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What are the Pros and Cons of Multiple Shower Heads?

B. Miller
B. Miller

Multiple shower heads are an upscale feature now being included in some bathroom remodels, which is one of the main pros of installing them; they give the room a more luxurious feel. In addition, the multiple shower heads can make showering faster, make it easier to clean the whole body at once, and in a larger walk-in shower, can allow a couple to comfortably shower at the same time. On the downside, additional shower heads add extra plumbing costs and expense to the bathroom remodel, will generally use a great deal more water than a traditional shower head, and, as such, can increase monthly water bills.

Installing multiple shower heads as part of a bathroom remodel immediately gives the room a more upscale appearance, similar to a spa. Many people choose to install a tub separately, allowing the installation of a large walk-in shower and various shower heads; this sometimes appears as just two shower heads on either side of the shower stall rather than just one, while other times they are installed at multiple levels throughout the shower stall. Some will install three or more shower heads for a true full-body spa experience every day, which can be an indulgent way to shower, as well as being beneficial for people who might have limited range of motion and have trouble reaching or bending.

On the downside, installing multiple shower heads usually adds extra plumbing expenses to a bathroom remodel project.
On the downside, installing multiple shower heads usually adds extra plumbing expenses to a bathroom remodel project.

Combining multiple shower heads with one large "rain shower" head is a popular option. A rain shower is an extremely broad shower head that gives the impression of being under a rainstorm. Though there are many pros to installing multiple shower heads, the cons are important to consider as well. First, it is unlikely that this type of shower design can be completed in a small bathroom; it will be necessary to have a larger room and to do a complete remodel with new plumbing in order to get this design, which can be quite expensive.

A multiple shower head bathing system will quickly use a large amount of water, possibly leading to more expensive water and water heating bills.
A multiple shower head bathing system will quickly use a large amount of water, possibly leading to more expensive water and water heating bills.

In addition, the multiple shower heads will use more water than a traditional shower head, and a lot more water than a low flow version designed to be more environmentally friendly. Aside from the impacts to the environment, using this much water for a daily shower will quickly increase water bills and likely heating or electric bills as well, depending on the type of water heater in the home. Some showering systems like this will also feature digital controls that are even more costly to install and expensive to repair. Be sure to consider all options during a bathroom remodel, which is one of the best ways to increase the overall value of a home.

Discussion Comments

Melonlity

@Markerrag -- A good solution to that is to get one of the endless hot water heater thingies. You won't run out of hot water with one of those, but you can almost count on seeing your energy bills go up substantially if you use a multiple shower head frequently.

There are quite a few people who think the extra trouble and expense is all worth it, though. Just don't expect to install a multiple shower head setup if you have a more traditional shower and expect to have no issues to deal with to make everything work well.

Markerrag

If you have a traditional hot water heater, multiple shower heads can deplete your warm water supply in a hurry during the winter. If you are part of a family that all showers around the same time in the morning, having multiple shower heads in even one bathroom could result in frigid showers for everyone else in the house.

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    • On the downside, installing multiple shower heads usually adds extra plumbing expenses to a bathroom remodel project.
      By: Ariwasabi
      On the downside, installing multiple shower heads usually adds extra plumbing expenses to a bathroom remodel project.
    • A multiple shower head bathing system will quickly use a large amount of water, possibly leading to more expensive water and water heating bills.
      By: Yuriy Chertok
      A multiple shower head bathing system will quickly use a large amount of water, possibly leading to more expensive water and water heating bills.