Options To Reposition A Shower Head Too Low

Taking a refreshing shower is one of life's simple pleasures. But when your shower head is mounted too low, it can turn an otherwise enjoyable experience into an uncomfortable one. Whether due to an improper installation or personal height preferences, a shower head positioned too far down often leaves bathers crouching, bending, or contorting just to wet their hair. Luckily, there are several easy and affordable ways to raise your shower head for greater comfort.

Why Is My Shower Head Too Low?

If your shower head sits below your shoulders or face level, it is likely mounted lower than the standard height. While building codes dictate shower head heights of at least 66 inches for accessible bathroom accommodations, most shower heads tend to be installed between 66 to 72 inches high.

There are a few common reasons you may find your shower head positioned too far down:

• Improper installation: If installed too low during original construction or remodeling.
• Accessibility concerns: To accommodate children, shorter family members or those with disabilities.
• Based on old building codes: Requirements for shower head mounting heights have increased over time.
• Personal preference: Some simply prefer a lower shower head height for hair washing convenience.

No matter the reason, a simple measurement check will confirm if your shower head height needs adjustment for greater comfort and usage.

Measuring Your Existing Shower Head Height

To determine if your current shower head sits too low, its critical to accurately measure the height from the floor. You'll need a tape measure and a helper to position the tape at the exact mounting point.

Follow these steps:

1. Have your helper hold one end of the tape measure on the tub or shower pan floor directly below the shower head mounting bracket.
2. Draw the tape straight up the wall to the point where the shower head arm connects to the water pipe.
3. Note the measurement in inches and compare to standard recommendations.

For a comfortable showering height, experts suggest 60 to 72 inches from the floor to the shower head connection point. If your measurement falls below 60 inches, repositioning the shower head higher is advised.

Adjustable Shower Arms

One of the fastest and most affordable ways to raise a fixed shower head is to replace the existing shower arm pipe with an adjustable model.

This umbrella-style shower arm attaches to standard 1/2-inch shower arm threads. An inner movable joint lets you tweak the angle and height by simply twisting the lower and upper segments of the arm. Adjustable arms allow you to raise your current shower head between 6 to 11 inches higher, without breaking tiles or messing with behind-the-wall plumbing.

These handy shower arms take just minutes to install using common household tools like adjustable pliers or a pipe wrench. Just be sure to apply plumber's tape to prevent leaks. With a little elbow grease, you can fine tune the perfect custom height for your needs. Adjustable arms range from $15 to $30 USD at most hardware stores and online retailers.

Swivel Ball Shower Adapters

Another quick fix option involves installing a swivel ball adapter between your existing shower pipe arm and showerhead. These adapters feature a movable ball joint to provide greater range of motion and height adjustment. Simply screw one end to your current pipe threads and the showerhead to the other.

Use the rotating ball connection to tweak the angle and increase the shower head height anywhere from 4 to 8 inches higher. For under $15 USD, these handy adapters take minutes to install with standard pliers. You'll gain greater flexibility to position the shower spray as needed.

Handheld Showerheads

Installing a handheld showerhead offers versatility to not only adjust spray direction, but also shower head mounting height as needed. Handheld models come with adjustable slide bar mounts allowing you to easily raise or lower the showerhead.

These combo showerheads feature different spray settings from intense massage jets to gentler rains. The handheld detaches from the mount for targeted cleaning or external hose access. When standing, simply slide the handheld bracket higher on the bar. Then lower again when bathing kids or seated.

Handheld showerheads with hose ranges from $25 to $100+ at home improvement stores. Choose from contemporary styles or vintage designs to match your bathroom decor. Installing a handheld showerhead takes about 30 minutes. But it provides the ultimate in placement flexibility when you or family members need varying heights.

Further Adjustments and Solutions

A few other tricks can help resolve a shower head mounted too low without replacing fixtures or remodeling the bath.

• Remove any water flow restrictor inside existing showerhead to increase water pressure and spray height reach.
• Install a diverter tub spout to reroute shower spray from the tub faucet when needed.
• Replace with a rainfall-style showerhead offering adjustable height and angle settings.
• Consider bathroom remodels like tile removal or drywall adjustments to raise fixed plumbing heights.

While adjustable arms, swivel adapters and handhelds provide quick fixes, you can also replace the entire shower assembly. Seek professional help for behind-the-wall plumbing projects. Adjustments like raising the shower arm from the wall require cutting into tiles and moving pipes. If your budget allows, a full bathroom remodel lets you customize the layout with shower heads positioned for optimal comfort.

Why Choose an Adjustable Shower Arm Solution?

Of all the options to reorient an inaccurately positioned shower head, adjustable arm replacements provide the easiest upgrade. Here's why they should top your list of solutions:

• Fast and easy installation takes just minutes with basic tools.
• Affordable parts fitting most household budgets.
• Lets you keep your existing showerhead and maintain preferred spray performance.
• No tile damage or plumbing changes needed behind walls.
• Provides up to 11 inches of height adjustment range.

For a quick bathroom upgrade, installing an adjustable arm for shower head repositioning beats out more complex installations. You'll save on plumbers fees while gaining a comfortable custom shower height.

FAQs on Repositioning a Shower Head

New solutions lead to new questions. Here we answer some of the key concerns around shower head adjustments:

Do I need any special tools to install a shower arm extension?

The only tool needed is an adjustable wrench or pliers to loosen and tighten connections. Ensure all joints are snug, but be careful not to over tighten pipes or risk cracking. It's also smart to keep thread seal tape on hand to wrap connections and prevent drips.

How do I get better water pressure if my shower head is too low?

Check for low pressure problems that commonly result from showerhead clogs, closed supply valves or leaks allowing water to escape elsewhere. Clean mineral deposits off showerheads with vinegar or replace an older unit. Open any shut off valves completely. Also inspect sinks for drips that might indicate a supply leak.

What precautions should I take when raising a shower head?

Be sure to turn off the main water supply and open the shower valve to release pressure before adjusting shower arms and heads. Use a bucket to catch any remaining drips too. Always wrap plumber's tape clockwise on threads before tightening. Avoid over tightening connections that could crack pipe joints. Check your work by turning water back on slowly to look and listen for leaks.