Does a Large Showerhead Mean Higher Water Pressure?

The short answer is, surprisingly, no! The size of the showerhead is not a definitive indication of the amount of water that can or does flow through it, nor is it an indication of the water pressure you’ll experience while showering. There are several factors that go into determining how powerful the water pressure will be and feel in your shower. Our experts have put together the most common ones in order to answer the question, “Does a large showerhead mean higher water pressure?” We’ll begin with the size of the showerhead.

Water Pressure Indicator #1: The Size of the Showerhead

It may surprise you to find out that a larger showerhead will likely mean that your water pressure will be lower if the setting you choose spreads the water out over more exit points. For example, if your showerhead (or the one you’re considering buying) has three rings of nozzles (the openings on the faceplate in which water flows), and you choose the setting that only allows water through the second ring, the water pressure you’ll feel will be greater than if you choose the setting that allows water through all three or two of the three rings of nozzles. This makes a great deal of sense if you think about it – the same amount of water is sent through the showerhead no matter what and concentrating this amount into a smaller space equals greater water pressure.

Water Pressure Indicator #2: Flow Rate Capped at the Nation, State, and City Level

In the United States, water flow restrictions are in place for all faucets and showerheads. The nationwide limit is 2.5 GPM (gallons per minute). This means that an average 10-minute shower uses 25 gallons of water. Restrictors are put into each faucet and showerhead to limit the flow rate to 2.5 GPM. On top of this, some states and cities have also put a restriction into place. For example, in Miami Dade county, Florida, the GPM limit is 1.8, the same as for the states of California, New York, Washington and Hawaii. Scottsdale, Arizona and Maine have a GPM limit of 2.0. Those who are interested in saving even more water per shower can opt for low-flow showerheads which use less than 2.0 GPM even if the state, county or city restrictions are higher. There are even showerheads that only use 1.5 GPM.

Water Pressure Indicator #3: Technology

Adding in technology as an indicator of water pressure is cheating a little. Technology isn’t going to change the actual water pressure, but it can change the way the water pressure FEELS. For example, Pioneer has developed, and is continually improving, their low-flow showerheads to use less water while still delivering a powerful feeling spray. The exact technology is proprietary, but pumping a precise amount of air into the water makes a great deal of difference. These types of ground-breaking ideas put into motion give a person the best of both worlds – being able to save water, save money, and gain a great shower experience.

Wrapping it All Up

As a trusted supplier of faucets and fixtures for over 100 years, Pioneer, Central Brass, and Olympia are here for you. Embrace the benefits of quality, product availability, and shipping speed by partnering with Pioneer. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your project is in good hands and transform your project or home with these beautiful and exceptionally durable faucets and accessories. All are backed by a best-in-the-industry warranty, are easy to install, and will stand the test of time. Their showerheads, in all sizes, deliver fantastic performance, including the feeling of great water pressure, even in eco-friendly models.

We’ll Save You Money and Time

There are many ways to the same destination. This saying applies to multifamily housing builds just as much as to anything else in life. The ultimate goal is save as much money as possible while delivering a great finished project – that’s simply showing smart business sense. But, finding a one-off deal or sacrificing quality isn’t the only way to get a healthy ROI. We have a better way.

Pioneer works with professionals every day to develop specification packages and plans that save our valued partners both time and money, sometimes in surprising ways. It’s our goal to ensure your project meets or exceeds its expected outcome. We want to get to know you and your company and show you how we can save you money.  Please reach out via our website form or call us at (800) 338-9468.

Choice showerheads from Pioneer and the Pioneer family: