Which shower head fits my faucet? The guide to 1/2" outlets

You've found the shower head of your dreams, but one question is holding you back: “Will it fit my faucet?” Thermostatic, single-lever mixer, two-handle, bath-shower, built-in… the names are intimidating. In reality, it's much simpler than it looks, thanks to one small detail everyone agrees on: the 1/2" outlet.

What is the 1/2" (G1/2) size?

Across Europe, the vast majority of shower faucets have an outlet in the same size: 1/2", also known as G1/2 (or “15x21” in France). It's the size of the thread you screw the hose onto. Standard hoses and shower heads use this exact same size.

In practice, the type of faucet doesn't matter: if it has a 1/2" shower outlet, you can screw a standard hose onto it, and therefore any shower head you like.

How to check

• Unscrew your current hose: the nut comes off by hand or with pliers wrapped in a cloth.
• Look at the threaded part sticking out of the faucet. On a 1/2" outlet, its outer diameter is about 21 mm (hence the French name “15x21”).
• If in doubt, take your old hose to the store or check your faucet's manual.

The 3/4" (G3/4) size exists too, but you'll mostly find it on water supply lines, washing machines or garden taps, rarely on a shower outlet.

The different types of faucets

The single-lever mixer

One lever that controls both flow and temperature. Lift it to open, turn it left or right for hot or cold. It's the most common type. Its shower outlet, underneath, is 1/2": compatible.

The thermostatic mixer

Two controls: one for flow, one for temperature, often with a scale. Its big plus: it keeps the temperature steady, even if someone turns on a tap elsewhere in the home. On the outlet side, nothing special, it's 1/2": compatible.

The two-handle faucet

The old-school model, with two taps: one for hot, one for cold. You mix it yourself. It has a certain retro charm, and it also has a standard 1/2" outlet: compatible.

The bath-shower mixer

Mounted above a bathtub, it has a spout to fill the bath and a diverter (a button or lever) to send the water to the shower head. The shower outlet is usually under the faucet, in 1/2": compatible.

The built-in faucet

Here, the body of the faucet is hidden in the wall. Only the controls stick out. The water comes through a wall outlet, a small elbow fixed to the wall that the hose screws onto. If that elbow has a 1/2" thread, it's compatible. Just check it isn't a brand-specific fitting.

What about shower columns?

On a shower column, the handheld shower head is often connected by a standard hose: you can swap it out with no problem. The overhead rain shower, on the other hand, depends on the column model.

The shower filter: where does it go?

A shower filter screws straight onto the faucet's 1/2" outlet, then the hose screws onto the filter. So it's the same standard on both ends. One small precaution: make sure there's enough room under the faucet, especially if it's mounted very low or right next to the edge of the bathtub.

Seals: the detail that prevents leaks

• Every hose nut contains a flat rubber seal. Without it, it leaks.
• No need for Teflon tape or hemp on this kind of fitting: the seal is what keeps it watertight.
• Tighten by hand, firmly. Over-tightening crushes the seal and can damage the thread.
• If it drips, tighten a quarter turn or replace the seal.

A few special cases

• “Designer” faucets with a brand-specific fitting: check with the manufacturer before you buy.
• Gas tankless water heaters: some older models need enough water flow to fire up. If your hot water gets temperamental after changing your shower head, that's worth looking into.
• Older homes: an old faucet may have a damaged thread. If you rent, let your landlord know.

The short version

• Single-lever mixer: compatible.
• Thermostatic mixer: compatible.
• Two-handle faucet: compatible.
• Bath-shower mixer: compatible.
• Built-in: compatible if the wall outlet is 1/2".

So the real test isn't the type of faucet, it's the size of its outlet.

All Showrz products fit shower faucets with a standard 1/2" (G1/2) outlet. Shower head on its own, filter shower head or the full kit with the no-drill rail: pick your setup and your color, and screw it on. And if it doesn't work out with your bathroom, you have 14 days to change your mind.