You might be thinking shower hoses are universal, given that they pretty much serve the same function. Read on to find out more.
A less functional and unreliable unit can hamper a good showering experience. And, this practically happens when the shower hose begins to leak or is due for replacement.
Shopping for a new shower hose can be tricky since you’re going to consider many factors like its length, connections, and matching finish into the taps and shower in your bathroom.
It would’ve been easier if this piece of shower unit had a standardized measurement, size, and specification, yes?
So are shower hoses universal?
Shower hoses aren’t universal because they come in various models and features, from size to fittings, length, and material. When replacing your shower hose, it is essential to know its specifications as per this information to purchase the proper shower hose for your bathroom setting.
If you are at the point of replacing your shower hose and you don’t want to end up buying the wrong type, I encourage you to continue reading to know how you can pick the suitable shower hose for your bathroom.
In the rest of this article, we will look into how you can identify the correct length/size, material, design, and connection type so you know exactly what to pick during purchase.
Do shower hoses come in different sizes?
The regular hose lengths in the market are 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, and 2 meters.
However, it would be best to keep in mind your bathroom setup before going for any of them.
For instance, the hose size you will pick for bathtubs with faucet that is 50 cm distanced from ground will undoubtedly be different from the ones for another setup.
Moreover, shower hoses are manufactured in varying sizes to suit the potential user.
It is a general recommendation to go for a hose that is at least 10 cm longer than the potential user so as to ensure comfort during usuage.
Do all shower hose fit all showerheads?
Shower hoses are sometimes varied when it comes to the cones on their ends, representing their unique fitting and connection into bracket or riser.
So shower hoses may look similar and may be used interchangeably, provided they have the same cone or fitting design.
Given that 1/2″ NPT is the standard connection measurement, almost every shower hose fits all showerheads, mainly when the shower plumbing is constructed to run from the ceiling or on the wall.
To see that they fit all showerheads, the average size of shower hose is Male 1/2 inch BSP thread to female 3/4 inch BSP thread.
Shower hose connector types
Although a shower hose is easy to screw on and unscrew, there will be a problem connecting a new shower hose to the tap and shower when you don’t check the connection sizes before buying.
The good news is that pretty much all shower hoses have a standard size on both ends. To be sure of your hose connection type, unscrew it and take it along with you to the market.
This will help you decide which installation specification to choose in a new shower hose on the spot.
And even when you seek help from the salesperson, they will be able to assist by examining the old one.
How do I find the right shower hose?
As the unit that sends water to the showerhead, the shower hose must be carefully picked during purchase. The following factors to consider will serve as a buying guide for you.
Examine the hose features: Shower hoses are varied by their specific features based on material and durability design. Check if the body of the hose is smooth or coiled to find a suitable replacement.
If it’s a hose with metal material, you want to be sure whether it has the ABS interior and similar metal designs to you know what you’re buying.
Shower hose fittings: As mentioned earlier, you will easily find the standard sizes, which are 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, and 2 meters. To make the right choice, you need to consider your bathroom setup and how much shower hose length will be comfortable during usage.
The shower hose material: Apparently, the first difference you’ll have in mind when replacing a shower hose is the material—materials used in making a hose tell a lot about its quality, longevity, and cost.
Your shower hose could be made of bare PVC, reinforced PVC, Basic metal, or double interlock metal material. The material of the new one you are about to buy should match the existing one.
Final Thoughts
By now, you should know that shower hoses vary in terms of material, size, connector types, model, and design.
These specifications clearly show that they are not universal, even though they serve the same purpose of sending up water to the showerhead.
Suppose you have a faulty shower hose (which can be annoying); I hope this article has made it less tricky to choose the correct replacement during purchase.
As the resident shower expert at ShowerJournal.com, Wayne Lee loves to share the helpful tips and tricks he’s picked up over the years during his job as a handyman.
