For every individual, the bathroom is the most relaxing and personalized place. There’s no doubt that showers are almost everyone’s first thing in the morning. So, wishing for a big showerhead is common. You may wonder, Are showerheads universal in size?
Modern showerheads have universal thread sizes that measure half-inch pipe threads. Indeed, this is a standardized showerhead for national pipe thread (NPT) and British standard pipe (BSP). So most pipe thread size is standard in the USA, Canada, UK, and other regions.
If you bring any local pipe thread, it can perfectly fit in shower arms. Remember, 99% of showerheads come with standard half-inch designs. Rest one perfect thread includes the unconventional design or equipped in old age homes. So below are the detailed guides about the Type of showerheads, their sizes, replacement, and others.
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Are Showerheads Universal In Sizes?
As mentioned, 99 percent of showerheads come with a standard half-inch size. This is a typical shower thread measurement for national pipe thread (NPT) and British standard pipe (BSP). So there are no worries after buying a showerhead from your local store. Indeed, the manufacturer designs shower filters and fittings that perfectly attach to different brand showers.
Showerheads are mainly measured in thread size. This is an end portion of the pipe that added concentric grooves. The plumber attaches the Showerheads in this area by rotating the equipment clockwise. North American regions include standard shower threads called National Pipe Thread (NPT). Similarly, British Standard Pipe (BSP) allows same-size pipe threads in their homes. The name may differ; both NPT and BSP thread sizes measure half an inch.
BSP size pipe threads are also used in other continents like Asia, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. So the showerhead size expectation in different countries is not a worrying thing. You can use any brand product that attaches to standard-size pipe threads.
Showerhead Sizes in Different Countries
Before buying any showerheads, look closely at the product specs and sizes. Users belonging to the North American country may get NPT pipe threads. These showerheads attach with half-inch shower arms. This is a standard-size pipe thread in this region.
On the other hand, users from other countries, the UK, India, Africa, Australia, etc., get BSP standard showerheads. In these regions, the showerhead thread is also ½ inch. So the showerhead thread size is universal in different countries.
Old Age Home Showerheads Sizes
As mentioned, the modern showerheads come with ½ inch thread size. So it can easily be installed in today’s shower arms. However, this is not the same case every time. People who live in very old age homes may carry non-standard pipe threads. So your NPT or BSP showerheads may not attach to these shower arms.
In most cases, old homes carry ball-end shower arms, discontinued yeast ago. So you may be unable to find any compatible showerhead for the pipe. However, you can find online ball-end shower arm adapters. This equipment converts the pipe end into standard-size threads. You can also contact the plumber for the required changes.
Unusual Showerhead Sizes?
Not every home includes conventional or standard thread size. In this modern era, many users love to use unconventional showerheads for their bathroom. These pipe threads don’t measure standard half-inch size. In contrast, they have different sizes, shapes, and designs.
For example, rainfall showerheads that feel falling rain and installed under the ceiling. Users usually include wall-mounted showerheads that easily attach with standard-size pipe threads. Below we discuss different types of showerheads in the market, dropdown to know more.
Type of Showerheads in the Market 2022
Talking about size, shape, and design, several types of showerheads are available. While the fact is, only three standard style showerheads are popular in the market. So the following are wall mount, bar mount, and ceiling mount showerheads. These three pieces of equipment are common in modern bathrooms or powder rooms.
Wall Mount Showerhead
This is a common showerhead that easily attaches with half-inch pipe threads. Indeed, this is a wall-mounted shower where the height is customizable. It helps users to get a comfortable shower in their bathroom. This permanently fixed wall shower is made with 3-4 slats and bracing.
Ceiling Mount Showerhead
Ceiling mount showers are also known as rain showerheads. As it is called, the water comes out top of the room ceiling. While the wall-mounted option is height customizable but the ceiling one is not. In fact, it is not very common in tiny living houses. Villas or hotels primarily added this type of showerhead for their guests.
Bar Mount Showerhead
Similar to the wall-mounted showerheads, this one has slide bars that can hold and provide support for users. Older age users find the shower helpful for them. Due to their easy movement, bar mount showerheads are very convenient. The head is attached with a handheld bar which can move accordingly.
How to Select the Right Showerhead for Home?
The standard showerhead easily fits on ½-inch pipe threads. All this equipment comes with NPT or BPS rated. Still, you have to do specific tasks before selecting the right showerhead for you. So the following are below.
- First measures the diameter of the pipe that comes out of the wall
- Next, measure the distance the pipe protrudes.
- Remember, two types of shower arms are designed: male (threads are outside) and female (threads are inside). This information help while going to the hardware store
- Male threads are common, requiring a showerhead with a connector with the inside thread and vice versa.
- Now check if your threads are tapered or parallel. In the USA and Canada, tapered threads connect tapered female parts.
- Now measure the threads externally for males and internally for females.
Collect this information and visit your nearest hardware store to select suitable showerheads.
How to Replace Showerhead at Home?
Replacing a showerhead is pretty simple. Users can perform the tasks on their own. First, you have to bring a compatible showerhead for the arms. After that, follow the below points accordingly.
- First, place a towel below the shower. It helps to prevent that area from falling hardware
- Using your right hand, Grab the shower arms with a liver
- Use your left hand to rotate the existing head anti-clockwise
- Now clean the thread with a fresh cloth
- Tape the thread or concentric grooves that connect the showerhead
- Then place the new showerhead on the thread and rotate it clockwise gently
- You are done; the shower is ready to use
FAQs Related to Showerhead
Below are the most asked questions related to the topic. Drop down to get your quick answers.
Do All Showerheads Fit Every Shower?
In the USA and Canada, there are typical-size showerheads available. This equipment easily fits in half-inch pipe threads which are common in these countries. In fact, the majority of users install wall-mounted showers in their bathrooms. These showers added common-size pipe threads and heads.
Can You Replace Just the Showerhead?
Replacing the Showerhead is a very easy and self-performing task. Rotate the existing head anti-clockwise so that it can be removed. After That, bring a new Showerhead attached to the thread and rotate it clockwise. It is a simple process to replace the showerhead by itself.
Are All Showerheads Standard Size?
99% of Showerheads are universal as they fit on half-inch pipe thread. If your bathroom carries a modern wall-mounted shower, it can easily fit any showerhead brand. Europe, North America, Asia, New Zealand, South Africa, and other countries allow standard-size pipe threads to grab any showerheads quickly. However, there are a few exceptional showerheads, like ceiling and bar mounted.
How Do I Know if a Showerhead Will Fit?
Almost all showerheads come in standard sizes that fit in half-inch pipe threads. So there is no need to worry about the size or fitting. Both national pipe thread (NPT) and British standard pipe (BSP) confirm the pipe thread size to make showerheads universal. For more information, read our how to select the right showerhead section.
What is a 3/4 Showerhead?
This is an unusual shower thread in the bathroom. In most cases, users want to bring oversized showerheads for more efficient water falling. Here comes a hose that has a ¾ thread to connect the large showerhead. This is not standard-type equipment in the bathroom. Avoid these heads if you have common-size threads.
What Are Home Depot Showerheads?
Nothing, this is a brand of showerhead manufactured by a home depot company. This is a famous home improvement manufacturing company in the USA. They have specialized hands-on home products, appliances, and other services.
Conclusion
Remember, 99 percent of showerheads are universal except one percent. Most homes carry wall-mounted showerheads that easily fit on ½-inch pipe threads. National Pipe Thread (NPT) and British Standard Pipe (BSP) allow these standard-size threads to make showerhead universal. If you have a wall-mounted shower, blindly bring any brand heads. This equipment will easily fit on your standard-size pipe threads. However, ceiling and bar mounted don’t allow any showerheads in the market.
