How to Install a Shower System with a Rain and Hand Held Shower Head

Do you want a hotel-style shower system but aren't prepared to open up your wall to install new valves? The Shower Head Store is here to deliver another gem so you can upgrade your bathroom with super high-quality fixtures without blowing the budget.

This article is specifically written for all the great customers that reached out to us because they fell in love with the design of the shower system featured on our homepage's main image, which is the same image at the top of this page. That shower system pairs up a rainfall shower head on an overhead shower arm with a handheld shower head on a shower bar. In fact, that setup is part of a complete set.

The issue? Well, there are 3.

1. That set up was specifically designed with the use of an INTERNAL diverter valve that needs to be installed in the wall, as outlined in our in-depth Shower Remodel 101 article.

2. The shower heads are plastic. So although we love the look, we do not sell this shower system because it doesn't meet our material criteria.

3. Customers were buying our all metal dual shower head, plus some other components, to try and replicate that set up but they were running into issues with getting all of the components to fit together.

So, now that you have the backstory, let's jump in and break down the components needed to get the best all metal shower system money can buy. And, of course, without any overly complicated fixtures or plumbing!

Part 1: Dual Shower Head

Information: The All Metal Dual Shower Head Set by HammerHead Showers will be the groundwork of the shower system. It gives you an 8 Inch Rain Shower Head, Hand Held Shower Head Set and 3-Way Shower Arm Diverter.

Installation: The rainfall shower head will install to the overhead shower arm and the hand shower to the slide bar. And instead of using that internal shower valve, you'll be using the 3-way shower arm diverter included with this set.

Dual Shower Head Set

Part 2: Overhead Shower Arm

Information: An overhead shower arm is much longer and has a more extreme bend in the angle of the shower arm than traditional ones. This will give you that true rain shower head affect.

Installation: You will attach this shower arm to the 3-way diverter and then attach your rain shower head to the shower arm.

17 Inch Overhead Shower Arm

Part 3: Shower Slide Bar

Information: Slide bars mount to your wall and allow you to adjust the height of the handshower by sliding the holder mount up and down the pole. It really adds another layer of flexibility to a product that is already super versatile. Slide bars are great for households that have a varying range in height or with special needs like elderly or disabled.

Installation: You'll mount this in close proximity to the overhead shower arm and diverter, so that the hand shower hose can easily reach it. You'll dock your hand held shower head into the holder on this slide bar.

25 Inch All Metal Shower Slider Bar

25 Inch Slide Bar for Hand Held Shower Heads

Part 4: Random Plumbing Accessories

Now, typically with this double shower head system setup, you'd be working with an internal transfer valve. However, as you know, we'll be using an external shower arm diverter.

In order to get a nice, seamless design using these components, you'll want to mount the diverter directly from the connection of the wall. But, the wall inlet has a female connection and the diverter attachment is also female. So, you'll need to use a 1/2" male nipple and 1/2" female coupler to connect the dots.

Here's a crude diagram of what you'll be working with.

Nipple and Coupler Used to Install 3 Way Diverter to Rain Shower Arm

Information/Installation: The shower nipple is the part that will thread into the wall. It will give you male threads coming out of the wall so you can attach the female connection of the diverter to it.

Shower Nipple

Information/Installation: In order to attach the overhead shower arm to the diverter, you'll need to couple the male threads of the diverter to the male threads of the shower arm. To do this, you'll need a 1/2" female coupler.

With the coupler in hand, you'll attach it to the forward-facing male threads of the diverter and then thread the overhead shower arm into the other side of the coupler.

Female Coupler

Now that you have the foundation in place, you can proceed with installing your shower bar, hand held shower head set and rain shower head.

While this photo does not show the same exact components that you'll be using (because yours will look SO MUCH nicer), here's what you can expect to see. In the photo, you'll see how a customer used a standard shower arm and a coupler to connect the diverter and multiple shower heads.

Dual Shower Head System with Nipple and Coupler

Recap: What do you need:

Buy From The Shower Head Store:

1. Dual Shower Head Set

2. 25-Inch All Metal Shower Slider Bar

3. 17-Inch Overhead Shower Arm

Buy from Amazon:

4. Shower Nipple

5. Female Coupler

Shower System Success!

There ya have it! You've got all of the parts you could possibly want for a beautiful shower remodel. Just remember, go through the process of finding your parts in the order we discussed and you'll be fine.

Justin Ball

Hey there! I'm Justin Ball, founder of The Shower Head Store and HammerHead Showers®, the leader in All Metal Shower Heads and Accessories.

Before starting our own business, I worked for Moen Inc, so I know a thing or two about plumbing fixtures. When I'm not developing our products, I'm writing articles and filming videos so you have the best product experience, no matter which brand you buy. Thanks for your support!

Cheers! Justin Ball

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