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Need advice on adding a handheld shower head

14 years ago

I am seeking advice on how to add a handheld shower head to an existing showerhead, but for a particular situation.

Due to a recent medical issue, my wife needs to shower while sitting on a shower chair, which we have. We have an existing showerhead and plan to add a handheld showerhead for her use.

-- Handheld shower head: plastic or metal? It seems that most are plastic and therefore lighter, but vulnerable to breakage if dropped. The metal ones are obviously heavier and more costly. Recommendations??

-- Diverter: We probably need just a two-way rather than a three-way since we don't plan on running both the showerhead and the handheld simultaneously. Given that she is sitting in a chair, is it possible to install the diverter at a location other than just above the existing showerhead, which would require her to stand in order to switch the water flow?

-- Mount for handheld: We don't need a slider bar, but rather just a holder for the handheld. Would we need to purchase one that is compatible with the specific handheld we purchase, or are these standard holders that can accommodate any brand of handheld? Also, how should such a holder be attached to tile? Any particular type of waterproof glue, or should it be screwed in to a stud?

Thanks in advance for your assistance!

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Comment (1)

davidandkasie
14 years ago
we have these in our baths. it replaces the existing head and provides a handheld. either or both cna be used at once. if the link does not work goto lowes and it is item 65183 Peerless handhels massage shower head.

teh handheld unit has a suction cup mount that you put anywhere and can move easily. turn the dial to provide water to the handheld, and if you want the regular head to work you turn it on during your shower and back to handheld when done. this way she does not have to stand to do it. we got it because 2x my wife has had to use a shower stool, once for a torn ACL and once after her Csection.

BTW, it was actually cheaper to buy this than it was a handheld and a diverter seperately.

Here is a link that might be useful: peerless shower massage handheld head
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Hi GH, All of that water demand will, most likely require a 3/4" water line, instead of the standard 1/2" water line, be piped to the shower to deliver additional volume and pressure. Without that, you will not have good performance from using multiple sprays, regardless of the valve type or diverter option. And yes, the volume is cut in half with shared functions from a diverter, but depending on the shower heads, may still be adequate. It's a balancing act, and will depend on your water pressure from the street. For a standard 1/2" diverter, to just switch between functions, the Delta R11000 rough-in body is reasonable and good quality. Then you choose the type of trim option and a 6 function cartridge. Otherwise, if 3/4" water line is at the shower, separate volume controls will allow all the functions to flow at full blast.
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Hi ShellKing, So sorry I can't help you directly, I feel your pain... trying to find a diverter that will work to marry a delacora faucet with an Alsons handheld and it ain't easy. I am sure someone more qualified will be along soon but in the interim check out this link. Has great information, Mongoct is awesome. Scroll down and you'll see he also posts a link to FAQ for Dummies (no insult intended) and it also has great info. Good luck! Here is a link that might be useful: shower sysem thread
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There's also something like the following which are intended for a retrofit (Kohler example; there are others). The top bracket that mounts to the wall is actually attached to the source for the original shower head. I'm not sure what your point is about your linen closet not having an access panel. It has nothing to do with new construction. I also wanted to maintain my existing tile. My home was built in the late 50's and it did not have an access panel in the linen closet either. That didn't stop the plumber from busting a large hole in the plaster wall in the closet. I created my own access panel to cover it up. Here is a link that might be useful: Kohler hydrorail This post was edited by DreamingoftheUP on Mon, Jun 2, 14 at 21:39
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Since this is a "medical" and as such might be a temporary need, and you say you have no desire to run more than one head at a time, the simplest and least invasive would be to replace your existing shower head with a hand held retrofit kit. Yes, you can buy additional brackets so the head can be mounted elsewhere on the wall. And you are correct, the bracket needs to be matched to the head, they are not necessarily universal. A lot of showers I build, I also make a teak bench for them. In addition to an extra bracket or two on the wall, often times I'll add a bracket to the edge of the bench. I'd look for the longest hose you can find. Personally I find the segmented metal hoses lay flatter and loop over themselves less than the plastic hoses. Plastic versus metal head? Plastic is fine in a decent head, but in a $9.00 head the entire thing might be too lightweight and spray water everywhere regardless of what material it is made from. Mongo
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