Often we feel confused about choosing between low-flow showerheads and high-flow showerheads. Which one do you prefer, 1.75 Vs 2.5 GPM shower head? Both of them have their pros and cons.
The flow rate of your shower head will affect your water consumption and, more importantly, your bathing experience. Here we’ll share in-depth details about these two different showers heads. Let’s jump in!
A Quick Comparison!
Can’t wait to learn about them? Let’s look at their brief details on the table.
| Specifications | 1.75 GPM Shower Head | 2.5 GPM Shower Head |
| Flow Rate | 1.75 Gallons Per Minute | 2.50 Gallons Per Minute |
| Efficiency | Better Shower Performance | Moderate Shower Performance |
| Water Bills | Lower Water Bill | Higher Water Bills |
| Government Restriction | Less Government Restriction | More Government Restriction |
| Environmental Impact | Less Environmental Impact | More Environmental Impact |
| Price | Less Price | More Price |
Key Differences Between 1.75 And 2.5 GPM Shower Head
Now, you’ve learned a quick summary about both of these shower heads. Want to know more details? Let’s get to the real action!
- Flow Rate
It might look simple when you just change your lower shower head with a higher show head? But how much impact it’ll do for the 0.75 changes?
No doubt, both of these shower parts offer smooth water flow. But its GPM plays a key role. GPM stands for gallons per minute.
You’ll spend 1.75 gallons of water for using the 1.75 shower head in 60 seconds and 2.50 gallons of water for using the 2.50 shower head in 60 seconds.
- Efficiency
In terms of shower feels or efficiency, 2.5 GPS shower head is better. It’s effective for deep rinsing.
You can quickly wash off shampoo and conditioner from the head and soap from the body. That’ll save you time.
Additionally, a 2.5 GPS shower head has a better massaging sensation due to its high pressure. But with a 1.75 GPS shower head, you won’t get that immense sensitivity.
Aside from that, using 2.5 GPS shower heads means you’ve better reach than 1.75 GPS shower heads. 2.5 GPS shower heads have more water pressure than 1.75 GPS shower heads, so they’ll have better coverage compared to the other option.
For example, a disabled person will need better coverage to reach the bench at the back of the shower.
- Rinsing Speed Difference
One advantage of 2.5 GPM heads is they provide faster rinsing times. The powerful spray quickly washes away soap, shampoo and conditioner.
With the lower output of a 1.75 GPM head, rinsing does take longer. This may be annoying to some who want to get in and out of the shower as fast as possible.
However, the slower rinsing could be seen as a positive if you enjoy lingering in long showers. There’s something to be said for a gentle shower stream versus getting blasted. But those in a hurry may find 1.75 GPM shower heads less than ideal.
- Effect on Water Heater
The higher flow rate of 2.5 GPM shower heads also places greater demand on your home’s water heater system. To keep up with the high volume spray, the heater has to work harder and burn more energy across showering time.
In contrast, 1.75 GPM heads require less hot water output from the heater. Lower flow shower heads end up being more efficient on your energy-using appliances too. If your water heater is already struggling, a 2.5 GPM head may overwhelm it.
- Water Bills
It’s not easily visible the difference between 1.75 vs 2.5 GPM shower head for using it in 60 seconds. But the number of water consumed for 15 minutes is noticeable.
For example, you’ve for family members. And each of them baths for 15 minutes. So, each day your family will consume 78.75 gallons if you use a 1.75 GPM shower head or 112.5 gallons.
The monthly water consumption for an only bath will be 2362.5 gallons and 3375 gallons, respectively. The difference is 1012.5 gallons per month.
- Government Restriction
You can’t use 2.5 GPM shower heads in all states of the USA. There’re some restrictions. For example, you can’t use more than 1.80 gallons of water per minute in California.
In such cases, you’ve no other option but to use 1.75 GPM shower heads. Also, in New York, the maximum water consumption per minute is 2 gallons.
- Environmental Impact
Higher flow rates mean an increased amount of water is used for households. This’ll reduce the water used for agriculture.
Also, according to many environmental consultants, overuse of household water means negatively affecting the energy-intensive process of filtration.
Plus, lower-rate shower heads are a better choice when you have a limited amount of water to use.
For example, when using water from your recreational vehicle or well water, 1.75 GPM shower heads are better than 2.5 GPM shower heads as you can save more water.
- Price
The price of 1.75 GPM shower heads is lower than 2.5 GPM because an improved pressure system is installed in 2.5 GPM shower heads to reach further areas easily.
However, it depends on the brand and its construction quality. Their price can be $10 to $40 or more, depending on the type of shower heads you’re purchasing.
Additionally, the price may vary depending upon many extra features such as spray settings, self-cleaning rubber nozzles, etc.
Similarities of 1.75 And 2.5 GPM Shower Head
1.75 And 2.5 GPM shower heads may have similar features except for the GPM. In fact, many brands offer the same model shower head, and you just have to pick between 1.75 And 2.5 GPM.
Take an example of Speakman S-4002-E175 FBA_S-4002-E175. This unit is available in both 1.75 And 2.5 GPM versions.
Both versions have the same single-function spray setting, turbine-powered engine, transparent frame, and 1/2 in. Npt inlet.
Thus, it depends on the type of Shower Head you choose based on the brand. Both of them may have been made from the same material and same functions and features except the flow rate variation.
Which One To Choose Between 1.75 Vs 2.5 GPM Shower Head?
When there’s a restriction to choose higher GPM-rated shower heads, you’ve no option but to select the 1.75 GPM Shower Head.
But what if you’ve no restrictions? Should you stick pick 1.75 GPM Shower Head or a 2.5 GPM Shower Head?
We’ll recommend you use a 2.5 GPM Shower Head in such cases. Here’re the reasons why you should pick it.
- Reason-1: Time Saver
Every second matters in our life. So, why should you spend 20 minutes finishing bath when you can do it within 10 minutes?
Due to the higher flow rate of the 2.5 GPM shower head, it’ll help you clean your body surfaces quickly. More importantly, the extra pressure will easily remove complex substances from your body surfaces.
- Reason-2: ‘Saver’ is a myth
A lower GPM rate doesn’t always mean it’ll save your water bill.
Wondering how?
GPM rating is mainly related to how much water will come out from the faucet. How fast the water will come depends on pounds per square inch (psi).
- Reason-3: Lifespan
Everything has a limited lifespan, and so do shower heads. When you use showers heads for an extended time, grease and other substances will build up inside the shower head.
This’ll reduce the lifespan of the product. Compared to 1.75 GPM shower heads, you’ll have to use 2.50 GPM shower heads in less amount of time.
But, it is also related to how a person takes care of it and how good its construction quality is.
- Reason-4: Multiple Options
A 2.50 GPM shower head may have multiple options to reduce its flow rate. So, when you don’t need an extensive flow rate, you set it up to 1.75 GPM or less according to your requirements.
But a 2.50 GPM shower head doesn’t have the option to reach a 2.50 GPM rate. So, when you want flexibility, 2.50 GPM shower heads are a better choice than the other option.
Best Uses for Each Flow Rate
To summarize the key differences:
1.75 GPM heads are best for:
- Conserving water
- Saving money on utility bills
- Those who want a satisfying but gentle shower
- Eco-friendly bathrooms
- Older or undersized water heaters
2.5 GPM heads are ideal for:
- Invigorating high-pressure spray
- Fast rinsing of soap and shampoo
- Large households with high demand
- Keeping multiple shower heads flowing
- Patrons at gyms, hotels and public showers
Now let’s look at some common questions about shower head GPM ratings.
FAQs
It depends on your priorities. 2.5 GPM provides stronger pressure and faster rinsing times. But 1.75 GPM is more water efficient, cost effective and eco-friendly. There is no definitively “better” option – it comes down to your showering needs and preferences.
Yes, a rain shower head will work nicely with a 1.75 GPM flow rate. The gentler pressure and larger droplets of a rain shower head pair well with the moderately lower GPM. It will still provide ample coverage and relaxation.
EPA WaterSense recommends 1.5 to 2 GPM as the ideal range for efficient shower heads. So 1.5, 1.75 or 2 GPM would all be considered good flow rates. 1.75 provides a nice balance of decent pressure but significant water savings.
For many people, 1.5 gpm is still enough flow for an enjoyable and functional shower. While the pressure is low, it can compensate with a large shower head face for full coverage. The 1.5 GPM rate maximizes water efficiency. But some may find the pressure too weak, especially those with thick hair.
Conclusion
There should not be any confusion to choose between 1.75 Vs 2.5 GPM shower heads. Before selecting a particular option, first, you want to decide if you wish to save water bills or don’t spend extra for an improved shower experience.
Once you know your answer, it’s easy to pick a particular one. However, when your living area has a restriction to choose a 2.50 GPM shower head, you’ve no other option but to select a 1.75 shower head.
I have low water pressure, should I choose a 1.75gpm shower head or a 2.5gpm shower head? I do not see it addressed in your article