Shower Hose Guide

Traditional American baths consist of a tub with a faucet and a shower fixture. It has become more common, however, for one of the baths in a house to be a shower enclosure without a tub. In either case, the location of the shower head must be a compromise. It may be so high that shorter individuals have difficulty directing the spray at their lower bodies, or it may be so low that taller individuals cannot comfortably fit their heads beneath it. One of the best and most practical solutions to this problem is to use a shower hose instead of a traditional shower head. The hose provides much greater flexibility in the use of the shower, whether it is located in an enclosure or a tub.

There are several types of hoses available, with both advantages and disadvantages to each. The simplest is the hand held shower hose type which is attached to a fitting screwed directly to the pipe in place of or in addition to the existing shower head. When the original head is retained, there will be a small valve used to switch the flow from the hose to the head and vice versa. This is usually an excellent solution for the household with many members. Those who are comfortable with and prefer the traditional shower head can use it, and those who derive an advantage from the use of the shower hoses can do as they please. Everyone wins.

Another type, which is very common in hotel rooms, particularly in Europe, is the extra long shower hose that hangs from a sliding bracket mounted to the wall of the enclosure or above the faucet in the tub. In this manner, it can serve as both a conventional shower head, adjustable for height, or a hose that can be directed wherever the bather wishes. These devices can range from very simple to rather elaborate and luxurious-looking. The addition of the extra tubing and brackets affords the decorator another chance to bring the fixtures in the bathroom into a more attractive harmony.

Another consideration is the use of the shower in extraordinary situations. If there is the necessity to accommodate someone with a disability, then the hose is really the only practical solution. Whether the bather is taking care of himself or needs assistance, the flexibility of the rubber shower hose makes the whole process much simpler and more comfortable for all. In addition, the bathing of toddlers and infants can easily be accomplished, and much more quickly, than with the traditional bassinet.

The use of the shower can even, depending on the sensibilities of the homeowner, be expanded to the cleaning of his dog or cat (depending on the sensibilities of the pet, of course). Most housewives won't even want to know what their husbands will find it useful to do in the shower, once a hose has been attached. The most effective use of the hose, other than bathing, is its use in cleaning the shower itself. Regardless or the chemicals or scrubbers used in cleaning the shower, having that hand-held spray available will make the job go much more quickly.

We can see, then, that a shower hose can be much more than just another pretty bathroom gadget. It creates harmony through the accommodation of all the bathers, and also provides convenience and utility.