A rain shower head system in your primary bathroom is like having a luxury spa right at home. Although it is possible to install a rain showerhead on a wall mounted arm, a ceiling rain shower head is where function and design really intersect. In nature rain comes from high above, and cascades down creating an engulfing waterfall effect. With a shower head from ceiling, a custom shower system will bring this magic to your home. keep reading to learn everything you ever wanted to know about rain shower systems with ceiling mounted showerheads. At FaucetList.com we have over 40 years of experience in the plumbing industry. We have written this guide to help educate home owners about which fixtures to buy when building a custom shower system. Armed with a little knowledge, you can create the ceiling mount rain shower system of your dreams! Make sure to check out all the inspiring images below and keep reading!
The image features a very popular Delta black rain shower head ceiling mount system with water raining down. Can you imagine how awesome it would be to wake up to this every morning?.
At FaucetList.com we are experts on shower systems. If you are reading this article, and want to learn more about shower systems with ceiling mounted rain showerheads, you have come to the right place! Whether you are looking for a dual rain shower head system or the best rain shower head for ceiling mount, this guide will help! Do you want a shower system with body spray jets or a handheld shower sprayer? We have that covered too! In addition, you can read a long list of frequently asked questions about rain showerhead systems. You'll see tons of beautiful and inspiring images and learn everything you need to know to purchase your dream custom shower system! We focus in this rain shower system guide primarily on the Delta brand of faucets and fixtures. However, almost all the information contained is applicable to other major brands like Moen, Kohler, Grohe, Brizo etc. Please make sure to consult your plumber before installing ceiling mounted rain shower head system as every project and job is different. We have tried to be as thorough as possible but this article is not a substitute for a plumber's real-world experience. The table of contents below makes it easy to jump around to the relevant sections. This article is long, so grab a cup of coffee, a piece of paper for notes, and read on!
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Pro Tip: Hire a Plumber! Installing rain head shower systems is a job for a professional plumber. Every project and bathroom is a bit different, so we strongly recommend you hire a licensed plumber for your ceiling rain shower system installation. Many potential issues can arise during the installation of a shower system with ceiling mounted rain showerhead. Without proper training and experience, you may not achieve optimal results. Use this article as a guide to help you with planning for and learning how to buy the required fixtures to build a shower system with ceiling mount rain showerhead.
A shower system with ceiling shower head is often referred to as a rain shower system. Typically rain shower heads will be quite large (think 8-inches or larger in diameter or 8-inches or larger square), have just a single-setting (with no special spray setting options), and be designed to fully engulf you with water. Normally a rain showerhead (such as those found in a Delta rain shower head system), will attach to the ceiling mounted shower arm via a ball-joint that will let you to swivel and angle the spray. The water spray will start from nozzles on the showerhead and spread out a bit as it cascades down, creating larger droplets of water and a waterfall type rain effect.
It is rare to fine a multi function rainfall shower head (although they do exist) whereas a standard wall mounted showerhead will often have many spray options. Normally shower faucets with rain showerheads feature just a single setting that utilizes mainly gravity to create the water pressure. For example, just about all delta ceiling mount shower kits include a single-setting showerhead. Delta ceiling rain shower systems usually contain a large single function showerhead attached via an 1/2-inch arm to the ceiling.
Standard wall mount showerheads are usually designed to create high-pressure directed streams of water. A normal wall mount showerhead might be 3-5 inches in diameter and feature 3-9 spray setting options. Spray setting options allow you to choose a spray pattern for specific tasks like washing your hair or massaging your back. Some wall mounted showerheads even have a pause feature for use while shaving or lathering up. Wall mount showerheads are normally very familiar to people, as they are found in just about every bathroom in America. The ubiquity of wall mount showerheads one reason a shower system with rain head feels so special and unique! Luxury rain shower systems really take your morning routine to the next level!
It's not that one type of shower head or the other is "better", it's much more of a personal preference. When in doubt, why not get both! It may be wise to consider installing a ceiling mounted rain shower system that also include a separate wall mounted showerhead. This is the exact solution offered by a full custom shower system with multiple spray outlets. In a custom shower system, you can have more than one showerhead, and control which is running at any given time using the diverter fixture (discussed more below). Using a diverter, you may add to the shower system a separate hand shower sprayer, a multi-function wall mount showerhead, or a set of body sprays.
Not all rain showerheads must be mounted to the ceiling. There is no rule stating that saying "rain showerhead" is equivalent to saying "ceiling mounted showerhead". Rain showerheads can also be attached to a wall mount shower arm. Typically, however, in order to get the rain shower effect, you need the shower arm to project from much higher up on the wall than a normal showerhead would demand. With a rain showerhead space must be allowed so you will be able to stand underneath and enjoy the rain effect. In addition, if you choose to mount a rain showerhead to the wall, you need a shower arm that projects sufficiently far so that you will be able to fully fit while standing underneath the spray. While possible, it is our recommendation that a rain showerhead should be mounted to a ceiling mount shower arm for best effect.
Whether you want a Moen shower system with rain shower and handheld, a Kohler rain shower head system, a Grohe ceiling mounted shower head system, a Delta shower system with rain shower and handheld, or any other brand of shower system, it's important that you understand the fixtures that actually control the flow of water to the spray outlets. If you plan to buy a shower system, you need to make sure you have all the correct parts on hand for when the plumber arrives to perform the installation. In this section we will explain the basic building blocks of a shower system. Although the specifics may vary a little depending on the brand, in general understanding these simple building blocks will enable you to create the custom shower system of your dreams!
Shower Systems are a set of fixtures that allow you to run more than one spray outlet at a time. A spray outlet could be a ceiling fixed shower head, a multi-setting wall mount showerhead, a handheld sprayer, or a set of body sprays. Most of the important work needed to accomplish sending warm water out to multiple spray outlets is done by the shower and diverter valve. In a typical shower faucet, you have only a single shower valve. The shower valve has two inputs. One for the hot water line which connects with your hot water heater, and one for the cold water line, which connects up with the cold water coming in from the city (or other water source). The shower valve's job is to mix the hot and cold water, and output a stream of warm water. Often a shower valve will have two outlets. One outlet leads to the showerhead, and the other can lead to a tub spout. In the case of a shower only faucet, i.e., one that does not have a tub spout, the bottom outlet port will be plugged or capped. This system works great if you have just a single spray outlet (normally a wall mount showerhead). However, if you want to create for example a shower system with rainfall shower head & hand shower you now need to support two separate spray outlets. A rainfall ceiling mount showerhead and a hand shower. One option you have is to simply split the pipe inside the wall. You run a pipe out from the shower valve outlet port, then split it inside the wall and run one line to the ceiling showerhead and one line to the hand shower. The downside of this is that it is an all or nothing solution. When you turn the water on, either both spray outlets will be on. When the water is off, both spray outlets will be off.
A shower system with rain shower head and hand shower will be much more functional if you utilize a diverter valve. A diverter is specifically designed to give you separate control over the spray outlets in your shower system. The diverter installs in between the shower valve and the spray outlets, and acts as a conduit for water only. It literally diverters the flow of warm water to the specific shower spray outlet you desire. In a system as described above, spray outlet 1 would be the ceiling mounted showerhead. Spray outlet 2 would be the hand shower. So, does that mean you need a 2-setting diverter? Actually no, because there are actually 3 spray combinations possible. In our example Delta rain shower package, spray setting one on the diverter would be ceiling mounted showerhead only. Spray setting option two would be the hand shower only. Spray setting option three would be both at the same time. Delta also has diverters that have 6-settings, and are designed to support a shower system with 3 separate spray setting groups. An Delta Integrated diverter valve for rain shower head is a great way to set up a multi-spray shower system.
Example of a Custom Moen Shower System utilizing volume controls instead of a diverter. The large control in the center sets the water temperature. The smaller control levers each control an individual spray outlet group. The spray groups are as follows: 1) showerhead 2) hand shower sprayer 3) set of body sprays, plumbed as a group. Image Source: https://www.hgtv.com/design/remodel/bathroom-remodel/shower-buying-guide
Delta ceiling shower systems typically utilize multi-function diverters. This has the advantage of limiting the number of controls on the wall, and simplifying both the look and operation of a rainfall complete shower system. In a Delta ceiling mount rain shower system, you will have a single control for the mixing valve, and a single control for the diverter. Delta even has a more streamlined set-up which utilizes their shower system integrated diverter and mixing valve fixture. However other brands like Moen or Kohler, have a non-diverter option for creating a shower system. Instead of a single diverter fixture with multiple settings, it is also possible to insert a volume control valve between the main shower mixing valve and the spray outlets. The catch here is that you will need one volume control for every spray outlet in your shower system. So a Kohler shower system with ceiling mount showerhead and handheld shower, when plumbed with volume controls, would need 1) a mixing valve, 2) a volume control for the ceiling showerhead, and 3) a separate volume control for the hand sprayer. In larger more complex systems with more spray options, you can end up with 3-5 separate levers on the wall. Customers often comment that this adds a lot of complexity in the morning when you just want to take a shower and need to remember which lever goes with which spray. On the positive side, volume controls give more precise control of the flow of water, which means you can literally adjust the flow rate of water coming out of each spray outlet. So volume controls are something at least to be aware about, especially because you will see the term diverter and volume control all over the place when reading about shower systems online. Therefore it's good to understand the difference.
The ceiling mount rain shower system in the images features Delta's triple pendant showerhead. Delta rain shower head systems can support up to 3 spray outlet groups. In this case, the Delta ceiling mount showerhead utilizes their h2Okinetic technology and features a multi-showerhead design. In addition, this complete ceiling rain shower head system features 4 Delta HydraChoice body sprays, which futuristically pop out of the wall when the water is turned on. Finally, this shower system also features a multi-setting hand shower sprayer on a slidebar. The modern chrome finish and styling of Delta's Zura collection creates a stunning effect. An overhead rain shower system like this is both beautiful and functional. The hand shower sprayer mounted on an adjustable slidebar, can double as a secondary wall-showerhead. This provides you with the benefits of a directed water spray for tasks like washing your hair, while the rain and waterfall shower head above provides engulfing warmth and relaxation.
When purchasing rain shower head kits for your home, you should consider the various configurations a rain shower diverter will support. We will go into greater detail on each of these ceiling mount shower head system configurations in the next few sections of this article, but it helps to have an introductory overview so you can skip to the section most relevant to you. A Delta ceiling mounted shower head can be paired with the following other spray options: A hand shower sprayer, a set of wall mount body spray jets, or a standard multi-setting wall mount showerhead. There are four popular configurations we'll discuss in more detail. Full Custom Shower System with Ceiling Mounted Rain Showerhead and Hand Shower, Full Custom Shower System with Ceiling Mounted Rain Showerhead and Body Spray Jets, Full Custom Shower Systems with Ceiling Mounted Rain Showerhead plus Standard Wall Mount Shower Head, and Full Custom Shower System with Ceiling Mounted Rain Showerhead, Handheld Shower and Body Spray Jets.
A Delta over the head rain shower system with hand shower sprayer includes a ceiling mounted showerhead, plus a wall mounted personal hand wand, that can double as second showerhead (depending on where it attached to the wall). Delta shower rain systems with body sprays include a ceiling mounted showerhead and a set of 2-4 body spray jets. Multi-showerhead systems with ceiling rain head and wall mount showerhead are another popular configuration which offers the best of both showerhead types. A custom shower with body sprays kits, hand shower sprayer, plus ceiling rain showerhead utilizes Delta's 6-setting diverter to control all 3 spray groups. Remember, with all configurations, body sprays are plumbed as a group. You should familiarize yourself with the concept of pressure-loops if you plan to install shower kits with body jets. Pressure-loops equalize water temperature and pressure in a shower system with body sprays. Read more on installing shower systems with body sprays. If you want a ceiling mount rain shower system, keep scrolling to see pictures and read details about the various spray configuration options available.
Whether you want a Moen rain shower head system, a Grohe rain shower head system, a Kohler ceiling mount shower head system, or a Delta rainfall shower system, a configuration with a ceiling mounted rain showerhead and a handheld sprayer is a winning combination. A 3 setting rain ceiling shower system gives you the option to run the ceiling mount showerhead alone, hand shower sprayer alone, or both at the same time. The real beauty of a system like this is that the hand shower can more or less double as a standard wall showerhead. If you have a hand shower sprayer installed on a slidebar, you can raise the hand shower mount to a higher position, and use the hand shower spray as you would a typical showerhead. Basically, what you end up with is a detachable showerhead i.e. it's even better than a normal wall mount showerhead. A Delta dual head rain shower system is something customers often ask about. We often will point to a shower system configuration that features a ceiling mount rain head, giving you the benefit of a large overhead spray, with the addition of a handheld shower. This shower system configuration is extremely versatile and the hand shower sprayer is something that you should not want to forgo. Hand showers can be used as a normal showerhead, are great for cleaning your shower, and make all sorts of other tasks like washing a dog easier! A Delta shower system with square rain shower head and a modern angular hand shower like the one shown in the image is the perfect addition to any home!
Delta shower systems with rain shower example: Delta Ara Matte Black Modern Shower System with Integrated Diverter with Hand Sprayer and Slide Bar + Large Square Ceiling Mount Showerhead SS24867BL2
Spray setting options of this square rainfall shower head set: 1) Ceiling Showerhead only, 2) Hand Shower Sprayer only, 3) Both at the same time.
In the image above you see featured a Delta compel shower system ceiling rainfall showerhead and set of four Hydrachoice body sprays. This shower system includes a large oversized round modern style ceiling mounted rain head. Delta shower head rain kits like this are configured with a 3-setting diverter. The most important thing to remember when it comes to a shower system with body sprays is that the sprays themselves are plumbed as a group together inside the wall. Therefore, they are either all "on" or all "off", depending on your diverter setting selection. A Delta compel rain shower system is one of their round style modern collections. Note the round, modern rain showerhead with its slim minimalist profile. The body sprays are also round, as is the shower system control handle settings. This shower system features cylindrical shower control handles. A Hydrachoice body spray system offers some unique benefits, including the ability to angle the body sprays up, down, left or right. In addition, Hydrachoice body spray jets are hydro powered to pop out of the wall when you turn on the water. This creates a futuristic effect sure to wow your guests! A is the case with all complete body spray systems you will want to make sure to consider the installation prior to purchase and always make sure to use a licensed plumber. If you are interested in learning more, read our article on Delta shower set with jets. Pay close attention to the section that discusses pressure balancing loops as this is essential for the best experience. A shower system with ceiling rain head and wall jets literally engulf you in water from all angles. This type of shower will help make sure no part of you will feel cold as cascading warm water will surround you at all times!
Delta ceiling mount shower system with body sprays example: Delta Cassidy Chrome Finish Shower System with Dual Control Handle, 3-Setting Diverter, Ceiling Mount Showerhead, and 3 Body Sprays SS17975
Spray setting options of this square rainfall shower head set: 1) Ceiling Showerhead only, 2) 3 body spray jets (plumbed as a group) only, 3) All body sprays and rain shower head at the same time.
A Delta rain head shower faucet kit with ceiling mount showerhead and wall showerhead is a very popular shower system configuration. It is easy to understand why when you think about the reasons for wanting a multi showerhead Delta shower set with rainhead. The ceiling mounted rain showerhead provides the warmth and drenching effect. The wall mounted showerhead is great for everyday shower tasks such as hair washing. A Delta rainfall shower head set gives you both options in a single shower along with full control over each spray option. With a normal shower valve and showerhead package you only have the ability to control a single showerhead. However, if you order a complete shower system, the addition of the diverter fixture will allow the addition of the ceiling mount rain showerhead. The diverter gives you the power to decide which of the spray outlets is running at any given time. You have full flexibility to customize your shower experience. A Delta ceiling rain shower set with wall mounted showerhead system transforms your morning shower into a luxury spa-like experience. Both wall and ceiling showerhead can be angled to create the perfect spray pattern for you. Style-wise a custom shower system can't be beat and is sure to make your bathroom renovation the envy of all your friends and family! Plus, a complete shower system can help improve the value of your home as it is a desirable feature that many luxury home buyers have come to expect. Install your dual showerhead system and enjoy the benefits on a daily basis!
Delta complete multi function rain shower system with ceiling showerhead and wall spray example: Delta Dryden Venetian Bronze Shower System with Dual Control Shower Handle, 3-setting Diverter, Large Modern Rain Square Shower Head, and Wall Mount Showerhead SS175184RB
Spray setting options of this overhead rainfall shower kit: 1) Ceiling Showerhead only, 2) Wall Showerhead only, 3) Both Ceiling Rain Showerhead and Wall Shower Head at the same time.
This modern Delta thermostatic shower system with rain showerhead includes several of Delta's signature fixtures. A rain shower and body jets combo with the addition of a hand shower truly does it all! This rain shower system with body jets utilizes Delta's 17T Thermostatic shower cartridge which offers the highest water flow rate output to ensure all fixtures have sufficient water. Next, it features a 11.75-inch Delta ceiling mounted rain shower head. This is the largest size showerhead made by Delta, and has a flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute, the maximum allowed by USA federal regulations. This shower head is legit. It epitomizes the definition of what a waterfall rain showerhead should be and is truly designed to flood you with water. The hand shower sprayer has multiple spray setting, and is mounted sufficiently high on the wall that it can double as a shower head with separate rain head above. Plus, with a hand shower you are able to detach the spray from the wall which provides the additional benefits of a directed spray. A Delta large rain shower system like this would not be complete without the addition of body spray jets. This thermostatic shower system with rainfall shower includes Delta's Hydrachoice Body Spray Jets which literally pop out of the wall when you turn on the water! The body sprays are plumbed on a pressure loop to maximize water output. They can be angled 50 degrees in any direction allowing you to fully customize your shower experience. A custom rainfall and shower head diverter kit system like this really has all the bells and whistles. That being said, installation is not a DIY project. This type of custom shower system should be installed by a plumber. We have an excellent, and extremely thorough guide on shower systems with body spray jets and hand shower that is definitely worth a read. The impact of a delta rain head shower system with hand shower and body sprays on your daily shower routine will be huge. Get a luxury spa shower experience each and every day in the comfort of your own home!
To create a Delta shower valve and rain shower head system with body jets and hand shower a lot of components are required, and some planning as to their installation will be demanded if you want to achieve the best results. In the image you can see a breakdown of the fixtures that make up a complete shower system set. You may be surprised (or not) to learn that you would need 17 component fixtures to construct this shower system. At FaucetList.com we have pre-built many shower systems to help make ordering easier. Modifications are always possible, and the various fixture combinations are nearly endless. If you get a sense for how everything goes together, you can make substitutions as need. Remember, in addition to the valves which install inside the wall, there are also pipes that connect all the spray outlets to the water source. These pipes are provided by your plumber, and the specific type of pipe, as well as the amount required depends entirely on your desired outcome. There are no rules here. If you want the controls near the entrance of the shower so the water has time to warm up before you step inside, no problem. If you want the body sprays on opposing walls so water hits you from both sides, go for it! The cool thing about a custom shower system is you can do what you want. Position the parts as you see fit. Just make sure you understand the relationship between the components so you get the best experience. And please head our advice and use a professional plumber. Making sure the pressure is balanced between all fixtures and everything works as expected is something a profession with experience can make happen. A ceiling mount rain shower head with diverter system will change your daily routine for the better. Build and order your shower system today!
Delta Champagne Bronze / modern brushed gold finish complete ceiling mount rain shower head and shower system with body jets and hand shower example: Delta Cassidy Champagne Bronze Shower System with Dual Thermostatic Control, Diverter, Ceiling Showerhead, 3 Body Sprays, and Hand Shower SS17T972CZ4
Spray setting options of this thermostatic shower system with rain showerhead: 1) Ceiling Showerhead only, 2) Hand Sprayer only, 3) Body Spray Jets (plumbed as a group) only, 4) Ceiling Rain Head and Hand Wand together, 5) Ceiling Mount Showerhead and Body Spray Set together, 6) Hand Shower Spray and Body Spray Jets together.
This stunning bathroom features a ceiling mount showerhead rain system with hand shower made by Delta. The fixtures are from Delta's Ara collection and are chrome finish, with angular lines. Shower systems with overhead rain shower are perfect for a large open bathroom like this. Delta rain shower system ceiling mount showerheads are oversized and create a large area of water to stand underneath. Delta ceiling mount shower head systems with a hand shower are more versatile still. The hand shower is mounted to a slide bar allowing you to adjust the sprayhead up or down the bar. Furthermore, the hand shower sprayer features multiple spray settings, perfect for washing your hair or cleaning the shower. The rain shower from the ceiling provides a warm waterfall of flow of water, cascading over you while you shower. This refreshing spa-like shower is the best of its kind and sure to make waking up in the morning a true delight!
What makes this shower extremely special is that it features not one, but two complete shower systems. Utilizes Delta's Integrated Diverter Shower System Control, the homeowner has constructed a stunning masterpiece of bathroom design. Honestly, this is not a single person shower. It is actually so large that this bathroom features a shower system on each side of the shower "compound." The Delta shower ceiling mounted triple pendant showerhead is installed up above. Based on the flow patterns shown in this image, we can deduce something about the configuration of the plumbing. Notice in the image that the ceiling showerhead has water flowing, the body sprays and showerhead on the left have water flowing, and the hand shower plus showerhead on the right has water flowing as well. This implies the Delta rain shower ceiling mount has its own separate shower valve control. The two shower systems on either side, likely utilize a 3-setting diverter and the water is flowing via the shared diverter setting. No Delta single shower system diverter supports running 3 spray groups at the same time, so this implies the ceiling mounted shower head must have its own control (not visible in the picture), independent from the two shower systems on either side. This installation helps illustrate the creativity possible if you learn a bit about how shower systems work! Get creative and start planning the ceiling mounted rain shower head shower systems of your dreams!
Delta shower systems with large rainheads and body sprays make for a wonder showering experience. If you are someone who sometimes feels cold while taking a shower, a shower set with diverter and jets and a rain showerhead is for you! The Delta body spray shower system from the Compel collection shown in this image features 4 Hydrachoice wall jets and a large overhead ceiling mount showerhead. The body spray jets can be angled however you like. This allows you to stand completely surrounded by warm water spray. The Delta Compel collection features a modern sleek minimal design. This style works great for a chrome Delta shower head with body jets system. The brilliant chrome is further accentuated by the muted black and gray color scheme of this stunning bathroom. A walk in shower with body jets is a luxury everyone deserves to experience!
Body sprays shower systems are great, especially when paired with a rain showerhead and a handheld shower spray. This configuration has all the bells and whistles. A large oversized rain ceiling mounted showerhead cascades water from above. The body spray jets surround you with warming massaging water. The hand shower is perfect for a more directed spray or for specific tasks like washing your hair or shaving your legs. This modern shower system with ceiling showerhead, body jets, and hand spray wand is shown in stylish stainless steel finish. The fixtures are from the Delta Ara Collection. The rain showerhead shown is Delta's largest, coming in at a whopping 11.75-inches. In addition, this shower system features 4 of Delta's Hydrachoice body sprays which can be angled up down, or side to side, ensuring the water sprays exactly where you want, and never where you don't (like in your eyes)! The hand shower features a slidebar making it easy to adjust the spray to your preferred height. A shower system like this will give you a wonderful and customizable experience each and every use!
In this image you see a full bathroom view featuring the same Delta Ara collection shower system from the previous image. It helps give you an idea of how a coherent collection of fixtures can make your primary bathroom have that designer feel. A shower system with body jets, ceiling mount shower, and hand sprayer is the luxury feature every home owner should demand. Not only does a shower system with body sprayers raise the value of your home, it also is an absolute pleasure to use on a daily basis. This bathroom features also a Delta Freestanding Tub Filler faucet and dual wall mount sink faucets. FaucetList.com can help you with ordering a complete Delta shower system with body spray and rough in valve with rain showerhead, along with everything else you need to get your bathroom project moving forward. This is the time for action! Get the fixtures on order and call the plumber today!
Imagine yourself in a large master bathroom like this. The fire crackling, sitting and relaxing in your deluxe freestanding tub, sipping a glass of something bubbly. Feelings of soothing relaxation exude from this bathroom. With chrome fixtures from the Delta Tesla collection, the bathroom of your dreams comes with the luxury of modern plumbing fixtures. A Delta rain shower head with ceiling mount arm is at the top of the frame. Graceful and modern, the shower system has it all. The overhead rain shower is paired with a set of three Hydrachoice body sprays and a hand shower spray. With a large open space, you'll have plenty of space to move and turn. However, because of the large overhead showerhead plus the wall jets, you'll never have to step out of the warm water! Shower systems with ceiling mount showerhead, hand spray, and wall body jets provide a luxury that has to be experience to be believed! Don't live another day where a normal shower is good enough. Think bigger, think richer, and order a stunning complete shower system for you master bathroom!
This Delta shower system with wall shower 3 body sprays and ceiling mounted rain showerhead is from the Vero collection. It includes Delta Hydrachoice body sprays which offer an amazing set of features. Delta Hydrachoice body sprays can be angled in any direction. They pop out of the wall when you turn on the water using hydro power. A Delta rain shower body spray combo pairs great with a hand shower. Delta shower systems with body sprays and rain shower bring true luxury to your home. These modern stainless steel finish fixtures perfectly complement the clean modern style of this large bathroom. The combination of gray, stainless steel metal, and wood, along with the white porcelain tub and sink offer a soothing and sleek designer feel that feels lux and expensive. This functional shower and bathroom space creates a welcoming feeling, inviting you to spend more time on your self-care routines. Why not bring the spa experience to your home? Get a Delta modern shower overhead rain showerhead system for your bathroom renovation or new home build!
A complete shower system with ceiling mounted rain shower head is a big purchase. It's not that the ceiling mounted shower head itself is so complicated, but buying the entire shower system, with all valves and other component fixtures is quite complex. Knowing which parts you need to build a custom rain shower system can be daunting. We prepare our shower systems guides with beginners in mind. It is our goal to help you make an educated purchase. Over the years we have compiled some frequently asked questions about shower systems with a showerhead coming from the ceiling. Take a look at the FAQs below to learn more!
For a shower faucet to include a shower head for ceiling, there must be a modification made inside the wall. Specifically, you need the pipe which directs water from the shower valve outlet (or the diverter in the case of a shower system with multiple spray outlets) to lead up to the ceiling instead of projecting from the wall. There is nothing inherently special or difficult about this although it takes a little more effort. The plumber must simply continue the pipe up and create a bend to run it in the ceiling. From there, you'll need a straight shower head ceiling arm instead of the angled shower arm typically found in a wall mount installation. Keep in mind, must physically be space in the ceiling to run the pipe for this to succeed.
A rain showerhead is also sometimes called a waterfall showerhead. This is because the water more or less falls out. Sometimes there are small spray nozzles, but generally speaking a rain style showerhead is designed to provide a very full amount of coverage, while sacrificing a stronger, more directed spray. A rain shower mimics the way it feels to actually stand in the rain outside. You will be surrounded by water, making for a warm and luxurious shower experience. Usually rain showerheads have just one spray setting. It is not typical to find a multi function rain shower head. A regular showerhead is typically small, and offers multiple spray settings. In a standard showerhead you can find options such as massaging spray which provides a significantly more powerful directed spray. This is great for washing out shampoo from hair for example. One reason ceiling rain shower head systems with multiple spray outlets have become popular, is they allow to have the best of both worlds. A multi-showerhead system set up allows you to have the calming warmth of a rain shower, as well as offering the directed spray option provided by a standard shower system.
You are not restricted to installing the shower head on the ceiling if you want a rain showerhead. A rain shower head can also be used on a wall mount arm, however typically you would want the type of wall mount shower arm that projects a bit further out from the wall so you will be able to enjoy the full rain effect. If you have a standard 1/2-inch wall mount shower arm, you can attach just about any showerhead you want, including a rain style showerhead. Because rain style showerheads typically take advantage of gravity, instead of pressurized spray, it may not make sense to install a rain showerhead in every shower. Especially if you shower faucet has a relatively low shower arm, it might be better to have a more standard style showerhead.
Because the best rain shower head system will fully engulf you in warm water, you should buy a rain showerhead that is sufficiently large to provide coverage. Especially if you are installing a rain shower head in the ceiling, you'll want to go with something large. Ideally 8" or more as anything less and you'll start to lose some of the benefits. In addition to the large size, a ceiling mounted waterfall shower head should have a lot of holes/nozzles. This will spread out the water providing many streams necessary to create the rainfall effect. Finally, you'll really want to look for a trusted brand. Brands like Delta, Moen, Grohe, and Kohler have been around for a long time and are trusted for a reason. If you want your shower system with rain head to perform as expected for a long time, stick with a well-known trusted brand.
Delta shower systems with rain shower and handheld are some of the most popular and well-rounded shower systems on the market today. Delta rain shower head ceiling mount systems are consistently ranked among the best by consumers and professionals alike. The best multi head shower system however, is the one that fits your requirements. As with anything, there are many things to consider. What finish do you want? What style do you like? Modern, traditional, transitional, minimal, etc. What is your budget? How important to you is warranty and ease of access to replacement parts. For all of these reasons, Delta is a very strong choice. However other large brands should not be ignored if you are looking to buy a multi showerhead system. Moen, Kohler, and Grohe are all very well regarded in the industry. Although it's tempting to go with some of the more affordable no-name brand options you can find online, you will likely have issues down the line. With showers, installation is expensive and complicated so it is better to choose a brand with a lifetime warranty with replacement part availability.
When shopping for a Delta rain shower head system you fill find that Delta ceiling rain shower heads come in round, square, and rectangular styles. Square ceiling mounted shower heads are typically pair with shower systems that utilize angular modern style trim kits. Meaning, when your control handle and diverter handle are squared off with sharp right angles, it's typical (although not mandatory) to pair an angular square or rectangular showerhead. If your shower system utilizes a round design trim kit with cylindrical or curved handles, a round ceiling mount showerhead may be a better choice. This is pretty much purely an interior design question as it is mostly about aesthetics. The math tells us that a 10" round rain showerhead provides 78.5-inches of area, whereas a 10" x 10" square rain showerhead provides 100-inches of area. Based on this, you could argue that a square showerhead offers a greater coverage area. In a practical sense however, any large ceiling mounted rain shower head will be a pleasure to use so don't let the shape play an oversized roll in your decision.
A ceiling mount shower head system that includes a rain showerhead offers many advantages. The primary advantage being that a ceiling hung shower head allows you to stand completely underneath the showerhead spray, engulfing you in soothing warm water. This is what rain showerheads are made for. A large ceiling mounted shower head with rain style nozzles will surround you with a cocoon of warmth. You will never be cold in the shower again! Especially if you buy a Delta ceiling mounted rain shower head system with multiple showerheads, you will get to take advantage of the full luxury spa-like experience everyday!
To install a rain showerhead on the ceiling you will need to run the pipe inside the wall up and out through the ceiling. The warm mixed water from the valve, must be transported to a spot on the ceiling from which your rain showerhead will be attached via the shower head ceiling mounting arm. Installing rain shower head from ceiling is a job for a professional and must be done while both the wall and the ceiling are open. The best rainfall shower head systems are sure to include a ceiling mount showerhead so discuss with your plumber the option of adding one to your shower system plans.
When installing a rain shower head on ceiling you will quickly notice that the height of the users must be taken into account. A six-foot-tall individual is 72-inches tall. Typically rain showerhead are installed at a minimum height of 80-84 inches to accommodate taller users (source: grohe.us). Remember, this is just a guideline. If you go to the trouble of installing a ceiling mount rain showerhead system, you should make sure that all members of the household can take a shower without bumping their head! As far as the other end of the spectrum, there is actually no real upper limit for the height at which you can install a rainfall showerhead. Just keep in mind, the spray will spread out as the distance grows. This means if you install the showerhead too high, it may also be sub-optimal. Delta and other brands make slightly longer shower arms to accommodate this. Around 20-24 inches from the tallest users head would be about the maximum recommended height for a ceiling mounted showerhead.
If you have low ceilings, you should consider whether or not a rain shower head system ceiling showerhead is right for you. You should try to have at least 80-84 inches of clearance from floor to the bottom of the showerhead. Remember, it is actually possible to buy shorter shower arms which are designed to be used in specifically this type of situation. Delta rain shower systems include the option of a 3.5-inch shower arm as well as many options of low-profile ceiling mounted rain shower heads. This will allow you to maximize the space in a bathroom with a lower than average ceiling.
The best ceiling mounted rain shower head arm is the one that gives you the proper clearance underneath the showerhead and accommodates for the height of the tallest user. Typical Delta ceiling mount shower head systems include a 9-inch ceiling mount shower arm. However, Delta offers a variety of other shower arm lengths. The shortest being 3.5-inches and the longest being 14-inches. Other brands may offer arms even longer than that. The goal is typically to have the ceiling mounted raincan showerhead to be around 80-84 inches from the floor. A typical 6-foot person (72-inches) will fit underneath comfortably and not have to worry about bumping their head. A custom waterfall shower head system allows you to construct your own kit from components. If you understand how the parts go together, you can make strategic substitutions (such as a shorter shower arm) to accommodate for a vast variety of bathroom ceiling and user height combinations.
The best thing about a rainfall shower head system with ceiling mounted rain showerhead is that the placement is up to you! Custom shower systems give you the flexibility to position the ceiling mounted rain showerhead in the most convenient spot. We do however have a few tips. Make sure that the showerhead is not positioned directly over the drain. If the location of the showerhead on the ceiling is directly over the drain, that is where the user will be standing. Standing on the drain can be unpleasant and may create a blockage which will not allow water to drain properly. Best to position the drain on one side of the shower or the other. The rain shower location should be far enough away from any of the shower walls that you are able to freely turn and rotate as needed underneath the spray. Consider also if you have a ceiling mounted shower head with handheld system that you may want to be close enough to reach the hand shower without needing to leave the warm water spray. It might even be a good idea to take your shower for a "dry" (haha) run and try to imagine how it might feel when the fixtures are all installed and the water is running.
As the classic sales trainer Zig Ziglar would say: "Wouldn’t you agree that it’s better to pay a little more than expected, than a little less than you should have? This quote is especially true when it comes to shower fixtures. With a bathroom or kitchen faucet, you can maybe get away with installing a less expensive product, but in the shower the possible issues caused by the failure of an inferior product are simply too great. Flooding caused by a faulty valve could mean redoing the entire bathroom. We recommend sticking with the major plumbing brands when purchasing a rain showerhead. For a custom shower system we stress the importance of high-quality products, lifetime warranties, and availability of parts. If you install a less expensive no-name brand rain shower system, you may find yourself 5 years down the line ripping out your tile because you can't get a specific washer you need desperately need. This will not be an issue with the major US plumbing brands. If you are considering installing a custom shower system, do yourself a favor and stick with a Grohe ceiling mounted rain shower head system, a Moen ceiling mount rain shower head system, a Kohler ceiling mounted rain shower head system, or a Delta ceiling mounted rain shower head system.
The cost of installing the rain shower head itself is negligible and is an easy do-it-yourself. Unscrew your old showerhead, and screw on your new rain showerhead. Assuming that is, you only wanted to change the existing showerhead only! If instead you meant how much does it cost to install a custom Delta shower system with ceiling shower head, well now that's a different question entirely. A Delta ceiling mount rain shower systems requires a professional for installation. Installation of a full custom Delta rain shower set will require ripping out tile and opening up your bathroom walls. It will mean opening up the ceiling as well if you want a ceiling mount showerhead. This type of project is typically only undertaken in the context of a new home build or a full bathroom renovation. According to Angie's list, in 2023 the "The average cost to install a shower is $7,181, but varies depending on any changes to your existing bathroom layout." They state the normal range of a shower installation is $3,749 - $11,061. Many factors come into play here, but obviously labor costs can vary a lot depending on location.
Absolute. Imagine waking up every day to a luxury spa shower experience. A rain shower head for ceiling allows you to stand directly in the middle of the shower surrounded by cascading warm water. A rain system shower head will impact your life daily. Waking up every morning will be so much easier knowing you have a soothing warm shower waiting. Ending your day with a warm rain shower head system is sure to wash away all the worries of the work day, and reset and re-energize you for a relaxing evening. Either way, a rainfall shower head is a luxury everyone should have in their life!
Showerhead water consumption is federally limited in the United States to 2.5 gallons per minute. States like California have even stricter water consumption laws, limiting your showerhead to a maximum of 1.8 gallons per minute. Whether you have a rainfall showerhead or a standard wall mounted showerhead, your showerhead will use no more than the regulated maximum amount of water. This is one reason that showerheads larger than about 12-inches, start to have diminishing returns in terms of value. Just because the showerhead is larger, doesn't mean it actually uses more water. It simply spreads the same amount of water over a larger area. In fact, many very small showerheads utilize the full 2.5 gallons per minute maximum. They do so to create a high-pressure directed water spray. A roof mounted shower head with a rain style flow will simply spread that 2.5 gallons per minute across a larger area and let gravity create the pressure (and the soothing rain drop effect).
Showerheads in USA are limited to a water flow rate of a maximum of 2.5 gallons per minute. The amount of hot water used is directly related to the flow rate, and the temperature setting you have on your shower control dial. If you have a rain showerhead that utilizes the maximum, 2.5 gallons per minute you are likely using about 1.75 gallons per minute of hot water (an estimated 70% of a warm water mix is coming from the hot water tank). Typically, this is not going to be a real issue, however if you have a custom shower system ceiling mount rain shower head with handheld sprayer and body spray jets you may be using significantly more than 2.5 gallons a minute (with all spray outlets flow rate combined). In this case you may need to do some calculations of your hot water usage requirements and install a sufficiently large hot water tank or some type of tankless water heater solution.
A rain shower uses a maximum of 2.5 gallons of water per minute. Typically, water pressure will not be an issue if you only have a single shower head running. Water pressure will be more of a concern if you have a ceiling mount rain shower head with handheld combo or another type of shower system like a ceiling mount showerhead with body sprays. Most major manufacturers recommend you have a water pressure of at least 45 PSI in order to use a rain showerhead. 60-80 PSI is preferred, and this range will guarantee you will get the maximum benefit from your ceiling mounted rain shower fixture.
Rain shower heads can work just fine with lower water pressure, but it depends on your expectations and desires. If you want a ceiling mounted rain shower head with handheld system with multiple spray outlets, water pressure will be of more concern. If you simply want a single rain showerhead then your water pressure demands are not actually going to be unreasonable. A showerhead in the US is allowed to have a maximum flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute. Assuming you do not have a dual rain shower head system or something like that, and have just one single ceiling mounted rain showerhead utilizing a maximum of 2.5 gallons per minute, it is unlikely you will have a water pressure issue, regardless of how low your water pressure actually is. Tub spouts use significantly more water than a showerhead, and if you have enough pressure to power a tub spout, you have enough for a rain showerhead. In some situations, such as if you are on a well, you may want to discuss this with a plumber and have them test your water pressure prior to selecting your plumbing fixtures.
Generally speaking there is no easy way to increase the pressure to your rain showerhead once everything is all installed. The maximum water output from your shower valve is determined by two factors. The valve itself, and the water pressure coming into your home from the city. In the case of certain brands, like Delta, the shower cartridge plays a role as well. It's possible that if you change your trim kit to one which includes a Delta 17T thermostatic shower cartridge, you will be able to raise your water output. Read more about Delta thermostatic 17T cartridges. Another option is to consider installing a pressure booster to your home. Sometimes this is really the only option you have. Before taking any extreme steps, it might be wise to make sure the plumber properly flushed your water lines of debris prior to finishing the installation of your showerhead. If there were any kind of dirt, debris, or other particles in the line, they might have clogged the showerhead and could be restricting water flow. Cleaning out the lines by flushing them properly could potentially help. Read more water pressure tips from Delta.
Shower systems with a ceiling mounted rain showerhead are a popular configuration for a reason. The waterfall rain effect provided by a large overhead showerhead is truly magnificent. When a rainfall showerhead is paired with a set of wall mount body spray jets and a hand shower wand you'll feel like you have a spa right in your home. For years now, just about every HGTV program has featured a complete custom shower system in the primary bathroom of any nice home. It's not just for the resale value that homeowners are demanding better and better master showers. It's because they are just so amazing to use on a daily basis! Imagine waking up to a warm rainfall showerhead. Truly invigorating! Or what about a relaxing shower at the end of a hard day, complete with massaging body spray jets. A full custom shower system is something you'll use on a daily basis, so why not splurge and get the one you really want. Showers are one of the few items in your home that you literally use on a daily basis. Build and install the shower system of your dreams and make sure it includes a highly desirable ceiling mounted rain showerhead!
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Co-founder, FaucetList.com, Plumbing Industry Experience: 25+ years
Nick Kuzmin has been working with or around plumbing products for over 25 years. This lifetime of experience has given him a large amount of useful and practical knowledge on almost all plumbing related topics which he freely writes about and shares online. Nick co-founded FaucetList.com with his father Jim in 2011.
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