Ever stood under your shower head and wondered why the water pressure feels more like a trickle? You're not alone! It turns out that one very high-profile figure has been thinking the same thing. And now, he’s taken action to increase the gallons per minute for shower heads. Kind of.
More specifically, President Donald Trump’s executive order changes the complicated “shower head” definition created by the Obama administration by reverting back to the pre-2013 definition. Meaning, the shower head gallons per minute applies to each individual shower head, regardless of whether it’s part of a multi-shower head setup or not.
Still wondering what this means for consumers, shower head producers, and the shower head flow rate? Read on, shower enthusiasts! We’ll answer all of these questions – plus, let you in on our top recommendations:
Gallons per minute for shower heads – is anything really changing?
Let’s start with the legislation that got us here:
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1992 – Federal law set a 2.5 gallons per minute cap on showerheads to conserve water
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2013 – Obama administration redefines “shower head” as a “nozzle”, limiting multi-nozzle units (i.e. dual shower heads) to 2.5 GPM collectively
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2020 – Trump reverses the 2013 decision = 2.5 GPM per shower head again!
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2021 – Biden reverses the 2020 decision = 2.5 GPM per unit again!
- 2025 – Trump’s shower head flow rate executive order reverts back to his 2020 definition = 2.5 GPM per shower head…again!
Three presidents and four legal definitions later, and we’re right back to where we started in 1992. Some would argue that’s not a great place to be:
Seinfeld, “The Shower Head” 1996 Episode
But for others, we’re pretty pleased with the outcome. At HammerHead Showers, we happen to know a thing or two about making a 2.5 gallons per minute shower head that guarantees high pressure output.
We’ve always delivered the industry max, and our nozzles are custom engineered to further pressurize the water. Whether it’s a handheld or a rain shower, you’ll get a powerful flow every time.
If you're looking for inspiration for a modern bathroom aesthetic, a square handheld shower head is the way to go. You'll instantly upgrade to a sleek look AND get our widest handheld coverage yet.
If a rain shower is more your style, you can get the same look and great coverage from a square rain shower head. You won't need any special plumbing or specialty shower arms for this one – just a quick DIY install and you're ready for an immersive rainfall effect!
While you can expect a familiar high pressure shower experience from single shower head set ups, the executive order does have the potential to significantly affect dual and "multi-nozzle" shower head systems. Read on to find out where you may (and may not) see some big changes!
Dual shower head gallons per minute
Regardless of Trump’s new executive order, some states (we’re looking at you, California!) will still uphold their water conservation restrictions. For the rest of the country, it’s possible you will see an upgrade in pressure with dual shower heads.
Under Obama, both shower heads were considered a single unit and could not exceed 2.5 gallons per minute combined. Now, each shower head is allowed 2.5 GPM, capping their combined output at 5 GPM.
The catch here is that other plumbing components must also be able to handle the increased volume. For starters, the shower valve has to accommodate the high flow. Some valves have internal restrictors that would make this difficult.
And then there’s the pipes themselves. With 2.5 gallons per minute for shower heads as the norm for decades, it’s important to confirm if the shower pipes are capable of delivering significantly more water.
Under the current restrictions, it's more than possible to find a dual shower head that delivers significant pressure.
This complete dual shower head shower system is the ultimate install. The shower valve and trim has an integrated diverter for seamless switching between the extra large rain shower and the hand held shower head.
Water volume, temperature control, and settings lock are all on one handle for easy and intuitive operation. The hand shower is mounted on our all metal slide bar, maximizing adjustability that caters to every height and ability in your household.
Are low flow shower heads out?
Low flow shower heads are not going anywhere. Even in states where they’re not mandatory, many people still choose to use a low flow shower head. Water continues to be a limited resource in parts of the country, and saving money on the water bill sure doesn’t hurt.
Thanks to design improvements, low flow shower heads can now deliver a traditionally firm spray while using significantly less water. That said, there are still some limitations to consider. Extra-large rain shower heads typically aren't ideal for eco-conscious setups due to their high water demands.
However, a well-designed 8-inch rain shower head can offer the perfect balance of pressure and coverage while meeting low flow standards. You can even pair the rain shower with a handheld to get the best of both worlds!
Using an external diverter, you can get both the wide coverage of a rainfall effect, and the versatility of a handheld shower with a hose and multiple spray settings. Our 3-Spray Handheld Shower Head is a customer favorite featuring 3 dynamic sprays: a wide spray for full-body rinsing, concentrated massage for sore muscles or powering through shampoo, and gentle mist for those hot summer days.
Plus, it features a shower arm extender for perfect overhead rain shower placement. The shower head extension arm has ergonomic knobs for easy adjusting, and deep locking gears to ensure the shower head never slips or drops.
Long-term effects on gallons per minute for shower heads
The truth is, “making showers great again” is most likely not going to have a lasting impact on the shower head industry, and certainly won’t make waves anytime soon. The legal and regulatory channels are complex, and energy policies rarely roll back decisions in favor of standards that reverse positive environmental changes.
Manufacturers have already invested in water efficient technologies and are likely hesitant to revert to less efficient models or make significant changes to their products without a more permanent decision.
Not to mention, customer-driven demand for energy efficient products is high. If you can get a great shower while saving water and energy, that’s money in the bank! Is it time to consider whether or not it's possible to have too much shower pressure?
Stay tuned – we'll bring you the latest updates on any policy changes and all things shower head related! In the meantime, head over to our store and get personalized recommendations for your perfect shower set up. Better showers start today!