Overhead Shower Series: Selection And Installation Tips

Overhead shower spouts are mounted on the bathroom ceiling. It's very easy to distinguish the overhead shower series by the circular looking disks that have many small holes. Water flows down through these holes in a gentle manner to give you a great moment as you take your shower. These overhead shower spouts are generally made of either chrome or steel, but it's also possible to get some made of plastic.

On average, shower heads measuring 7 inches and below work well in either angled or overhead positions, and these could be mounted on standard or existing shower arms. Shower heads measuring between 8" and 9" will also perform well when installed in either angled or overhead installations, but these aren't recommended on standard shower arms. Finally, shower heads measuring 10 inches or more are best used in overhead applications.

Here are several other installation and selection tips:

1. Water conservation without having to sacrifice luxury will undoubtedly be a top priority as you select and install a showerhead. It's recommended that you check the rating guidelines provided by the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme and ensure that the showerhead you install has a WELS sticker clearly displayed.

As much as possible, avoid the temptation of selecting a shower arm solely based on its looks, without first establishing the height allowance needed. Bear in mind that that the standard shower arm will droop, thus lowering your shower head, in relation to your bathroom wall or ceiling outlet. Therefore don't make the mistake made by many homeowners who acquire shower heads and arms based only on appearance, and then end up having a shower head reaching only your chest height.

2. Ensure that your bathroom area will not hinder the shower arm installation. This is because shower arms are typically mounted overhead by screwing them into the bathroom wall or ceiling using a corkscrew which will require some clearance space. In addition, be aware of the fact that other bathroom obstacles or appliances such as grab bars and in-built soap holders could also pose a problem.

3. It would be erroneous to expect that extremely large shower heads would provide the same amount of pressure as would smaller shower heads. Generally, the larger your overhead shower spout, the less pressure you will get. Technically, however, the actual hitch isn't really the shower head size but rather the number of holes or nozzles the shower head has. This is because the available pressure would be divided between all the holes. Naturally, you would expect a bigger shower head to have more nozzles.

4. When doing the actual shower-arm installation, it's recommended that you do so without having the shower head attached. First, install the arm and then attach the shower head, always working from the wall outwards. Install or attach each piece individually.

If you intend to have an overhead shower spout for your new home or as part of the renovation of an existing house, it would be wise to consult the National Construction Code Vol. 3 of 2014. This code comprehensively deals with water installations and plumbing requirements under the Plumbing Code of Australia.


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Babak Tavakoli is part of the team at ACS Designer Bathrooms. Because quality is given top priority at ACS, when you call on them, they will ensure you get the best product advice as well as comprehensive product information. Visit http://www.acsbathrooms.com.au/showers-spouts/overhead-shower-series.html for more info.