When you want to buy a Speakman shower head, we’re here to help with all the best options. We know that when it comes time for an upgrade your budget might be tight, so let us help!
Our selection includes both affordable and high-quality Speakman models which will suit any household’s needs – plus they come highly recommended by friends or family members already loving their new fixtures too (so thanks!).
The best shower head matches your bathroom finishes while also giving you the features you’re looking for whether you prefer high-end qualities or want to stick to a budget. Luckily, Speakman has a shower head for everybody.
In this PlumbingNav guide, we will cover:
What are the different types of Speakman shower heads?
What do you look for when buying a Speakman shower head?
Best Speakman shower head reviews
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Product
Our Top Pick
Our Top Pick
Speakman S-2251 Signature Icon Anystream Adjustable High Pressure Shower Head , Polished Chrome
This high pressure shower head generates water at 2.5 gpm out of 8 nozzles and three spray settings (intense, flood, and rain). The Anystream system ensures smooth transitions from one spray setting to another and even distribution at all times. The shower head is made from brass for durability and comes with a chrome finish.
While not necessarily the most advertised brand in residential water fixtures, Speakman has established a reputable name for itself in the industry. Anyone in plumbing or home improvement knows the Speakman name.
Speakman started out as a modest plumbing company started by the Speakman brothers in 1869. Today, they make innovative sinks, faucets, and, of course, shower heads. They offer numerous designs, including modern, traditional, transitional, and commercial.
Where are Speakman Shower Heads Made?
While still affordable, Speakman prides itself on producing high-quality products 100% made in America at their Glen Mills, PA location.
You can find Speakman products on Amazon and at Lowe’s.
What Are The Different Types of Speakman Shower Heads?
A shower head is a shower head, right? Well, you actually have quite a few options to choose from, and Speakman has a ton.
Handheld Shower Head
The handheld showerhead is great if you want to get your hair and body clean without having a tough time washing all those hard-to-reach places. You can control how much water sprays by removing the head from its wall mounting, pointing it at yourself as desired (since most are small), then adjusting the pressure.
Some handheld shower heads operate independently while others come as part of a complete shower system that includes a stationary shower head as well. If adding a handheld shower that wasn’t there before, you may need to upgrade the diverter valve to ensure that you get all of the functions you wanted.
Waterfall Shower Head
A rain shower head comes with numerous nozzles that produce water gently at a wide scope in a luxurious spa-like fashion…
While a pleasant experience, also pick a shower head that’s strong enough to give you the water pressure you want as they spread the pressure among all of the nozzles.
Low Flow Shower Head
The federal government requires shower heads to produce water at a water flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM) or less. California has more stringent regulations and won’t allow shower heads that produce water of more than 2.0 GPM.
Stay ahead of the economic trends with a low flow shower head that contains a Water Sense sticker, indicating it produces water at a rate of 2.0 GPM or lower. Shower heads can get as efficient as 1.0 GPM.
While they save you money, you may notice a difference. Some people don’t feel as clean when using a shower head with low water pressure and prefer a high pressure shower head instead. The low pressure and high pressure debate also exist in the faucet world as well.
Try a multi-function shower head that allows you to operate at an efficiency setting a majority of the time but switch to a water pressure boost mode when necessary.
What Do You Look For When Buying a Speakman Shower Head?
Size
Generally speaking, shower heads attach to a shower arm with a ½” connection, making most of them standard.
However, shower heads come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and weights. Contrary to popular belief, bigger isn’t always better in this situation when it comes to concentrated power.
Large shower heads may cause spillage outside of the shower. Furthermore, they may use more water than necessary. If the shower head weighs too much, it may even pull down the shower arm over time and cause damage to your shower wall.
Small shower heads won’t provide you with adequate coverage in the shower, which can be considered worse to some people.
Use your current shower head as a gauge to determine the size of your new shower head.
If you’re simply looking for more coverage, you can use a normal size head but pair it with a shower head extender. This can save you money.
Finish
While usually tucked away behind the shower curtain, your shower head contributes to the interior design of your bathroom and the rest of your home.
Select a finish that matches the other fixtures and hardware.
Speakman offers the following finishes (not available on all models):
When shopping for a new shower head, use this opportunity to add a little luxury to your shower experience with advanced features you may not have enjoyed with your old shower head.
Some shower heads offer a pleasant rain effect or multiple spray settings. Others offer LED lights to help you gauge the temperature or easy to clean rubber nozzles. Just play some music for a rave party in the shower 🙂
Maneuverability
Not everyone likes the shower spout in the same place. You may also want to adjust your shower head to reach a particular area not generally covered in its normal position.
Is the shower head stationary or can you move it? How much can you move it? Is it easy to move? Does it stay in place after you move it?
Best Speakman Shower Head Reviewed
Now let’s explore our favorite units so you can decide on the perfect choice for your situation.
This high pressure shower head generates water at 2.5 gpm out of 8 nozzles and three spray settings (intense, flood, and rain). The Anystream system ensures smooth transitions from one spray setting to another and even distribution at all times. The shower head is made from brass for durability and comes with a chrome finish.
This plastic fixed shower head won’t break the bank, but it’ll still get you clean with the 149 different nozzles and 5 spray settings. The 2.5 GPM flow rate produces water at high water pressure, so you’ll definitely get clean. The nozzles come in a unique design that adds to the appeal of the product.
Choose this exposed shower head with two cross handles for an elegant look that stands out. You won’t have to worry about corrosion thanks to the low-lead solid brass construction and corrosion-resistant finish. 50 nozzles produce water at 2.5 GPM.
Conserve water without losing water pressure with this low flow shower head that produces water at 1.5 GPM in conjunction with Speakman’s reaction spray technology and turbine-powered engine. The clear disc comes in multiple colors that make a statement, perfectly matching modern decor.
If you like a powerful shower, the Speakman Retro adjustable shower head gives you eight large plungers and 64 fully customizable nozzles with a range of 360 degrees. Choose from one of three spray settings and enjoy the sparkling appearance of the chrome finish longer thanks to the self-cleaning technology.
Pros
High pressure
Adjustable
3 spray settings
Cons
Shows fingerprints
Inefficient (2.5 GPM)
Can be difficult to control the spray
How to Install a New Speakman Shower Head
You can absolutely install your Speakman shower head by yourself with the right tools and just a little bit of guidance.
Start by ensuring your shower drain strainer is in place so that small parts don’t fall down the drain while you work. You may still want to cover the drain with a towel – just in case.
Remove the old shower head (not including the arm). The shower head should screw out of place. However, some shower heads get stuck over time thanks to hard water and sediment buildup developing on the shower head.
In order to remove a stuck shower head, try using some WD 40 and an adjustable wrench. See this post for how to remove a stuck shower arm.
Once you remove the shower head, wipe away residue from old sealant on the threads. Once clean, apply new plumbers tape or your preferred choice of sealant.
Do not forget the plumber’s tape! Without it, the shower head may leak. This one is strong.
At this time, you will screw the new shower head into place.
Once properly screwed in, turn on the water to ensure it works properly.
For a visual reference, watch the video below:
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Speakman shower heads made?
While still affordable, Speakman prides itself on producing high-quality products 100% made in America at their Glen Mills, PA location.
Are Speakman shower heads good quality?
After over a hundred years of experience and dedication to innovation, Speakman has virtually perfected making high quality shower heads here at home at an affordable price. You can trust Speakman products.
What shower head gives you the best pressure?
If you want a high pressure shower head, look no further than the Speakman Retro. You’ll experience 64 nozzles of water at 2.5 GPM. However, you can’t use this shower head in California.
What is the difference between Speakman 2251 and 2252 shower heads?
The difference between the Speakman 2251 and 2252 are the number of sprays and flow rate options. The Speakman 2251 offers 64 customizable sprays, while the 2252 offers 48. Both shower heads feature a 2.5 GPM flow rate, but the Speakman 2252 offers a 1.75 GPM option making it a “low flow” option.
See this related post if you’re looking to upgrade your shower faucets:
