Upgrading your shower head is an opportunity to transform an ordinary bathroom into your own personal oasis. You can choose from so many types of shower heads – luxurious rain shower heads, practical handheld varieties, or even eco-friendly styles.
But, the process also creates uncertainty. One of the most common questions we see asked is, are shower heads universal fit? While many are, that’s not always the case.
Nuances in threading, water pressure, and spray pattern all influence whether a shower head will be compatible with your home or not. Don’t stress, though. We’ll help you pick the perfect showerhead with some more insights below.
When in doubt, reach out – our world-class customer service team is here to help with one-on-one assistance. After all, we have the premier selection of universal shower heads online. You can also find adapters if you need to make a conversion.
Browse our selection at High Sierra today!
Are Shower Heads Universal Fit?
So, are all shower heads universal? No, not all. A better question is: are most shower heads universal? In this day and age, yes!
The United States (and many other countries) use a standardized plumbing threading size of ½-inch NPT (National Pipe Thread). This aligns with the design of most shower heads you’ll come across to ensure compatibility.
Still, there are exceptions. Older homes or those outside of North America may use different threading standards, such as BSP (British Standard Pipe) threading. A US showerhead would not be compatible in these cases.
There are also unique or custom setups in some specialty shower systems, and these require some sort of adapter to accommodate universal shower heads.
Other factors play a role in compatibility beyond the actual piping – like water pressure and spray pattern. Take the luxurious rain shower head, for example. While it may fit on your existing shower arm, whether or not you have ample water pressure is another story.
What is it That Makes Shower Heads Not Universal in Some Cases?
All things considered, it’s worth double-checking the threading on your shower arm and considering other aspects of your plumbing setup if you’re trying to replace an old shower head. There are three main things you’ll want to assess.
Threading
Not all plumbing systems abroad, or even here in the US, adhere to the standardized threading size of ½-inch NPT. Here’s how can you tell what type of threading you have to eliminate any uncertainty:
- Inspect the Shower Arm Markings: Your shower arm should be stamped with specifications indicating its thread type. Look for “½-inch NPT” or “BSP” near the base of the arm. If you don’t see anything, try a different method.
- Measure the Diameter of the Threading: You can use a caliper or ruler to measure the thread diameter. NPT threads (the US Standard) are approximately 0.84 inches (21.3 mm) in diameter for ½-inch threading. On the other hand, BSP threads are smaller in size but use a different pitch.
- Use a Thread Gauge: This tool checks thread pitch and size. Find it at most hardware stores for cheap. Align the tool with the threads to confirm if they are NPT or BSP.
- Bring the Shower Arm to a Hardware Store: If you really want to avoid guesswork, just unscrew your shower arm and bring it to a local hardware store. Someone there will be able to give you a straight answer.
- Test Fit Your Shower Head: If you already have what you suspect to be a universal shower head, you can easily try to attach it. If it threads on neatly without wobbling or cross-threading, there’s your answer! If it feels loose or won’t tighten, you may have mismatched threading.
If you realize your threading is non-standard, that doesn’t mean you can’t use the type of showerhead you want. You may just need an adapter – more on that in a moment.
It’s also worth noting that even if your threading is compatible, it could be worn down as a result of age or frequent changes. This will lead to leaks or improper fits. You might be able to use plumber’s tape to seal it, but in some cases, you may need to replace the shower arm itself.
Water Pressure
Not all shower heads are designed to perform well under every water pressure level. In fact, there are actually shower heads for low water pressure specifically – we have our own selection right here at High Sierra.
High-pressure shower heads are engineered to amplify flow in low-pressure systems. Just be aware that they may feel too intense in homes with strong water pressure, so use your best judgment. If you don’t need extra water pressure, this won’t be ideal.
Rain shower heads in particular are notorious for requiring higher water pressure. This is what delivers their signature wide, gentle spray effectively. Without ample pressure, the experience can feel more like a drizzle showerhead than rain.
You can test your home’s water pressure a few different ways if you don’t know what it is for sure. See how long it takes your shower to fill a 1-gallon bucket. A standard flow rate of 2.5 gallons is optimal. Anything less than that and you might have low water pressure.
Spray Pattern
Even if you can get your shower head threaded on nicely, how well it performs based on your preferred spray pattern is another conversation entirely.
Some eco-friendly shower heads use flow restrictors or aerating designs to conserve water, which might not provide the high-pressure experience you’re looking for.
On the other hand, models with larger spray nozzles (rain or double shower heads) may need higher flow rates to work as intended. Fortunately, we have shower heads that save water (in turn, money) without compromising on the experience itself.
When You’ll Need a Shower Head Adapter
If you’ve already purchased a shower head and it doesn’t fit, don’t freak out just yet or run back to the store to return it. You may just need an adapter.
These are small fittings that connect a shower head to a shower arm when their threading types or sizes don’t match. Adapters can convert between threading standards (NPT to BSP) or specific sizes ( ½” threads to ⅜” threads). Some even include flow regulators or swivel joints to enhance functionality.
When an Adapter is Necessary
There are only a few scenarios where an adapter is necessary:
- International Shower Heads: Showerheads purchased abroad won’t match the threading on your shower arm due to differences in BSP-threaded heads from Europe or Asia and NPT-threaded arms in the US.
- Older Plumbing Systems: Homes built before standardized threading became common may still have non-standard sizes that require adjustment – unless you want to take the opportunity to upgrade your plumbing system altogether, of course.
- Specialty Shower Systems: Rainfall or dual shower setups sometimes use proprietary fittings that won’t always align with a universal shower head.
- Custom Shower Arms: Unique installations, such as extended arms for rain shower heads, may require size conversions.
Types of Shower Head Adapters
We don’t want to add more complexity to the conversation of universal shower heads, but there are a few different types of adapters you have at your disposal:
- Threading Converters: The most common. Switches between NPT and BSP threading or adjusts thread sizes.
- Swivel Adapters: Add flexibility to fixed shower arms by allowing the shower head to rotate or angle in different directions.
- Flow Restrictor Adapters: Built-in flow regulators adjust water pressure in areas with high-pressure plumbing.
- Quick-Connect Adapters: Tool-free installation, ideal for renters or temporary setups.
- Dual Function Adapters: Combine features like threading conversion with flow regulation or swivel joints.
If you aren’t sure which you need, you can get in touch with our team here at High Sierra and we’ll point you in the right direction.
How to Install a Shower Head Adapter
We have a more detailed guide on how to add a handheld shower head to an existing shower if you want the full step-by-step process. Here’s a brief overview:
- Turn Off the Shower Valve: There’s no need to shut off your home’s main water supply, but make sure the shower itself is turned off to prevent accidental sprays while you work.
- Clean the Shower Arm Threads: Use a rag to remove any debris or remnants of plumber’s tape from the threads for a clean, tight connection.
- Apply Plumber’s Tape: Wrap the new plumber’s tape around the shower arm threads clockwise to create a watertight seal and prevent leaks.
- Attach the Adapter: Screw the adapter onto the shower arm by hand, ensuring it threads smoothly. Use an adjustable wrench to gently tighten it. Don’t overtighten, as this can damage the threads.
- Connect the Shower Head: Attach the shower head to the adapter and tighten it by hand. If it includes adjustable features like a swivel joint, test the range of motion to confirm it’s working properly.
- Test for Leaks: Turn on the water and inspect the connections. If you notice any drips, tighten the fittings slightly or reapply the plumber’s tape.
That’s everything you need to know about universal shower heads and workarounds for incompatible shower heads. The only thing left to do today is make the upgrade at High Sierra!
The Perfect Shower Head is a Click Away at High Sierra!
High Sierra is here to take the stress out of shopping for a new showerhead. From handheld shower heads to RV shower heads, big shower heads, rain shower heads, and more, we’ve got something for everyone.
Our shower heads fit the standard ½” NPS threading, and we’ve included a self-sealing gasket on each of them for effortless installation. We even have adapters if you end up needing one.
High Sierra products are die-cast out of solid metal to stand the test of time and are backed by a 2-year warranty. Your order is also protected by our 60-day money-back guarantee so you can shop with peace of mind.
You never have to worry about clogs, and you can trust that you’re getting the most efficient solution available – our feel-good, low-flow shower heads help you save up to 50% on water the electricity needed to heat it!
Choose from a variety of styles and finishes to match your shower preferences and existing bathroom aesthetic. It’s time to turn your shower into a spa-like experience!
Final Thoughts on Universal Shower Heads
So are shower heads universal fit? In many cases, yes – the US and even some other countries have agreed on standardized sizing of ½” threading. Still, you need to do your due diligence and confirm compatibility yourself. Take water pressure and spray pattern into account as well.
Some unique situations may call for an adapter, but the truth is, any shower head can be compatible with your home. Take all the stress out of shopping for shower heads at High Sierra today and find the perfect fit for your bathroom!