All shower hoses have a universally accepted 0.5inch bore size and thread, so you can’t go wrong when replacing them. Standard shower hoses typically include two universal female threads at each end that will screw directly onto any brand of electric or mixer shower, and shower head.
Most shower hoses are under £10 and will come with rubber washers and threaded fittings, ready to screw straight on.
The plumbing industry has gone to great lengths to make pipe and hose connecting as universal as possible, which is found in shower hoses.
The technical rules for naming screw threads are known as British Standard Pipe (BSP). These standards have been approved by countries around the world and are used to seal and connect pipes and fittings.
In much of the world, plumbing and pipefitting adhere to the standards set by British Standard Pipe. This is mostly not the case, however, in North America. Professionals in that field often rely on NPT (National Pipe Thread).
Why Change Shower Hose?
Damage or leaks in your shower hose might reduce water pressure to the head, reducing the efficiency of your shower to function properly. Hoses can become stained with limescale, or the plastic can discolour over time, or maybe it just looked dated.
Changing out your old shower hose is an inexpensive way to update the look and performance of your shower without tearing down walls or installing new fixtures. The good news – it’s as quick and easy as changing a lightbulb.
Shower Hose Length
You now know that the screw fittings at each end of the hose will fit your current shower and shower head, as they are all universal fit. But the hose length is not a standard size and comes in a variety of lengths.
You need a hose long enough to reach from the shower to the shower head bracket, and then you need to be able to hold the shower head and manoeuvre it to wash your body, from head to toe.
The distance from an electric shower to the shower head holder is usually short, but the distance from bath-mounted mixer taps with shower attachments will need to be longer to reach the holder on the pole.
To select the proper size shower hose, measure the distance between the water feed end of where the hose will be attached, to where the shower head will be mounted. Even if the distance for mounting is short, it may need to be longer for washing. You should determine the height of the tallest member in your home – the taller the person, the longer the hose you’ll need.
If in any doubt, it’s always best to choose the longest shower hose to give you plenty of wiggle room.
Typically, you’ll find four shower hose length options to choose from:
- Short: 1.25m
- Medium: 1.5m
- Long: 1.75m
- Extra Long: 2m
Hose Material
Smooth PVC
The shower hose, just like the shower head, is available in two main materials – PVC, stainless steel, or chrome.
Plastic is a very common material in the plumbing industry, as it has the advantage of being very hygienic, economical, and easy to work with.
However, PVC hose has a tendency to kink and pinch easily. In most cases, a bend mark will appear as you twist it. In the long run, this can weaken, split, and leak.
For this reason, several factories have installed reinforcing systems. Some hoses, for instance, are resistant to twisting and pressure.
Metal
Metal is a long-lasting material, even more so than plastic. The only drawbacks are the high price and the risk of scratching other shower fixtures like glass shower screens and taps.
Because of its durability, better looks, and anti-bacterial properties, metal is the preferred choice for a shower hose. Bacteria and mould seem to thrive in indoor plumbing and can attach themselves to plastics more easily than metal, making the metal hose a more hygienic choice for your bathroom.
