I switched to a water-saving showerhead last year too—honestly, I was skeptical at first because I love strong water pressure, but it turned out pretty decent. Didn't feel like a downgrade at all. Valves though... yeah, learned my lesson after flooding half the bathroom. Now I double-check every time, haha.
I get the skepticism about water-saving showerheads—I've installed a few myself, and honestly, some brands just don't deliver on their promises. Glad yours worked out though. About the valves... yeah, flooding is a harsh teacher. I've seen plenty of DIY disasters from overlooked shut-off valves. Did you end up installing quarter-turn valves afterward, or are you still using the older gate-style ones? Those quarter-turns can save a lot of headaches down the line.
"Did you end up installing quarter-turn valves afterward, or are you still using the older gate-style ones?"
Quarter-turn valves all the way, my friend. Gate valves are like that one unreliable friend—fine when things are chill, but nowhere to be found when things get messy. I've lost count of how many times I've had to wrestle with a stubborn gate valve that's rusted shut or snapped off mid-turn. Not fun, especially at 2 AM with water gushing everywhere.
Quarter-turn ball valves, though? They're the real MVPs. Quick, reliable, and pretty much foolproof. Even my grandma can shut them off in a pinch, and she's not exactly Hulk Hogan. Plus, you can instantly see if they're open or closed, which saves a lot of guesswork.
About those water-saving showerheads... yeah, some brands are definitely sketchy. But once you find a good one, it's a game changer. Ever tried the aerating types? They mix in air, so you get decent pressure without feeling like you're being misted by a sad sprinkler. Might be worth a shot if you're still skeptical.
You're spot on about those gate valves... I've had my share of midnight plumbing battles too. Switched to quarter-turn valves years back after a rusty gate valve snapped right off in my hand—talk about panic mode. Also, good call on the aerating showerheads; took me a few tries to find one that didn't feel like standing under drizzle, but now I wouldn't go back. Worth the hassle for sure.
Quarter-turn valves are solid, but honestly, gate valves aren't always the villain. If they're decent quality and you cycle them occasionally, they hold up fine. Had some quarter-turns seize up on me too... nothing's foolproof.
