The outer housing of the Ultimate Shower Head is manufactured from high-grade ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), a material that is widely used in premium showerheads and plumbing applications. This was a deliberate engineering decision based on performance, durability, and safety considerations specific to shower environments.
ABS is commonly used in showerheads because it offers several advantages over metal housings in wet, temperature-variable conditions:
- Corrosion resistance: ABS does not rust, pit, or corrode over time, even in high-humidity environments or areas with aggressive water chemistry.
- Thermal stability: ABS handles rapid hot-to-cold temperature cycling without expanding, cracking, or weakening, an essential factor in daily shower use.
- Impact resistance: ABS is highly resistant to cracking or denting if dropped or bumped, unlike plated metals, which can deform or chip.
- Weight reduction: A lighter housing reduces strain on shower arms, wall fittings, and plumbing connections, lowering the risk of long-term leaks or failures.
Finish durability: Chrome-plated ABS maintains its appearance without flaking or discoloration that can occur when metal finishes degrade.
For these reasons, ABS has become an industry standard for high-quality showerheads, particularly those that incorporate filtration systems.
Is ABS plastic commonly used in filtered showerheads?
Is ABS plastic commonly used in filtered showerheads?
Yes. ABS housings are extremely common across the filtered showerhead market, especially for products that fall into the same quality and price category as the Ultimate Shower Head.
In most cases, even when products are marketed as “metal” or “premium,” the internal structure and outer shell are still ABS or composite materials, with metal used selectively for internal fittings or cosmetic accents. This approach balances durability, performance, and cost efficiency.
In most cases, even when products are marketed as “metal” or “premium,” the internal structure and outer shell are still ABS or composite materials, with metal used selectively for internal fittings or cosmetic accents. This approach balances durability, performance, and cost efficiency.
Does ABS plastic mean lower quality?
Not in this application. In fact, ABS is often preferred over metal for showerheads with internal filtration because it:
- Avoids internal corrosion that can contaminate filter media
- Maintains tighter manufacturing tolerances for seals and threads
- Extends product lifespan in real-world bathroom conditions
What ultimately defines quality is not the raw material alone, but how it is engineered, tested, and integrated into the full system. The Ultimate Shower Head was designed to meet performance, safety, and longevity standards comparable to those of leading filtered showerheads on the market.