPM.

For those of us who rely on the soothing pressure of the water during a shower to start the day up fresh or drown the weariness, this can be horrendous to imagine; especially, if you consider the flow rate even lower than 2.5 (more ideal).

However, this restriction was applied for better conservation of the environment. Moreover, it also ends up being a charm for your pocket when the much-less awaited water bill steps in the household.

Best Low Flow Handheld Shower Head

Now we have a clash between an environmentally efficient one and a shower head that provides greater comfort. This contradiction is eased out by the low-flow shower heads. These can act as collaborators for a worthy shower experience while keeping the pressure under control.

1. Best Overall: Speakman Low Flow Shower Head

The Speakman S-4002-E15 is a single-function shower head that provides an adequate flow rate for basic household needs. It has an easy-to-use turbine-powered engine, allowing this shower head to provide you with a consistent water spray every time you turn it on.

The Speakman S-4002-E15 Reaction Low Flow Shower Head has a rather sophisticated, transparent design that delivers powerful spray performance. Thus, bringing it to this list of the best low flow handheld shower heads. The transparent frame allows for clear visibility of the internal parts and makes cleaning simple.

This shower head features Reaction Spray Technology, which creates an even spread of water for a consistent flow rate. You can alter between four flow settings; 1.5GPM, 1.75GPM, 2.0GPM and 2.5GPM to help you save money on water use without sacrificing your bathing experience.

Furthermore, it can be availed in plenty of color patterns like grey with chrome finish, clear dusk blue with chrome finish, jade green, dusk blue with chrome, smoke grey with chrome, and clear smoke grey with polished chrome and finish.

Pros:

• Available in a variety of color selections
• 4 flow settings
• Transparent design for easy cleaning
• Turbine-powered engine with a ½ inch NPT inlet
• Stable and consistent flow

Cons:

• The head is not adjustable
• A turbine system can be challenging to clean

2. Delta Faucet Single-Spray Low Flow Shower Head

The DELTA FAUCET 52650-PK Shower Head has two water spray options with sizing of 8 x 2 x 2 inches. You can either use it for full-body spraying or pausing to aid during washing hair, especially if they are long.

This shower head is easy to install, made of stainless steel and chrome with 8-inch diameter and a height of 24 inches. It has a 2.5 GPM Flow Control. This aspect brings you to a new level of water conservation. Its flow control feature adds to the significance while still providing similar excellent showering experience we expect from Delta.

With its pause feature, you can have the convenience of pausing for shaving, lathering, or other tasks while conserving water and cutting costs in your bill.

The shower head has a chrome finish and is designed and developed in compliance with international standards for consumer safety and performance in hard water environs under ISO9001:2008 certification. Factory approvals include Watermark Gold Seal™ by NSF International and EPA WaterSense® product certification program with certifications to ANSI/NSF/ANAB.

It comes with everything you need for installation on one collective shopping list: two washers, four rubber seals, a Teflon tape, and the instruction manual. Therefore, you can cut on extra costs which might be needed to buy essentials.

Pros:

• Effortless to install, you can do it yourself as well
• Equipped with all the tools necessary for fitting
• Pause feature that conserves water

Cons:

• The shower arm is sold separately
• Available in a single color

3. Waterpik Eco Low Flow Water Saving Shower Head

The Waterpik VBE-453 Eco Low Flow Handheld Shower head is an eco-friendly shower head. It can keep the environment intact while offering you a commendable experience. It has a 3.25-inch diameter head with a 1.6 GPM flow rate, making it the perfect choice for low-flow applications like hotels and apartments.

The shower head is efficient in its job and can save water by up to 75%. The handheld shower features can be adjusted between four spray settings using easy fingertip control. These can include power spray, pulsating massage, power spray and massage and water-saving trickle.

Moreover, the Waterpik VBE-453 Eco Low Flow Handheld Shower Head is durable and lightweight, making it the better option for the elderly and children. It is an affordable way to upgrade from a standard shower head to one that provides the power of water pressure.

This eco low flow handheld shower head uses just 1.5 gallons per minute, so you can enjoy the same performance as a standard 2.5 gallon per minute shower head but use less water and save money on utility bills.

Pros:

• Reduced water consumption by up to 75%
• Multiple spray settings like pulsating massage, power spray, + massage, and water-saving trickle

Cons:

• The hose may be stiff

4. High Sierra’s High Efficiency Low Flow Showerhead

High Sierra’s All Metal 1.5 Handheld Shower Head is a high-pressure shower head that delivers a strong and full spray of large drops which will not clog or corrode. This all-metal construction with polished chrome finish is available in two popular finishes: Polished Chrome and Oil Rubbed Bronze.

You can save 40% or more water and the energy to heat the water. Furthermore, it uses only 2 gallons per minute at 80 PSI, an ideal flow rate for a low-flow shower head. It has a clog-free design which allows you to use hard water effectively, even with grains of sand, without getting clogged.

It also has a patented nozzle design that is powerful enough to easily clean even the longest and densest hair. And the maintenance of these nozzles might be the simplest part of the whole process. A gentle scrub, and you’ll be done! The push-button control valve shuts the flow off to a trickle while lathering for even more significant savings. Plus, you can avoid extra messes this way.

Pros:

• Environmentally friendly
• Available in two finishes; polished chrome and oil-rubbed bronze
• Anti-clog design
• Available in three flow settings; 1.5 GPM, 1.8 GPM, and 2 GPM

Cons:

• No variability in the spray patterns

5. Aqua Elegante – Best Low Flow High Pressure Shower Head

The AquaElegante is a high-pressure shower head that is designed to last. It has a thick layer of robust ABS thermoplastic resin that will not crack or leak, unlike other shower heads. It means you can take advantage of the high-pressure water flow while compromising nothing. The shower head resists corrosion, stands up to physical impact, and doesn’t rust.

Aqua Elegante’s shower head is the solution to clogged, hard water build-up and low flow problems. You can expect self-cleaning and high pressure at a lower flow rate to be two properties this masterpiece is known for. Through a traditional spray pattern, it gives you an effect richly similar to that of a waterfall.

The Aqua Elegante has a high-quality chrome finish. The shower head is designed to reduce flow by up to 75% while still providing you with the same powerful water pressure and coverage as the original. It installs easily in place of your current shower head with no extra tools or techniques.

It is a handheld shower head with a high-quality brass finish, and it can be used with low flow or standard shower heads. It is made of some of the best quality materials to ensure durability for many years of use.

Durable Brass Fittings have been made from durable brass instead of plastic threads that crack easily. This makes it more reliable, easy to install and considerably lightweight. Anyone in your household with arthritis might love having this fellow around.

Pros:

• Anti-clog design
• Reduced water flow by up to 75%
• Available in multiple colours and finishes

Cons:

• Design is challenging to clean

6. Fire Hydrant – Best Rated Low Flow Shower Head

Made out of metal, the Fire Hydrant Spa shower head makes sure experience doesn’t cost you to buy repeatedly. The entire shower head is curated out of quality materials; thereby, durability is promised. You can alter several spray patterns; an invigorating rainfall, soft massage or relatively gentle yet strong pressure.

If you have low water pressure back at home and prefer something that might boost it up a bit, the Fire Hydrant Spa shower head might be the one for you. With a flow rate of 2.5 GPM, you can safely attain your required pressure. The entire shower head is polished with chrome, giving off a sophisticated and reflective vibe.

Solid brass ball joints connect with the shower arm. Renowned for the strength associated with them, together with the rest of the material used, they make this shower head mighty strong. Yet, despite these materials, the shower head is lightweight.

Pros:

• Made of metal
• 5 GPM pressure
• Durable and lightweight

Cons:

• Appearance may vary on purchase

7. NearMoon – Best Pressure Low Flow Rainfall Shower Head

Most modern low-flow shower heads use the air-in technology to make up for the lesser pressure of water being used. The same case has been applied in this NearMoon shower head. However, the difference between the NearMoons piece and others is a better stream. Some shower heads, while doing, render the water way too thin, which this one doesn’t.

Therefore, you get to enjoy a nice pressure while your conscience is at rest, knowing you are doing yours for the environment. Furthermore, one can switch between three different spray settings. You can apply either a full body spray, go for a gentle massage or prefer rain instead. With these features, you are also ensured of quite a durable work of engineering.

The shower head is chrome-plated but made of stainless steel. Stainless steel makes certain that you get to use your shower head without having to worry about corrosion making its way onto the product. The installation is easy as the shower head is of standard size. You can do it yourself as well.

Pros:

• Three different spray settings
• Made out of stainless steel
• Ultra-thin and lightweight
• Easy installation

Cons:

• Great flow but uses a ton of water

8. Moen 26112 – Low Flow Shower Head with Hose

Moen has really been on top of industry since its foundation. Therefore, it is no surprise that one of its shower heads made it to this list. Curated out of metal, the product is highly durable, and while being so, it is also incredibly lightweight. The docking system is magnetic, making attachment and detachment as easy as it gets.

You can shift between several spray settings. These may include massage, downpour, relaxing massage, rinse, intensify, and wide coverage. To add icing to the cake here, you can adjust them by simply pressing a button. If you house the elderly, have kids or pets etc., this shower head just might make their lives much easier.

While you save water, you can still enjoy the complete experience of a full spray. Whereas the pressure is 2 GPM, you receive it as 2.5 GPM, backed by air. If you are pocket-tied, this shower head is also situated on the cheaper end of this list.

The nozzles are made out of silicon and can self-clean. Regular maintenance is not a must; however, you should keep looking out for them once in a while. Click here for Installation manual and Product Documentation.

Pros:

• Limited lifetime warranty
• Several spray settings
• Button for switching between spray settings
• Silicon self-cleaning nozzles

Cons:’

• The hose may get flimsy

9. YOO.MEE Water Saving Shower Heads High Pressure

Brushed Nickel has a beautiful yet antique vibe, distinct to it alone. Now, suppose you have this finish down on ABS plastic material. In that case, you get durable, corrosion-resistant and aesthetic products ready to add glamour to your bathroom.

YOO.MEE has created this masterpiece, and it does not require you to rip open a hole in your pocket either. You can adjust the spray setting and have three options to choose from; you can apply powerful shooting, pulse massage or a mixture of both.

The package includes several other items for assistance, including a flow regulator. If you like the pressure as gentler, feel the stream is too harsh; it can come in handy. Also, you might need to remove the restrictor from shower if you feel the pressure is lacking vigour.

Without a doubt, this is one of the best low-flow shower heads in the market for you. If you want to level up the pressure of water, which an ordinary shower head would fail to do, this shower head is a solution. It accompanies a flexible hose made out of metal. Furthermore, you can also adjust the angle of the shower head with the adjustable bracket.

Pros:

• Brushed with Nickel
• Has a flow regulator
• Flexible hose
• Adjustable hose

Cons:

• Nothing specific to mention

10. Speakman S-2005 Hotel Low-Flow Shower Head

This is the second product on the list associated with Speakman. However, the brand has been doing a commendable job already. The S-2005-HB-E175 low-flow shower head especially boasts of ergonomic engineering as a proud contributor.

The shower head has a plastic (ABS) construction and is available in multiple finishes. You can choose the type that compliments your bathroom or suits your taste and quality preference.

Most of the contaminants are removed from the filter attached to the shower head. Furthermore, you can also buy the shower head with the pressure of your choice, starting from 1.75 GPM. With a staggering amount of 20 full sprays and an additional 8 massage sprays, you have quite the variety to select from. Collectively, they would make a total of 58 spray patterns.

You can shift between these patterns by using the small pedal and rotating them to your choice of spray. Moreover, you can use the adjustable bracket to fix the angle of the shower head. The hose is flexible and doesn’t kink up easily either.

Pros:

• Durable and corrosion-resistant
• Various spray patterns
• Pedal to switch modes

Cons:

• Installation can get tricky without a professional

What To Look For In Low Flow Handheld Shower Head

To make sure you don’t regret your choice of the low-flow shower head, here are a few factors you should consider at the time of purchase.

Length of the Hose

If you will buy a handheld shower head, make sure the hose is long enough to support your quest for convenience. Moreover, it should be flexible and not kink up during usage. Consider the contrary, and you will find yourself a host not long enough to do its job perfectly. Especially if you are using a shower chair, or anyone in your household is, the mount is high.

Material

Low flow handheld shower heads come in a wide range of materials and finishing. However, what is under the finishing is what matters. ABS plastic is mostly used to build the whole shower head, and the hose is created out of metal. While this is a relatively nice option, metal is always better in terms of quality. It won’t rust easily, and the durability is to live for, literally.

Features

If they are some specific features that you are searching for in a shower head, you should keep those in your mind when you go looking for handheld low-flow shower heads. These can include the pause button. It enables you to slow down the flow to a light drizzle. This way, it can maintain the pressure while conserving the water or holding from creating an extra mess.

Price

This pint would be obvious. Shower heads can range from as low as 10$, and they can go higher than even 100$. It all comes down to your pocket if it can handle the burden effectively.

However, you should be aware that those costing less than 10 or 10$ might not be the best quality at all. Most of them are composed of cheap plastic, and it is a matter of days before you see corrosion working itself out.

Nozzles

Nozzles are one of the most crucial factors of which owners remain blissfully ignorant. For most shower heads, you get to have them made out of metal or silicon. Metal won’t be the nicest idea in this case. You will have to go through hectic procedures for maintenance regularly.

Silicon nozzles are easier to wipe down and clear. Therefore, they are recommended and much more convenient, considering their convenience. Some shower heads also have special techniques applied for clearing the nozzles out.

Spray Patterns

If you are an avid fan of the light and gentle stream, make sure your shower head actually has the feature. Some shower heads can deliver multiple spray patterns, while some only have a single option.

Suppose you have different people in your household preferring different patterns. In that case, you can always buy one that can accommodate the demands. However, these are mostly the pricier ones.

Warranty

If you are unsure of the brand you are choosing to buy from, check for a warranty. This point becomes compulsory if the shower head is expensive. You don’t want to lose your money over them, and in return, get a shower head that seems to be buckling way too easily under pressure or breaks the second day it steps in.

FAQs: 5 Questions & Answers

Which material is better for shower heads, plastic or metal?

Plastic would be easier to mould and less expensive than stainless steel or brass. Still, its durability at changing temperatures may fluctuate opinions.

Stainless steel would be more durable than plastic, with the same cooling efficiency as rubberized spray patterns. Still, it may lack some flexibility in design (and can dent). Brass is kind of like combining the best qualities of both metal and plastic.

How to install a low-flow handheld shower head?

Installing a handheld shower head is an easy job if it doesn’t require drilling the tiles for the mount; in this case, it is best to bring in a professional. Here are a few steps you can follow:

• Remove the old shower head and clean the fittings.
• Put the thread sealant tape to the arm.
• Install the shower holder
• Install the hose
• Finally, test for any leaks.

How often should I change my shower head?

Our recommendation is to change your shower head once every three months to get rid of moulds and microbes. Furthermore, the URP (United States Renovation Products) recommends replacing your nozzle at least once per year due to decreased performance over time from exposure to hard water mineral deposits.

What should I do if my shower head becomes clogged with salts?

Your shower head may get clogged with limescale (calcium deposits) or some other type of mineral that it may contain, quite often than not, depending upon nozzles. You can remove this accumulation by soaking the shower head in vinegar overnight.

Be sure to rinse the vinegar off thoroughly before using your shower again. Or you can wipe them clean, which is the case with most silicon nozzles.

Where should a handheld shower head be placed?

The ideal mounting position for a handheld shower head is for it to be placed in the vertical bar. Such a position gives you the freedom to adjust the height and angle of the spray. It can also be mounted in a much lower position for children, pets or the elderly.

Final Thoughts!

An average shower can take up to 300 litres of water, considering that the time spent was 15 minutes. And accordingly, one year of showers for an average person can use up to 100,000 litres of water. This amount of water can actually be pretty scary if you start considering the environmental burden.

These shower heads are effective tools to conserve the environment and provide relief to the pocket. The water helps you to cut some costs off your water bill. Besides, best low flow handheld shower heads are incredibly convenient for the disabled, elderly, kids, or pets. Such a demographic doesn’t hold fast water as the most desirable aspect of a shower head either.

Rather than a fast flow, a gentle stream is liked among elders, and the movable hose adds to the convenience of the shower head. You might come across many low-flows; however, their flow is different from a regular shower head. What might seem 2.0 GPM may even feel like 2.5GPM.