New shower-using only handheld shower on slide bar

15 years ago

I am adding 2 baths to an addition, and plan to use only handheld showers on slide bars, Moen 3867, no wall-installed shower head. Any caveats? My reasoning is that I wish to have the flexibility of the slide bar so children can shower as easily as a tall adult, with the shower height adjustible. I also am concerned about water conservation. I like a hand-held to make it easier to clean the shower/tub, as well as making it easier to direct water flow to rinse hair and body. Your thoughts?

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mcbird

15 years ago

Just a word of warning on Moen slider bar fixtures...their chrome fixtures the pieces that hold the bar in place are plastic. I made the huge mistake in building of picking out a book and not putting my eyes and hands on the actual fixtures. Not until they were installed and we were moving in (we built from 1300 miles away) that we discovered they were plastic. There was really nothing we could do at that point without changing all the other fixtures in that bathroom, so we sucked it up and lived with it. That is until about two weeks ago in one of the showers the plastic on the bottom failed and the bar fell out of the sleeve! I called Moen and even though it's been over 2 years since purchase they sent a complete replacement. They have completely redesigned the shower bar and while the pieces are still plastic the design is much better and much more sturdy. They have great customer service, their phone system is great. If a CS rep is unavailable you record your number and they give you a time frame in which they will call you back. It's so much better than being on hold forever. Probably way more info than you wanted, but wanted you to be aware.

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Comments (8)

hendricus
15 years ago
We just replaced our tub, shower head, faucet and surround. Went with handheld on a bar and love it. The handheld can be used to rinse the tub, something we were unable to do before.
decadeofrenovations
Original Author
15 years ago
I'm glad to hear that you love the handheld; I'm sure I'll love it. I'm wondering if I'll regret not putting in the fixed shower head in addition to the handheld on the slide bar. I don't see why we will need a fixed if the handheld shower does the same job, and I'm looking for validation or dissenting opinions!
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I would NOT recommend a grab bar handheld shower head combo. I specialize in accessible design and having it as a combo is in my opinion is not safe, because a grab bar is supposed to be at a position specific to your capabilities and limitations; so if you do needed it, it is a reactionary grasp, because falling only takes a split second. Also the combo grab bar will be at too high of a position, and not at a lower level since it needs to be lower as you fall down and not up. I would recommend a separate slide bar typically placed on the inside corner of the shower, but can be placed anywhere that works for you. It can be placed lower, so if needed, can be reached at a sitting position, or for children to use. I have purchased and used (for almost 9 years) the Kohler K-8524 (30") or the K-9069 (24") and they come in chrome, polished chrome and brushed nickel. I like these, because to move the shower head holder, you pinch the lever and slide it up or down. there is no knob or lever to turn and lock in place. It also stays in position, which is important. As far as grab bars, as I mentioned, it needs to be installed specifically for your capabilities and limitations. But the most important thing is that it is secured in solid wood blocking. If anyone tells you that they will install it into a wood or metal stud, they do not know what they are doing. A grab bar is supposed to hold 250 pounds of pull or push force. Unless you have large hands, I also recommend the 1-1/4-inch diameter and not the 1-1/2-inch that you typically see in accessible stalls. There are thousands of grab bars, but it would depend on what you are looking for. There are Universal Design grab bars that don't look like the typical stainless steel ones. Also your budget will make a difference. But if you just want the grab bars for safety. then I would recommend ones made by Wingits. They have a knurled area that makes it non-slip. I have used them for almost 10 years. You can purchase them on Amazon now, which will make it easier to get.
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susan631
15 years ago
I am getting the same set-up. Just the handheld on the bar, no fixed head. As you mention, flexibility for kids and cleaning convenience are the same reasons I want it. I see no reason whatsoever to add a fixed showerhead to the setup. When the handheld is on the bar, it functions the same way as a fixed head, so I don't see the point of having a separate fixed head. My old bathroom had a cheapie Waterpik handheld. It was not on a slide bar, so there was no height adjustment, but when used in the stationary position, it provided the exact same shower experience as any fixed head I've ever used. The pressure on that thing was pretty great, and I would expect that my new Grohe handheld on the bar will function just as well or even better. I don't think you'll regret not getting a fixed head. In my opinion, it seems very unnecessary to have both. However, if others have dissenting opinions, I'd love to hear them as well.
andee_gw
15 years ago
I do like my hand-held on the sliding bar. But it's at a different angle than a fixed shower head. I miss getting directly under a shower head and letting it pound directly down on me (without my holding it). I had originally planned to get both, but the plumber....
conn123
15 years ago
great thread, decadeofrenovations...was wondering same thing myself, esp for two kids' (well, older kids) showers. i've heard that handhelds do not offer the same pressure as fixed, though susan631 has different experience. anyone else have thoughts? andee, not sure i understand about the angle...can't it be adjusted?
kerrygw
15 years ago
I recently posted something similar, as I had the same concerns. We decided to just go with the handshower/slide bar (with no fixed showerhead) - we got a Hansgrohe, and the attachment on the bar allows you to adjust the angle. It's not installed yet so I can't attest to the performance, but it looks great in the box! :-)

Here is a link that might be useful: Handshower link
bluekitobsessed
15 years ago
I'm following this thread with interest, as my mom will want a handheld. Two questions:
1. Brands -- do all major mfrs make them and what's preferred?
2. Does anyone think it would negatively affect resale value or turn off buyers? The shower will be installed in the downstairs bathroom, which is also the powder/guest bathroom (i.e., the one that has to look nice at all times).

New shower-using only handheld shower on slide bar

mcbird

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hendricus

decadeofrenovations
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New shower-using only handheld shower on slide bar

mcbird

Comments (8)

hendricus

decadeofrenovationsOriginal Author

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andee_gw

conn123

kerrygw

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decadeofrenovations
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