Many people like to take a shower. This is not only an opportunity to wash off the past day, but also another pleasant way to relax.
A shower head is such a simple and well-known thing that has long been a part of everyday life for us. However, this small element of plumbing plays a more important role than it might seem at first glance. The design and characteristics of the watering can often depend on how pleasant and comfortable the shower will be.
If you want every little thing in your shower room to give you pleasure, then this article is for you. We will tell you about how many varieties of watering can be found in stores today, what materials they are made of and what additional functions will be useful to you. And also we will introduce you to the most famous manufacturers of these products.
Species overview
Surely few of us have ever thought that such a simple thing, like a shower head, can be so diverse.
The division into species depends on the characteristics that are taken into account. First of all, it is always the fastening of a watering can. There are two types:
- stationary;
- with a hose.
The first type is the most traditional and involves permanent placement in one place. It connects to a water pipe hidden in the bathroom wall. Today, they are most often equipped with showers. Stationary watering cans are divided into two subspecies:
- wall mounted;
- ceiling.
Brackets on which wall watering cans are usually mounted can have special hinges that allow you to change the angle of inclination of the falling water. In ceiling models, such an opportunity is rare and only among their most expensive representatives. But the ceiling watering cans are great for imitating varieties of the overhead shower like a “waterfall” or “rain”.
The main advantage of the stationary type is ease of use. While taking a shower, your hands can be completely free.
Flexible watering cans are also called manual watering cans. The ability to move it in all planes provides maximum comfort. But always holding a watering can in your hands is not very convenient. Therefore, a special plug or holder can be installed on the wall. In this case, the hand watering can replace the stationary one, and this makes it more universal. Experts recommend giving preference to metal mounts, as made of plastic quickly deteriorate.
Today, most showers are available immediately with several watering cans of various types. This compromise solution can also be used for a simple bathroom by installing both a stationary watering can and a nozzle on a flexible hose.
All watering cans are controlled with a single mixer, which for convenience is installed next to or instead of the crane.
Shower heads can also be subdivided. by the method of water supply. The above types without additional "bells and whistles" are among the simplest varieties. Among other watering can stand out.
- Massage - it is also called a "rain shower". This species has found great popularity in recent years. It has a larger size than conventional watering cans. Structural features provide the effect of rain, the intensity of which changes with the help of a special regulator. It can be used to increase pressure, to make yourself a water massage, or, conversely, to lower it, just to relax under the soft pressure of hot water.
- Backlit - the most interesting and unusual variety. A study of the effect of color on human well-being has been going on for a long time. According to this science, certain colors can positively affect mood, as well as give a healing effect. But if you do not believe it, then a watering can with multi-colored illumination will become for you simply a very beautiful solution. It looks really bewitching. However, this variety requires an electrical connection, as it is equipped with a small generator.
- Aeration - Another popular species among the inhabitants of our country. Great for showers in multi-storey buildings, where the water pressure is not good enough. Such watering cans have a very important function - purification from bleach, which can be present in tap water in large quantities.
- Water saving - aeration watering can to save water. Large water bills are a serious problem. Therefore, no one wants to waste it. Economical watering cans reduce its waste by 10 liters in one shower. They are available with a water supply button that can open and close the valve and switch modes.
- With minerals - The composition of such watering cans usually includes germanium, tourmaline and shungite. Passing through them, the water becomes softer and healthier.
As you can see, today the reception of the soul can be a whole art. A large selection of watering cans will allow you to choose the method that suits you best. But the variety of this plumbing detail is not limited to this.
Shapes and sizes
The shape of a shower head is the first thing that catches your eye when you see it in a plumbing store. But, despite the huge number of different models, they can still be combined into several groups according to the form of execution.
- Round - the most common type of shower head. Simple, comfortable and organically fit into any interior. You can also highlight oval watering cans.
- Square or Rectangular - the second most sought after species. It is also effective and convenient, but it looks more unusual. Perfectly fits into interiors designed in the style of minimalism or Hi-Tech, where important regular geometric shapes.
- Triangular - A view that usually refers to watering cans on a flexible hose. It looks interesting, easy to use, has a small size.
- Oblong - have an unusual, but beautiful design. But this type is not very effective due to the small working area.
If you wish, you can always find designer watering cans made in the most unusual forms, for example, phone, snowflakes, rings, etc.. There can be an infinite number of options. But the cost of such watering cans is much higher than usual, and the question of their effectiveness always remains open.
Sizes are also different. You determine the height from the floor yourself, depending on your own ideas about the convenience and average height of the people who use it. When choosing a diameter, also focus on your own preferences. Someone needs a simple watering can with an average diameter of 7-8 cm. And for those who like to relax under real streams, there are large watering cans with a diameter of 20 cm or more.
Materials
Another significant difference between the models may lie in the material of manufacture. For this, manufacturers most often use:
- plastic - the cheapest stuff. Accordingly, watering cans from it are the most budget ones. They are lightweight and easy to install. At the same time they look very good. But their service life barely exceeds one year.
- Metal - stainless steel, black bronze, copper or brass. A metal watering can will serve you much longer than a plastic one. In addition, she looks very stylish. But from this its price is much higher, and the mass is heavier. If you drop such a watering can, you can easily damage something.
- Metal plastic - the most modern material, but not yet so common. Combines the best qualities of the two previous options. Such watering cans have a plastic case and metal insides.
Most rarely, quartz glass or stone is used for manufacturing. But only exclusive items are made to order by them. They are very strong, reliable, durable and have a luxurious appearance. The cost of such watering cans is correspondingly high.
Popular manufacturers
The following brands are considered the most famous manufacturers of watering cans today.
- Grohe - A German company known throughout the world. Constantly releases new models with an unusual design.
- Hansgrohe - Another German company that is a leader in the plumbing market. It produces expensive, but very high quality equipment.
- Ideal standart - A large European concern, popular in many countries. Its products are an excellent combination of high quality and beautiful design.
- Aquanet - A Russian manufacturer that produces a variety of models of watering cans. His watering cans are reliable, durable and quite affordable.
- Oras - A Finnish company, not inferior in quality products to its competitors from other countries. Her plumbing is considered very reliable and has a warranty of several years.
If you want to buy a watering can that will serve you for more than one year, pay attention to more famous brands. Maybe these products are more expensive, but the quality and reliability will be provided to you.
How to choose?
As we have said, when choosing it is worth focusing mainly on personal preferences. The variety, shape and size of the shower head depend on them.
If you want to save, check out the products of little-known companies like Hansa, Bossini or Lemark. But do not take very cheap plumbing from unknown Chinese manufacturers. For a long time, she will not serve you anyway.
Connoisseurs in the field of plumbing, I advise you to choose stainless steel or copper watering cans, because they perfectly combine affordable price, reliability and a decent appearance. Brass is considered an ideal option - it is more expensive, but very wear-resistant.
When installing a watering can, it is better to choose a manual type with a flexible hose. It can be mounted on the wall with the holder and pulled out if necessary.
Before buying, we recommend that you carefully familiarize yourself with the model you are interested in, hold it in your hands to personally appreciate the convenience.
Care Tips
Everyone knows that a shower head needs to be regularly cleaned with at least a damp cloth so that it retains its original appearance. However, inside the watering can can also become dirty. There may accumulate limescale, pieces of rust and small debris that is present in unfiltered water.
This leads to the fact that the force of water supply is weakening. To clean the watering can from the inside, it needs to be disassembled. Some models are simply unwound manually, others will have to unscrew the fastening screw.
Various elements can be cleaned with a wire, cloth and a stiff brush. Lime is perfectly removed by table vinegar. And if you don’t want to disassemble and clean the watering can too often, install a water filter.
Now you know how to choose the right model and how to properly care for it so that it lasts as long as possible.
The following video provides recommendations for choosing the best shower head.