Newest problem: Is there a standard for a handheld shower height?

11 years ago

My Bathroom is getting closer and closer to completion, yet it seems every step of the way there is another issue.

My plumber did the rough plumbing and my husband did the finish because we didn't want to wait for the plumber to get back and my husband knows how to do it anyway (his dad's was a plumber for 20 yrs)

The handheld shower height in our bath / shower is at 84" making it impossible for me to make adjustments to the shower spray or to remove the handheld without climbing on the edge of the tub (I am 5'3)

Is this a standard height? Do I have cause to be upset at the plumber who just happens to be my Brother-in-law (a licensed plumber) who sent his worker to do the work and when I mentioned this to him over the phone totally blew me off?

any ideas what my options can be? I am thinking of installing a supply elbow and then a holder at normal height - it will look odd but will at least be usable - does that seem like the best solution?

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Comments (5)

qt314b
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks in advance for any input
Rachel
enduring
11 years ago
I'd say you have a dangerous situation, having to climb to adjust. If that can't be redone then your extra elbow sounds good to me.

I thought those hand held showers were on a pole. Apparently not all are. If you could get one of those 36" poles to hold your adjustable height shower that would work wouldn't it? I also am a proponent of having that bar be designed to be a grab bar as well. I think some make their shower wall bars dual purpose, but not all. I think Jalco is one that has a grab bar/shower bar. I've added a link to what I am talking about-grab bar/shower bar.

Here is a link that might be useful: Jalco sliding handshower on grab bar.
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dianne47
11 years ago
The height is ridiculous, just as you believe. Can you purchase another holder for the shower head? If so, install it at a height comfortable for you. Get in the shower and measure what height would be right for you.

Now, if it were me (glad it isn't), I would make the so-called licensed plumber do it over - including the waterproof backing, tile, grout, etc.. Actually, a handheld shower should be reachable from a seated position in case of disability that required the user to be on a chair.

Good luck with getting this fixed. The screw-ups that get made during construction are often just incredible. Any plumber should have known better AND should have asked you the exact height you want.
williamsem
11 years ago
Our pipe for the shower arm is about 76 inches +/- a fraction. I believe we have a 6 or 8 inch arm with the standard angle, which then has our handheld shower head attached. So the part I need to remove or adjust is about 71 inches up and I am 5 ft 4 in. I can reach is comfortably in the shower, and with a bit of a reach if I'm outside the tub.

I figured that was a standard height as it is just a few inches above our surround, which is a standard size. I can't imagine another 8 inches above that! Definitely too high. No way you could wash a child or dog in the tub and safely get or replace the handheld part.
flicka001
11 years ago
Could you add a bar? I use a handheld as my main shower, but I have mine mounted on a bar so the height can be adjusted.