Did the same thing last summer and gotta say, the installation was easy enough—even for someone like me who usually ends up with extra screws somehow. 😂 But yeah, pressure varies a lot. Like you said:
"Definitely noticed pressure differences between brands, even at same GPM."
I cheaped out on one showerhead and learned my lesson... felt more like gentle rain than a shower. Still, bills are lower so can't complain too much.
I've noticed the same thing about pressure differences. A couple tips from experience:
- Check reviews specifically mentioning pressure, not just GPM ratings.
- Aerating showerheads tend to feel stronger without using more water.
"felt more like gentle rain than a shower."
Been there... relaxing, but not ideal for rinsing shampoo.
Good points about checking reviews—I've found that GPM ratings alone can be pretty misleading. Ever tried one of those showerheads with adjustable spray patterns? Some settings feel way stronger without actually upping water use. Aerating heads are decent, but sometimes the misty feel isn't enough for thicker hair...been there myself. Still, nice to see others experimenting with sustainable options; trial and error seems to be part of the process, huh?
"Aerating heads are decent, but sometimes the misty feel isn't enough for thicker hair...been there myself."
Yeah, totally relate to this. I installed aerating showerheads in a couple of rental units thinking they'd be a hit—tenants were pretty mixed about them. One tenant with thick curly hair said it took forever to rinse shampoo out. Ended up swapping hers for an adjustable spray model, and she was much happier. You're right though, sustainable upgrades often come down to trial and error...but worth it in the long run.
I've had similar experiences with aerating showerheads, but I'd argue it's not always about trial and error—sometimes it's about matching the right product to the right situation from the start.
"One tenant with thick curly hair said it took forever to rinse shampoo out."
Exactly this. I've found that tenants with thicker hair or families with kids often prefer low-flow showerheads that use laminar flow instead of aeration. Laminar flow heads still save water but provide a stronger, steadier stream that's better at rinsing shampoo quickly. They're a bit pricier upfront, but tenants tend to appreciate them more, leading to fewer complaints and replacements down the line.
In my experience, sustainable upgrades are most effective when you carefully consider user needs beforehand rather than relying too heavily on trial and error. Saves time, money, and keeps everyone happier overall...