Shower Head GPM

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garberfc

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I'm in the market for a new shower head and I have a question about pressure and flow rate.

I want as much water as possible coming out of the shower head, but I also would like at least moderate pressure. I have a well, so the pressure varies depending on how much water is in the pressure tank. I'd say it cycles between 50 and 70psi.

What's the difference between a 1.75g/m head vs. a 2.5g\m head? Are there just more/larger holes in the head?

Should I look for a shower head like the Moen Engage: https://www.moen.com/products/Engag...-Diameter-Spray-Head-Handheld-Shower/26115SRN that delivers 2.5g/m, or a head like the Moen Engage https://www.moen.com/products/Engag...netix-Eco-Performance-Handheld-Shower/26100EP that has a flow rate of 1.75g/m?

Kohler has a head https://www.us.kohler.com/us/awaken...ges/1979326.htm?skuId=1979189&brandId=1148916 that promises 2.5 gpm (9.5 lpm) maximum flow rate at 45 psi. Is that possible with 1/2 pipes?

Thanks in advance for your help,
F
 
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Jeff H Young

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Contact Moen the difference is likely the flow restrictor the heads could be identical but I can't say
 

John Gayewski

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Yes it's more than possible to have a shower head that gives 2.5g at 45psi.
 

Jeff H Young

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Remove shower head and test in a bucket . you will never get more than flows with the head off. long runs of smaller pipe with PEX fittings , or older galvanized pipe the flow might not be great .
As I mentioned about differences of the shower heads I've never compared them and probably never will so I'll leave that for you to contact Moen and get that answered garberfc, let us know your findings please .
 

Jadnashua

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What may matter more to you is the VELOCITY of the water coming out of the nozzles in the shower. Acceleration can only occur in a jet if you can supply more volume into it than it can pass...what happens is that the water (fluid, could be liquid or gas) 'sees' the restriction and tried to speed up so the same volume goes through to preserve the momentum.

So, you can't make an informed decision on whether you'll like a head with 1.5gpm or one with 2.5gpm, as their spray pattern, jet size, velocity can all vary considerably. IOW, you might like a head with a lower GPM than one with a higher value. For example, a rain shower head tends to have lots of openings, little actual restriction, and literally, the water just falls out without any acceleration. Some prefer that. A single small jet might come out uncomfortably fast, and you may not like that, but there's a huge range in between.

Shower Head Principles | Terry Love Plumbing Advice & Remodel DIY & Professional Forum
 
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