Shower hose buying guide

Taking a shower is all about relaxation and enjoyment. But in order to take full advantage of this time, your unit must be functional, reliable and practical. One of the most essential parts of your installation is the shower hose. Used to send water up from the shower valve to the shower head, your hose should be chosen with care based on the following factors:

Shower hose features

Shower hoses can offer a range of features from anti-kink and anti-twist models to those with a special finish designed to deter water marks and scratches. Depending on the material used to make the hose, it may have a smooth or coiled surface. Metal hoses sometimes feature an ABS interior while their outer layer provides greater strength and increased protection. The quality of a shower hose depends on its resistance and durability.

Shower hose fittings

When it comes to selecting your fittings, there's little chance of making the wrong decision as most shower hoses feature a standard 1/2" bore size. Generally speaking, a standard shower hose will have two female fittings. It's a good idea to check that washers are supplied with your hose before purchase.

The length of your shower hose really just depends on the size of the user(s)! As a rule of thumb, it's best to select a hose that is 10 to 30 cm longer than the tallest potential user for maximum comfort. While you will generally find standard hose lengths of 1.25, 1.5, 1.75 and 2 metres, it is important to note that you may need a different length depending on your set-up. For example, a shower enclosure may be equipped with a shower valve placed 1 metre from the ground whereas a bathtub shower may feature a valve or taps just 50 cm from the ground.

In terms of material, there is a world of choice out there! The material you choose will affect the quality and lifespan of your hose, as well its price.

PVC shower hoses 

PVC shower hoses generally come in one of two types: basic PVC or reinforced PVC. These hoses will not scratch any objects around them and are extremely hygienic. They are also strong and very simple to mantain. Low-end PVC is, however, more likely to bend or kink.

Metal shower hoses  

Generally made of steel, brass or stainless steel, metal shower hoses often feature a coil effect and are less likely to bend or kink. They can last for a number of years, but do require regular cleaning (especially in between the coils). Depending on its surroundings, your metal shower hose may eventually get scuffed. The lifespan and quality of these hoses will depend on the type of metal used to make them.

This is a specific feature that only applies to metal shower hoses. 

Basic metal hoses 

Basic metal shower hoses will only be composed of one layer of metal, making them more likely to twist or bend. They also offer a shorter service life and, depending on the type of metal used, may be more sensitive to rust.

Double interlock metal hoses

Generally higher quality hoses, double interlock shower hoses will hardly ever bend or kink, and offer a longer service life. Ultra-resistant, double interlock hoses are also very flexible for greater user comfort.

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