I've installed quite a few flow-restricting fixtures for clients, and honestly, it depends on the brand and model. A few thoughts from experience:
- Good quality ones feel almost identical to regular fixtures—still plenty of pressure, just less water wasted.
- Cheaper models can get frustrating, especially in showers. You end up spending more time rinsing soap off, defeating the purpose.
- If you're curious, maybe start with faucets first; showerheads are more noticeable if they're not great.
Sounds like you're already doing solid work with aerators and leak detection...nice job.
"Cheaper models can get frustrating, especially in showers. You end up spending more time rinsing soap off, defeating the purpose."
Exactly my experience. Installed a budget-friendly showerhead last month thinking I'd save water, but now showers take twice as long. Any recommendations on decent brands that won't break the bank?
Totally get what you're saying about budget showerheads. Went through the same hassle myself—thought I'd save a few bucks, ended up spending forever rinsing shampoo out of my hair. Honestly, it's worth spending just a little more to get a decent one. I've had good luck with Delta and Moen showerheads. They're not super pricey, and you can usually find them on sale at hardware stores or online. Look for models labeled "WaterSense"—they meet EPA standards for water efficiency without sacrificing pressure. I switched to a Delta WaterSense model last year, and it's been a huge improvement. Good pressure, quick rinsing, and my water bill actually went down noticeably. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront actually saves you money (and frustration) in the long run...
Definitely agree about Delta and Moen—solid brands that rarely disappoint. WaterSense is great, but I've found some clients still prefer slightly higher flow rates for comfort. It's a balancing act between efficiency and personal preference, really. Curious if anyone's tried adding aerators or flow restrictors separately to existing fixtures? I've done it on a few jobs, and it can be a decent compromise without replacing the whole thing...
"Curious if anyone's tried adding aerators or flow restrictors separately to existing fixtures?"
I've done that a few times, but honestly, it can be hit or miss. Sometimes clients complain about weaker pressure or uneven flow. Personally, I'd rather just swap out the fixture—less hassle in the long run.
