Showers

A 2-in-1 multi function shower (also called a twin shower or shower column set) combines an overhead rain shower head with a separate hand shower on a rail — all in one unit. This gives you the best of both worlds: the luxury of a wide rain shower for everyday use, plus the flexibility of a detachable hand shower for rinsing, cleaning, or bathing children. Both outlets are controlled by a diverter, allowing you to switch between them or run both simultaneously depending on the model.

A hand shower on a bracket mounts to a fixed wall bracket at a set height. It can be removed from the bracket for hand-held use but cannot be adjusted up or down. A hand shower on a rail slides along a vertical rail mounted to the wall, allowing you to adjust the height to suit different users. Hand showers on rails are more versatile, especially in households with people of varying heights or where accessibility is a consideration.

Shower head sizes in Australia typically range from 200mm to 400mm in diameter for overhead rain shower heads. The right size depends on your shower space and water pressure:

• 200mm — compact, suits smaller showers and ensuites
• 250–300mm — the most popular range, provides good coverage without requiring high water pressure
• 350–400mm — large luxury heads for a full rain shower experience, best suited to larger showers with adequate water pressure

Keep in mind that larger shower heads generally require higher water pressure to perform well. If you have low water pressure, a smaller head will deliver a stronger, more satisfying flow.

The Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme is mandatory in Australia for shower heads. Ratings range from 1 to 3 stars, based on water flow rate per minute:

• 3-star — up to 6 litres per minute (most water-efficient)
• 2-star — 6 to 7.5 litres per minute
• 1-star — 7.5 to 9 litres per minute

A 3-star rated shower head uses significantly less water and will reduce your water bills over time. Modern 3-star shower heads are designed to maintain strong pressure despite the lower flow rate, so you do not need to sacrifice comfort for efficiency.

A shower arm is the pipe that connects the shower head to the water supply in the wall or ceiling. The type you need depends on your installation:

• Wall-mounted arms — extend horizontally from the wall. Common lengths are 300mm and 400mm. Choose a longer arm if you want the shower head positioned further from the wall.
• Ceiling-mounted arms — drop vertically from the ceiling. These create a true rain shower effect and are popular in modern bathroom designs.

Make sure the arm thread size matches your shower head — most Australian shower products use a standard half-inch (15mm) connection.

Replacing a shower head or hand shower on an existing arm or bracket is a simple job that most homeowners can do themselves — it typically just screws on and off. However, if you are installing a new shower arm, rail, or mixer, or running new plumbing lines, this work must be carried out by a licensed plumber in Australia. Any work that involves connecting to or modifying water supply pipes is regulated under Australian Standards (AS/NZS 3500) and requires a licensed professional.