Showering with your partner is sensual, enhances intimacy, and is generally among the best things to do with your significant other, and it doesn’t hurt that it helps conserve water.
However, waiting in the cold for your partner to soak in the warm water is unpleasant enough to ask: can I install two shower heads on opposite walls?
You can put two shower heads on opposite walls of your shower. However, you’ll need two separate water lines to supply water to each showerhead and also separate shower valves or control so that you can turn each showerhead on and off independently.
Installing multiple showerheads in your shower is worth considering during your next bathroom remodeling if you have enough space. In that case, let’s tackle the essential details about two showerheads on opposite walls to aid your decision making.
Two Shower Heads On Opposite Walls (Key Considerations)
Installing two shower heads on opposite walls can provide a luxurious showering experience and make it easier for multiple people to use the shower simultaneously. However, before installing multiple showerheads in your bathroom, consider the following:
1. Water Pressure
Before installing two showerheads on opposite walls, ensure there’s enough water flow to support both showerheads. You may not be able to use both showerheads simultaneously or experience weak water flow from both showerheads if the water pressure is too low, resulting in a disappointing and unsatisfactory showering experience.
Since two showerheads require more water flow than just one, you must ensure that your water supply can handle the increased demand. In that case, consider consulting a plumber to determine if your home has sufficient water pressure to support two showerheads.
If the pressure is low, consider installing a water pump or a pressure booster to increase the water flow.
2. Placement
Placement can affect the shower’s usability and comfort, so it’s vital when installing two showerheads. The showerhead placement will depend on various factors, such as the shower size, the users’ height, and the distance between the showerheads.
Let’s examine these factors in detail:
a) The Shower Size
Install the showerheads closer together to maximize the space in a small shower. On the other hand, keeping the showerheads farther apart is much better if you have a more oversized shower to create more space between them.
b) Users’ Heights
Everyone using the shower should be able to comfortably and safely stand under the showerheads, so install your showerheads at comfortable heights. Ideally, install your two showerheads at a height that allows the water to hit the user’s shoulders or head at a height they enjoy.
Also, it should be high enough to fit your family’s tallest person.
c) The Distance Between The Showerheads
You want to ensure you can use both showerheads simultaneously, so they should not be too close together to make the users feel cramped and uncomfortable. Also, they should not be too far apart because the users may have to move around to get under both showerheads.
Therefore, find the perfect distance between the showerheads that allows you to use the shower with someone else or even run both showers alone.
3. Plumbing
You won’t be able to enjoy your two showerheads if your plumbing cannot handle them. So, before installation, you will require additional plumbing work to install a diverter valve, which controls the water flow between the two showerheads.
A diverter valve helps switch the water flow between the two showerheads diverting water evenly between them when running both. However, when only one showerhead is in use, the diverter valve will redirect all the water to that showerhead.
The additional plumbing work needed to install a diverter valve includes fitting new pipes and fittings. You may also require a new shower arm and flange for the second showerhead.
Unfortunately, this is complex work that may require a professional plumber. Therefore, consult a professional if you are unsure about making the modifications yourself.
4. Water Efficiency
The amount of water you will use during every shower significantly increases if you run two showerheads. Therefore, you must find ways to achieve water efficiency without compromising your shower’s performance.
In that case, invest in low-flow showerheads since they use less water compared to traditional showerheads, thus helping you save money and water. Also, these showerheads are more environmentally friendly.
The High Sierra’s All Metal 1.5 GPM High Efficiency Low Flow Showerhead (View on Amazon) is worth your consideration. It has a clog-free patented nozzle and a solid metal, non-corrosive, lead-free construction.
5. Maintenance
Cleaning and maintenance work doubles after installing two showerheads, so ensure you are up to it before deciding to install them. For instance, two showerheads mean having more surfaces that require cleaning to handle debris and mineral deposits buildup.
In addition, you’ll have more components that could break or malfunction and require repairs or replacements.
The Benefits Of Having Two Showerheads In Your Shower
Two showerheads offer some benefits a single showerhead doesn’t. These are:
i) Dual Functionality
Having two showerheads in your shower provides dual functionality by allowing for different water flow options and greater coverage. You can use the showerhead on one wall as a fixed overhead showerhead for wide, even water coverage.
The other can be a handheld showerhead, providing a targeted flow of water. Alternatively, both can be overhead showerheads making it perfect if you shower with your partner since you can use your showerhead based on your preferences.
ii) Increased Water Coverage
Two showerheads will help you increase your shower’s water coverage. This is particularly beneficial for larger showers or if you prefer a stronger water flow.
You can direct water to various parts of your body when running two showerheads on opposite walls. For instance, direct water from one showerhead to your back and the other to your front for a more luxurious and immersive shower experience.
You will be surrounded by water, helping you relax and feel invigorated. Furthermore, parts of your body won’t feel cold from not receiving water when sharing the shower with your significant other.
iii) Aesthetic Appeal
Your bathroom will look more luxurious and modern if you install two showerheads. Additionally, it can introduce a spa-like atmosphere, making your bathroom relaxing and feel more luxurious and relaxing.
Also, putting two showerheads on your shower’s opposite walls can create a sense of balance and symmetry, which is equally visually appealing and calming.
The Drawbacks of Having Two Showerheads in your shower
You will enjoy immense benefits by mounting two showerheads in your shower, but they also have some drawbacks.
a) Increased Water Usage
Running two showerheads in your shower simultaneously means more water flows from the showerheads, thus increasing water consumption.
b) Cost
Installing two shower heads on opposite walls can be costly. However, factors like showerhead types, plumbing configuration, and installation complexity influence the cost.
For example, a basic showerhead can be less than $20, while high-end luxury models go for several hundred dollars. Additionally, the installation cost will increase if you install a pump or booster system to boost the water pressure.
Furthermore, the plumbing configuration complexity and the difficulty in accessing the plumbing can add up to the cost. Also, you may have to modify or replace your existing plumbing to accommodate the new showerheads.
c) Increased Cleaning and Maintenance Work
Since two showerheads increase water coverage and flow, soap scum buildup and water stains may also increase, meaning cleaning your bathroom more frequently. You will also have more surfaces and components to clean.
Also, more components will require maintenance, repairs, and even replacement. These include showerheads, the diverter valve, and other plumbing systems.
d) Water Pressure Issues
If you fail to adopt measures to maintain proper water pressure, like installing a water pump, you may suffer water pressure issues when running two showerheads simultaneously. Your plumbing system may not be equipped to support the increased water demands, leading to weak water pressure.
What Is A Two Person Shower Called?
A two-person shower is called a double shower or a dual shower. This shower typically has two showerheads installed on opposite shower walls, allowing two people to shower together.
With a dual shower, each person gets a showerhead and controls. Double showers are popular for couples or families who want to save time and water by showering together.
Furthermore, people appreciate them because they can add style and luxury to your bathroom.
Can You Run Two Shower Heads One Valve?
You can run two showerheads from a single valve by using a diverter valve to control the water flow between multiple showerheads. Install the diverter valve to your plumbing system, then connect it to the showerheads to allow water to flow through one showerhead, the other, or both simultaneously.
Some diverter valves are simple with basic features. However, others have additional features, such as the ability to adjust the water flow between the showerheads or to switch the water flow from one showerhead to the other with a single control.
How Far Apart Do Double Shower Heads Need To Be?
The ideal distance between double showerheads largely depends on personal preference, the shower area size, and the plumbing configuration. However, maintain at least 36 to 48 inches (91 to 122 cm) between them.
This spacing allows for adequate coverage of the shower area and ensures the two showerheads do not interfere with each other’s water flow.
Why Do People Have Two Shower Heads In The Shower?
People often install two showerheads in their showers because they let two individuals use the shower simultaneously. This will help save time and make your morning routine more efficient.
In addition, they offer more options for water temperature and pressure and provide better coverage hence a more relaxing and enjoyable shower experience. It also makes a bathroom appear more inviting, spacious, and elegant.
Furthermore, people install them to help save water more efficiently while also getting ample coverage when people shower together.
Final Remarks on Two Shower Heads on Opposite Walls
Having two showerheads installed on opposite walls of your shower may seem unnecessary if you use the shower alone. This is because a single showerhead will deliver a pleasant shower experience. However, a double shower is excellent if you regularly shower with your partner.
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