Shower Heads

Shower Heads Buying Guide

This collection holds fixed shower heads, also called shower roses, sold as the head alone without an arm or hose. It includes the Phoenix LuxeXP, Vivid, Nuage, Lexi and NX roses, Caroma Luna and round rain showers, and Meir Round roses, in round and square shapes from 200mm to 300mm. It suits anyone replacing an old head or choosing a rose for a new shower.

Can I replace a shower head myself?

Yes, in most homes. Turn the water off, unscrew the old head anticlockwise and clean the old tape and scale from the arm thread. Wrap new thread seal tape clockwise two or three times, then screw on the new head by hand and finish with a gentle turn of a wrench, using a cloth to protect the finish. Turn the water on and check for drips. Any change to the arm position or pipework needs a licensed plumber.

Will a new shower head fit my shower arm?

Most will. Fixed shower heads in Australia generally use a standard half inch thread, so they fit most existing arms. Check that the arm is long enough to hold a larger head clear of the wall, and strong enough for its weight. A 300mm rose usually needs a longer wall arm or a ceiling arm.

What size shower head should I choose?

Choose a size that suits the shower and your water pressure. A 200mm head, such as the Caroma Luna or Meir Round 200mm, suits most standard showers. A 230mm to 250mm head, such as the Phoenix Vivid or LuxeXP, gives a wider spray. A 300mm rain head, such as the Caroma or Meir 300mm, gives the broadest coverage but needs good pressure to feel strong.

What does the WELS star rating mean for a shower head?

It shows how much water the head uses. Most heads here are 3 star at about 8.5 to 9 litres per minute, a good number are 4 star at 6.5 to 7.5, and a few are 5 star at 6. A higher rating saves water and the energy used to heat it. A 3 star head usually gives a fuller spray. Check the flow if you have an instantaneous gas hot water system, as some need a minimum flow to fire.

Which shower head finish is easiest to maintain?

Chrome is the easiest to keep bright and is the most forgiving with cleaners. Matte black hides fingerprints and water spots, and brushed finishes such as brushed nickel, brushed gold, brushed brass and Phoenix brushed carbon hide marks well. Meir's Shadow is a gunmetal tone. All coloured and brushed finishes should be cleaned without acids or abrasives.

How do I clean a shower head?

Rub the silicone nozzles with your thumb to break off scale, then wipe the face with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. In hard water areas, clean the head monthly. Avoid vinegar and limescale removers on matte and coloured finishes, as acids can mark them.

Completing the room

Add an arm from Phoenix shower arms, or choose a head and handset together from compact twin showers. For finish-led ranges, browse chrome showers and gunmetal showers at The Blue Space.