Too little pressure is annoying, but so is too much. The spray stings, water splashes out of the shower and sometimes the pipes bang when you turn off a tap. With the right shower head, plenty of pressure becomes an advantage.
In short
- Dutch water company WML advises a pressure reducer if the pressure in your home goes above 4 bar.
- High pressure can cause splashing, noise in the pipes and extra wear on taps.
- A shower head with many modes lets you choose how firm the spray is.
- The Besjaar Shower Head with Filter has 10 modes, from gentle rain and mist to two powerful PowerWash jets.
How do you recognise high water pressure?
- The spray stings, even on a gentle mode.
- Water splashes outside the shower tray or over the shower screen.
- Pipes bang or tick when you close a tap quickly. That is called water hammer.
- Taps start dripping sooner or need a new washer or cartridge more often.
Want to be sure? Screw a water pressure gauge onto the washing machine or outdoor tap. Many installers consider 2.5 to 4 bar normal.
When do you need a pressure reducer?
If the pressure in your home goes above 4 bar, Dutch water company WML advises stabilising it with a pressure reducer, also called a pressure reducing valve. An installer fits it after the water meter, so the pressure throughout your home becomes lower and more stable. That spares taps and appliances. Renting? Then discuss it with your landlord.
More pressure often means more water
A shower head without a flow limiter lets more water through at higher pressure. At high pressure, an ordinary head can therefore use quite a few litres per minute, and every litre of hot water has to be heated. So do the bucket test to see how much your shower really uses.
What to look for in a shower head for high pressure
- Many modes. Then you choose: soft and wide when you want to relax, focused when you want to freshen up.
- A gentle mode. A mist or rain mode spreads the water over many small droplets, so the spray doesn't sting.
- A pause button. Stopping the water while soaping up saves water, especially when a lot is flowing through.
- A good sealing washer. High pressure finds every weak spot. If the connection leaks, see leaking shower head or hose.
Our pick: the Besjaar Shower Head with Filter, 10 modes
The Besjaar Shower Head with Filter has eight wellness modes, from gentle rain to massage and mist, plus two PowerWash jets. With plenty of pressure, all those modes come into their own: choose a gentle mode when you want to relax, and use the PowerWash jets to rinse the bath, shower tray or your dog's coat clean in no time. The pause button stops the water while you soap up.
The built-in 8-stage filter holds back particles and breaks down free chlorine. The filter is an extra part in the water path; with ample pressure that is not a drawback. Please note: a shower filter does not make water softer and does not remove dissolved limescale. Want a new hose as well? Then choose the Besjaar Shower Head with Hose and Filter.
Mainly want to shower economically? The Besjaar Luxury Hand Shower with 3 modes uses a maximum of 8 litres per minute.
Frequently asked questions
How many bar is too high at home?
Dutch water company WML advises a pressure reducer from 4 bar. Many installers consider 2.5 to 4 bar normal.
Is high water pressure bad for a shower head?
A shower head can handle the pressure in an ordinary home. But high pressure finds a worn sealing washer sooner; replace it if it starts leaking.
Can I lower the water pressure myself?
At the shower, choose a gentler mode or open the tap less far. For the whole home, have an installer fit a pressure reducer. Have too little pressure instead? Read shower head for low water pressure.
Besjaar makes shower heads and filters for Dutch bathrooms, from Assen. Better water, every day.