Showers

A shower is a method of delivering water for personal hygiene by projecting it from a spray head. In domestic installations, water is supplied to a valve controlling temperature and flow, connected to a faucet or mixer, and delivered through a showerhead. Showers can be fixed on a wall or ceiling, or handheld on a flexible hose. Common configurations include a stall with a separate enclosure, or a combined bathtub/shower unit. Modern showers may include multiple spray patterns, thermostatic controls, and features such as body jets or rain-like heads.

Types and features include fixed showers with wall- or ceiling-mounted heads and handheld showers that use a flexible hose and bracket. Some setups combine both. Special designs include rainfall heads that diffuse water over a wide area, power showers that boost pressure, and body jets for targeted massage. Accessibility-oriented setups use curbless entries and easy-to-use controls. Water efficiency varies, with low-flow heads and aerating models common in many regions; typical flow rates range from about 6 to 12 liters per minute.

Meteorological showers refer to brief, localized rain events that can occur suddenly and may be heavy in one place but light elsewhere. Showers arise from convective instability or localized moisture lifting and often dissipate quickly, sometimes with thunder or gusts. They contrast with longer, more uniform rainfall in duration and spatial extent.

Safety and regulation: Anti-scald devices and thermostatic valves protect against rapid temperature changes. Regular maintenance helps prevent mineral buildup that can alter spray patterns. Building codes commonly regulate shower-head flow rates and drainage, and many jurisdictions promote water- or energy-efficient equipment to reduce consumption. Outdoor showers may require considerations for drainage and weather exposure.