If you are looking to buy a shower head, the flow rate of the water from the shower head is something you must learn about.
Why?
Well, after reading this post, you’ll know exactly why.
So, let’s get started!
What Is the Flow Rate or GPM?
You will find that the gallon per minute (GPM) is different in different parts of the world.
It mainly depends on the availability of a water source. Those areas that have more supply of water have a higher GPM than others.
The GPM calculates how many gallons of water comes through the shower head every minute.
That way, it is easier to figure out how much water is used by each on a daily, weekly, monthly, and even on a yearly basis.
An average person spends approximately 10 minutes in the shower in the morning.
People have less time as they are in a hurry to go to work, and thus, 10 minutes is the allotted time for showering. And in these ten minutes, people use anywhere around 18 to 25 gallons of water.
The higher the GPM, the more water you will be using during your shower.
A higher rate would also mean that the water pressure during your shower will be more. That is preferable for many, as it is more satisfying than low water pressure.
What Is the Standard Shower Head Flow Rate?
In the United States of America, you will see that the shower head high flow rate is 2.5 gallons.
However, the shower head GPM average is around 2. But there are exceptions, such as California.
It is a much drier State than most with very little rainfall. So their water bodies are far less in number. That is exactly why they started off with 2 gallons per minute.
But later on, this was revised, and it now stands at 1.8 GPM, the lowest shower head flow rate compared to that of all the other States.
Recommended reading: Benefits of Low Flow Shower Heads
Why Does a Standard Exist?
It is a little weird to see that there is a standard shower head flow rate. That is not something we think of while showering.
However, there are certain norms that are implemented on a daily basis around us that we do not even notice or think about on a normal day.
Obviously, there is a reason why a standard shower head flow rate regulation has been set into place.
And the primary reason being the conservation of water. There are the days when we spend time in the shower for a very long time.
Even though the flow rate will not really tell us to turn the water supply off. But, the flow rate will help reduce the wastage of water in cases as such.
Now, another reason for which a standard has been set so that the optimal amount of water flows through. The flow rate should be such that we are able to shower and clean ourselves without having to use a vast quantity of water each time.
Keeping both these reasons in mind, a balance must be created so that the flow rate is able to provide the maximum utility and, therefore, satisfaction and conservation.
Why Is a Restriction Required in Flow Rate?
There was no need for a restriction in the flow rate of shower heads. But with time, we face new complications and problems. And the shortage of water is something that we slowly started to face.
Therefore, spending billions of gallons of water alone is not the wisest decision. To avoid depletion of water, laws were put in place to limit the use of water for showers.
But rather than telling people to cut down their shower time, manufacturers of shower heads were told to make the items in such a way so that a certain amount of water comes out.
Why Does the Flow Rate Matter to You?
Well, the natural reserve is something that a lot of people worry about. But that is not the case for everyone.
If you are one of them, then why would you be bothered about the flow rate of your shower head?
The answer to that is simple: your bills.
In the United States, the utility bill is worrisome because it can skyrocket based upon use.
So, if you get a shower head with a GPM that is less than the one you are using now, then you will see a substantial fall in your water bill annually.
You might even see a fall in your bills by around $100 per year. And if you add the figures up over the years, it will be a significant number. All thanks to the shower head flow rate.
Recommended reading: Low-flow Vs Regular Shower Head
Final Thoughts
There are many things that go around us that we do not often think about, and for many, the shower head GPM average flow rate might be one. But, when you think about it, there is a significance of it in our lives.
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