Building The Best DIY Dual Shower Head Is The Perfect Way To Have Exactly What You Want At Any Time. So let's explore how to add a handheld shower head to an existing shower and build your own custom double shower head system.
We get it, you wantchoices in the shower.Whether you live with a picky partnerwho wants a rainfall shower head and you want something smaller, or you need something more versatile like a hand held shower head for the kids,getting the best Dual Shower Head is the perfect way to have exactly what you want at any time.
The challenge is thatmanufacturer's spend most of the R&D effort on getting a 2 In 1 Shower Head in one package, sacrificing a lot of the features thatyou wouldfind ina stand aloneshower head.
That's why we're going to show you how to build your own DIY Dual Shower Head using the most durable components and get around those limitation let downs.
Whether you're exploring how to add a handheld shower head to an existing shower or want to start from scratch with two brand new shower heads, we've got the tips you need.
By the end of this article, you'll be equipped to build a Double Shower Head system that not only will save you the cost of hiring a plumber, but willhave the entire household singing in the shower!
Don't have time for the article? Check out this install video!
1. What Goes Into A DIY Dual Shower Head
Before Iget deep into what you'll need and what to look for, here's a list ofthe 3 core pieces to build your DIY Dual Shower Head:
- Shower Diverter Valve
- Hand Held Shower Head
- Fixed Shower Head
And below is a list of our top choices for building your own Double Shower Headwith Handheld.
Like everything at The Shower Head Store, we only offer all-metal shower heads that are hand-picked by our industry experts. When figuring out how to add a handheld shower head to an existing shower head, it's important to ensure you have the best parts for the job.
These combinations have all beentested in-house to make sure they pass our rigorous standards and are compatible for installation.
Dual Shower Head SystemComponents
| Shower Diverter Valve | Hand Held Shower Head Set | Fixed Shower Head |
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2. WhatExactly Is A Dual Shower Head?
Commonly referred to as a Double Shower Head or 2 in 1 Shower Head, a Dual Shower Head is what you get when you pair two showerheads using a shower diverter valve.
While you can purchase a pre-made double shower head system, they're often limited in their design and functionality. This is why we recommend building a DIY dual shower head.
In this article, we'll specifically be talking about Dual Shower Heads with external shower arm diverters which do not require any rough plumbing. While there are also plenty of other ways to build a DIY Dual Shower Head, we'll be showing you the most common and simplest way.
You won't have to drill holes in your wall, attach any funky suction cups or anything. All you'll be using is your existing shower arm and the 3 components that we'll be discussing in detail.
3.Pitfalls of Pre-Packaged Dual Shower Heads
The pre-packaged dual shower heads you'll find at most big box stores don't always give you that many options. Here are some of the biggest pitfalls of these pre-packaged deals:
- Limited Finish Options:Chrome seems to be the most abundant finish choice for dual shower heads. What if you need it in Brushed Nickel or Oil Rubbed Bronze?
- Similar Shower Heads:The fixed shower head often looks like the hand held shower head without the hose. The benefit of a custom DIY dual shower head is to have two very different shower heads depending on what you need.
- Equipped with a 2-wayshower diverter.What if you want a3-way shower diverter that runs both shower heads at the same time? When you learn how to add a handheld shower to an existing shower head using our guide, you can easily get this functionality.
- Material Quality: Most double shower head systems are not made with quality components. They're mostly plastic. Wouldn't it be nice to have something made from Metal and built to last?
These are just some of the things that you'll encounter if you're trying to get that perfect Dual Shower Head. But don't lose hope!
4. How To Build Your Perfect DIY Dual Shower Head
There are 3 essential pieces to building your own Double Shower Head with Handheld. The external shower diverter valve, the fixed shower head, and the hand held shower head.
A. Start With The Base - The Shower Diverter Valve
Like most things in life, starting with the right base makes all the difference. In this case, that base is the shower arm diverter valve. We touched on it earlier; the shower diverter valve is the piece that will attach to your shower arm and bring both shower heads together into that 2-In-1 Double Shower Head System.
And, there aretwo different shower diverter valves types:
- Shower Arm DiverterWITHOUTHand Shower Holder Mount
- Shower Arm DiverterWITHHand Shower Holder Mount.
B. Shower Diverter ValveWithout Holder Mount
These diverters are primarily used for Dual Shower Heads, where the hand held shower head has a separate wall mount bracket.
This would mean that you attach your Fixed Shower Head to the front threads of the Diverter, attach the Hand Shower Hose to the bottom threads of the Diverters and then have your own separate wall mount for your Hand Shower.
That wall mount could be another Shower Arm, a slide bar with handheld holder or a wall mount bracket that is affixed with screws or an adhesive.
Here's a great diagram by Delta Faucet:
C. Shower Diverter with Hand Shower Holder Mount
Then there's the shower diverter with the shower holder. The shower holder is the bracket hook that will actually hold your hand held shower head.
The benefit here is that you have everything you need to build your DIY Dual Shower Head in one cohesive piece - making installation much more straight forward.
What's thetrade-off? The shower holder is universal in size. So,although they'll fit manyhand showers, they won't fit them all. That's something that you'll need to test out first hand.
The Shower Head Store Recommendation: WE use the shower diverter WITHOUT the built-in shower holder for our DIY dual shower head. We prefer to just attach the included shower holder in the hand held shower head set to ensure a perfectly snug fit.
D. 2-Way Shower versus 3-Way Shower Diverter Valve
For the shower arm diverterswithoutthe holder mount, there are 2-Way and 3-Way Shower Diverters. The onlydifference is that the 2-way shower diverter can onlyrun one shower head at a time, where the 3-way shower diverter can also run both shower heads at the same time.
The Shower Head Stores Recommendation: We opt for the 3-way diverter over the 2-way diverter, as it gives the most options. Why not have the ability to run both shower heads at the same time? Exactly!
All Metal 3-Way Shower Arm Diverter Valve For Dual Shower Heads**Our Top Choice** |
5. Choosing A Hand Held Shower Head
When you're exploring how to make a double shower head, getting the right hand held shower head is almost as important as starting with the proper shower diverter base.
Avoid Hand Showers with Custom Shower Holders
Buying a hand held shower head with a custom holder just isn't worth it, if you're installing your entire Dual Shower Head all on the Shower Arm Diverter.
That's because you wouldn't be able to use these mounts, as your hand shower is going to mountonto a standard shower holder that is either attached or built-in to the diverter.
The two most popular shower heads with custom shower holders are the Moen Magnetix and Delta In2tion Shower Heads.
These both have those custom type of shower holder mounts, and just wouldn't be worth paying for if you're not actually going to end up using the custom mount.
Moen Magnetix | Delta In2ition |
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As long as you stick with a hand held shower head thatmounts on the traditional shower holder bracket, you'll be in great shape!
Standard Hand Held Shower Holder Bracket
Now that you know what to stay away from and what to look for, the options abound for a double shower head with handheld.
Here are some features to consider for your Hand Held Shower Head:
- Hose Length (Is a 60" hose sufficient, or will you need a longer one?)
- Pause Feature(Do you want the option to stop the flow of water on the hand shower when lathering up?)
- Water Filter(Is a water filter to remove impurities important to you?)
- Materials(Is plastic acceptable, or do you want to upgrade to a solid metal shower head?)
Hang tight, at the end of the article we'll give you the best DIY Dual Shower Head combination with all the pieces you need.
6. Find Your Fixed Shower Head
This is the easiest part of building the perfect DIY Dual Shower Head. Your fixed shower head will attach to the male threads on the front of the shower diverter and there really aren't any limitations here.
Some features to consider for your Fixed Shower Head:
- Size (Do you want a smallconcentrated flow or a large Rainfall Shower Head?
- Spray Settings (Do you want a massage spray or would you prefer a simpler single function showerhead?)
- Water Filter (Is a water filter to remove impurities important to you?)
- Materials (Is plastic acceptable, or do you want to upgrade to a solid metal shower head?)
The Shower Head Store's Pro Recommendation
This comes as a 3-piece set. Now available on The Shower Head Store, you can get this All Metal Dual Shower Head Combo in Chrome, Brushed Nickel or Oil Rubbed Bronze. Here's what's included:
- Hand Held Shower Head Set
- 8 Inch Rainfall Shower Head
- 3-Way External Shower Arm Diverter
We prefer the quality build of this set, as it's made from All Metal. Plus, it provides a nice balance with the more concentrated Hand Held Shower Head and the wide, 8-inch Rainfall Shower Head.
Build Your DIY Dual Shower Head
Now that you've learned how to add a handheld shower head to an existing shower and build your own DIY double shower head system, the sky's the limit when it comes to creating the custom shower of your dreams.
Use our recommended 3-piece dual shower head system, or design your own DIY dual shower head with your favorite fixed shower head, handheld shower head and shower diverter valve.
Already love your fixed shower head? Then simply upgrade with the dual shower head splitter and a handheld shower head. Or, start from scratch with all new pieces!
No matter how you build your DIY dual shower head system, The Shower Head Store is here to help! Contact us at any time to answer your shower head questions.
FAQs
Can you run two shower heads one valve? ›
Installing two shower heads in one shower is a great way to create a spa-like feeling in the bath. Frequently called "his and hers" shower heads, these two water sources may be operated independently from one another, or they may operate on the same valve.
How do dual shower heads work? ›Dual shower head systems comprise two shower heads in one unit: a fixed shower head and a hand-held one. The two-in-one setup means you can personalise your shower experience depending on your mood, alternating between the fixed head and the hand-held head.
How much does it cost to build a shower head? ›Answers to commonly asked questions
How much does showerhead installation cost? Depending on your location, labor costs for a simple showerhead replacement will run between $75-$150. You can expect to pay more if you choose to make repairs or plumbing changes at the time of install.
The Uniform Plumbing Code and International Building Code, in accordance with ASSE 1016, require that all tub/shower faucets now be of the pressure balance or the thermostatic mixing valve type. Two and three valve handles are not. The purpose for this is to prevent serious harm from hot water scalding.
What valve do I need for 2 shower heads? ›A 2-way valve means that you can divert water between two shower heads, whereas a 3-way valve can run water to those independent shower heads or to both at the same time. I'd always opt for the 3-way!
What is the advantage of a dual shower head? ›The advantage of a dual shower head system is that it provides you with twice the water flow than that of a standard showerhead. On top of this, it often has separate adjustable settings so that you can shower in comfort. Dual shower heads often provide high pressure and a wide range of spray settings.
Do different shower heads increase water pressure? ›Q. Are there shower heads that increase water pressure? Yes. High-pressure shower heads increase water pressure either by decreasing the flow rate or using a compression chamber.
Why are shower heads restricted? ›For water conservation purposes, most plumbing codes require faucets and showering devices to not exceed a certain maximum flow rate. Removing the flow restrictors could cause these devices to no longer meet these codes.
Can two showers run at the same time? ›You can set up a larger Continuous Flow Hot Water System. So you can have great pressure, fewer pressure fluctuations, and then be able to run two showers at the same time and make it super safe for kids and the elderly.
How do double shower hooks work? ›Convenient double hook design means that your inner and outer curtain are on separate hooks. That... Convenient double hook design means that your inner and outer curtain are on separate hooks. That makes it easier to quickly change out the liner to wash it.
Is it cheaper to build a shower or buy one? ›
Typically, prefabricated showers are much cheaper than tiled stalled shower stalls, often by many hundreds of dollars. Acrylic or fiberglass shower pans have some flexibility and will not crack if there is a small amount of flex to the subfloor.
How many gallons per minute does a shower head produce? ›A standard 2.5 GPM shower head uses 2.5 gallons of water each minute. That's 25 gallons for a 10-minute shower. VS. A low-flow 1.8 GPM shower head uses 1.8 gallons of water each minute.
What do I need to build my own shower? ›- Tile.
- Tile grout.
- Shower pan.
- Two-by-fours.
- Cement board.
- Liquid waterproofing membrane.
- Cement board seam tape.
- Thinset mortar.
1) Shower receptors shall be constructed and arranged so that water cannot leak through the walls or floor. 2) Not more than 6 shower heads shall be served by a single shower drain.
Can I add a handheld shower head to my existing shower head? ›There are several types of adapter kits that let you turn an existing shower or tub into a handheld shower: A standard fitting attaches to the existing shower arm and replaces the old showerhead with a flexible hose and handheld shower unit that can serve both as a stationary head or a handheld shower.
Can 2 showers share a vent? ›Yes they both can share a vent. The distance between yours is 4' if I read it correctly so you are well within the distance between the vent and fixtures so you should be golden unless your local code has some bizarre requirements.