A Buying Guide for Hand Showers

Researching and purchasing hand showers and the parts needed to install can be complicated. To make it simple, there are two main hand shower configurations and several parts that must be used for each. In short, choosing between these two configurations comes down to whether or not you are prepared to open up your shower wall. Let’s go over what you’ll need to buy for each configuration and what it will look like.

Plumbed-In Hand Shower Installation

Why go with a plumbed-in option?

The Pros

• plumbed-in or rough-in hand showers look much cleaner
• allows a greater degree of placement control

With this installation type, hand shower placement is not limited to any one particular location in your shower.

The Cons

• needs to be accessed and connected from inside the wall
• can get costly

Be prepared to tear down that shower wall and add water lines for this!

What parts will I need?

In addition to your hand shower and hand shower hose, all rough-in hand showers require a diverter valve and supply elbow.

Diverter valves are a plumbing part used to control where the water flow is being directed. Basically, this will allow water to come through your hand shower rather than your shower head. If there will only be two water fixtures, a brass plug must be used to cap off the third outlet on the diverter valve, as Kingston diverters are 3-way diverters.

To learn more about the difference between a diverter valve and a rough-in valve, read our article here!

How can I customize the design?

It is recommended to match the style of your hand shower accessories to your shower faucet fixture.

Hand shower heads come in a wide range of design options, finishes, and materials. Kingston also offers diverter valves to match each of our shower faucets for an easy shopping experience.

The last item you’ll need is a hand shower holder or a slide bar to hold your hand shower. This choice is all based on preference.

Complete Shower Setup

SHOWER FAUCET: KB3632AXSO
HAND SHOWER: K105A2
SUPPLY ELBOW: K173A2
SLIDE BAR: KSX3522SG
SHOWER HOSE: ABT1030A2

On-Arm Hand Shower Installation

Why go with an on-arm option?

The Pros

• extremely easy installation with no need to add plumbing lines
• cost-effective
• quick installation

The Cons

• hand shower must be located near your shower head
• a hose connects to your shower arm, appearing busier than plumbed-in setups

What parts will I need?

Unlike in-wall installations, on-arm setups require a shower arm diverter rather than a supply elbow and diverter valve.

In this design, the shower arm diverter attaches to the shower arm in between the shower head and arm. Other necessary parts are a hand shower, hand shower hose, and hand shower holder or grab bar.

How can I customize the design?

Just like before, hand showerheads come in a vast array of styles and colors. The option for a slide bar or hand shower holder is still available, as well. The other choice in this setup comes with the design of your shower arm diverter. There are also pull-button or lever styles to choose from.

Kingston offers a wide range of finishes and styles in these hand shower parts and can assist you in purchasing these products for your installation!

Choosing hand shower finishes and design styles are an important decision process to ensure the theme of your bathroom is curated nicely and to your liking. For tips on designing hand showers for your bathroom, view our article here!

Hand Shower Buying Guide FAQs