You only notice a shower hose when it leaks, kinks or gets tangled. Time for a new one? Then you suddenly face choices: which length, which material, and will it fit? Besjaar lists what to look for.
The short answer
For most showers, a hose of 1.5 to 1.6 metres is right. Almost all shower hoses have a standard half-inch connection at both ends. Choose a hose with anti-twist protection, so it tangles less easily. Not sure about the length? Then go slightly longer.
Which length do you need?
| Length | Suitable for |
|---|---|
| 1.25 m | Filling a bath or a bidet shower |
| 1.5 to 1.6 m | Most showers and baths: the standard |
| 1.75 to 2 m | Tall people, or a hose that leaves the tap low above the bath |
| Longer than 2 m | Large showers |
Measure it yourself: from the tap to the highest position of your shower holder or slide rail, with some slack so the head can move freely.
The connections
A shower hose has two ends, both with a half-inch (½″) thread:
- The hand shower end is usually conical: it tapers. That end screws onto the shower head.
- The tap end has a hexagonal or smooth nut. That end screws onto the tap or wall outlet.
Each connection needs a rubber sealing ring. A dried-out or torn ring is often the cause of a leaking connection. How to swap a shower head or hose is explained in replace your shower head in 5 minutes.
Metal, plastic or double-sheathed?
- Metal. An inner hose of rubber or plastic inside a metal sheath. Watch out with cheap models: the sheath can come loose and scratch.
- Plastic (PVC). Smooth, easy to keep clean, and limescale sticks to it less quickly.
- Double-sheathed. Extra sturdy against kinks and tears.
Why anti-twist matters
While showering, you keep turning the head a little. Without anti-twist protection, that twisting builds up in the hose until it tangles or kinks. A hose with anti-twist has a swivelling connection, so the hose turns freely. A kinked hose also lets less water through, and you feel that in the spray. Read more in low water pressure in the shower.
When should you replace your shower hose?
- It leaks at the connection, even with a new ring.
- It kinks or keeps getting tangled.
- It is stiff, has small cracks, or the sheath is coming loose.
- There is rust or limescale on the connections that will not come off.
The Besjaar Rain Shower with Hose
Want to replace hose and shower head in one go? The Besjaar Rain Shower with Hose is a complete set: a chrome-plated hand shower with 3 settings and a 1.5-metre hose with anti-twist protection. Two seals are included, so you can get started straight away. Prefer filtered water? The Besjaar Shower Head with Hose and Filter also has a 1.5-metre hose. We do not sell a separate Besjaar hose. Find out which model suits you in which Besjaar shower head suits you?
Frequently asked questions
What length of shower hose do I need?
For most showers, 1.5 to 1.6 metres. Are you tall, or is the tap low above the bath? Then choose 1.75 to 2 metres.
Does every shower hose fit every shower head?
Almost always. Most hoses and shower heads have a standard half-inch connection. Make sure the conical end goes on the shower head.
How often should you replace a shower hose?
There is no fixed interval. Replace your hose when it leaks, kinks, becomes stiff or develops cracks.
View the Besjaar Rain Shower with Hose or discover all Besjaar shower heads.
Besjaar makes shower heads and filters for Dutch bathrooms, from Assen. Better water, every day.