One of the most important things to consider when installing a shower arm and shower head is how high you should place it.
If it is too high, shorter individuals may not be able to effectively clean their bodies. If it is too low, taller individuals may have to stretch or bend their bodies in uncomfortable positions to get wet.
In this article, we will discuss the best way to place your showerhead so that everyone can enjoy a comfortable shower experience!
Related: What is a Shower Arm?
Here’s How High You Should Place Your Shower Head
Most plumbers and bathroom remodeling experts agree that the showerhead should be placed about 80″ above the floor.
This height allows people of all heights to comfortably use the shower and get wet without having to stretch or bend their bodies in any uncomfortable positions.
- If you have a taller than average family, you may want to consider placing the shower arm slightly higher so that everyone can comfortably use it. We recommend as high as 96″ above the floor.
- If you have a shorter than average family, you may consider placing the shower arm a bit lower so that everyone can comfortably use it. We recommend as low as 72″ above the floor.
Ultimately, the tallest family member should have at least a few inches of clearance above their head. Likewise, the shortest family member should be able to reach the showerhead without standing on their tiptoes.
Do You Have Guests, or Rent Your House? Consider This
When staying at a hotel, you may have noticed that the showerhead is often higher.
Hotels have higher showerheads to account for the fact that their guests will be of varying heights and want to accommodate taller individuals.
If you frequently have guests staying in your home or often list it on Airbnb, it may be a good idea to install a shower arm that is a bit higher than average. Or consider installing an adjustable shower arm or shower slide bar that can be easily adjusted to accommodate different heights.
This will give your guests the best possible shower experience and make them feel more comfortable in your home.
Also, consider installing a shower arm diverter. This allows people of any height to comfortably shower.
Different Shower Arm Designs Provide Flexibility
The adjustable shower arm and shower slide bar are two great options if you want greater flexibility. Here is a brief overview of each:
- The adjustable shower arm allows you to quickly raise or lower the showerhead to the perfect height for your needs. The adjustable shower arm features two screws that you can loosen or tighten to raise or lower the showerhead.
- The shower slide bar allows you to adjust the height of the showerhead by sliding the shower head up or down the bar. In addition, the shower slide bar features a knob that you can turn to lock the showerhead in place.
Standard Heights for Varying Types of Shower Arms
Here are some standard heights for different types of shower arms:
- Rain Shower Arms: These should be placed about 84″ above the floor to provide a comfortable and natural showering experience. Some even can be mounted from the ceiling.
- Handheld & Wall Mounted Shower Arms: These should be placed about 80″ above the floor.
- Gooseneck Shower Arms: These should be placed about 80″ above the floor.
Common Questions
Here are a few questions that people have about shower arm placement:
Do I need a professional to install my shower arm?
No, you do not need a professional to install your shower arm. Most shower arms are easy to install and can be done in just a few minutes. However, we put together a helpful guide on how to install a shower arm.
What if I install my shower arm too high or too low?
This can be a problem as it will require you to drill new holes in your wall to adjust the height of your shower arm. If you want to avoid this, measure twice and drill once.
Conclusion
We hope that this guide was helpful in understanding how to decide on which height you should place the shower arm in your home. Remember, the height of your shower arm will vary depending on the type of shower arm you have, the size of your family, and whether or not you frequently have guests staying in your home.