Caroma Shower Arms

A rail shower (also called a slider rail shower or shower rail kit) includes a hand shower mounted on an adjustable rail, allowing users to slide the shower head up or down to their preferred height. Rail showers are among the most practical and versatile shower options available, they suit users of different heights, are ideal for bathing children, and are easy to use for rinsing down shower walls. They are widely used in family bathrooms across Australia.

Standard shower rails in Australia are typically 600mm or 900mm in length. A 600mm rail is compact and suited to smaller showers, while a 900mm rail gives greater height adjustment range, ideal for households with users of varying heights. The rail is installed vertically on the shower wall, and the hand shower clips onto a holder that slides along the rail.

In Australia, all shower heads including those sold as part of rail shower kits must carry a WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) rating. Most Australian rail showers achieve a 3-star WELS rating with a flow rate of 9L/min or less. Some water-saving models reach 4 stars. A lower flow rate doesn't necessarily mean a weaker shower, modern shower heads use air-injection technology to maintain pressure while reducing water use.

A hand shower (or hand-held shower) is a shower head attached to a flexible hose, allowing it to be held and directed by hand rather than fixed in position. Hand showers are used for targeted rinsing, bathing children, washing pets, and cleaning the shower recess. Most Australian bathrooms use hand showers in combination with either a rail or an overhead shower.

Yes, in most cases a standard hand shower with a hose can be connected to an existing shower arm using a standard 1/2" thread connection. If you currently have a fixed overhead shower, you may want to replace the shower arm with a diverter or combo outlet to enable switching between the fixed position and the hand shower. A plumber can advise on the best approach for your specific setup.

A rail shower with overhead shower combines a fixed overhead shower head at the top of the rail with a sliding hand shower below. A diverter valve (either integrated into the rail or fitted separately at the mixer) allows you to switch water flow between the overhead and the hand shower. This combination delivers the best of both worlds, the immersive feel of a rain shower with the flexibility of a hand shower.

You need a shower mixer with a diverter function, either a built-in diverter on the mixer body, a separate diverter valve, or a combination shower outlet that manages both functions. Consult your plumber during the rough-in stage to ensure the water outlets are positioned correctly for the rail and overhead positions. The Blue Space stocks complete combination rail-and-overhead shower sets from brands including Phoenix, Meir, and Caroma.

A wall shower (or wall-mounted shower head) is a fixed shower head mounted to the shower wall via a shower arm. The shower head position is fixed, though some models have an adjustable arm allowing the angle and extension to be altered. Wall showers are a classic, simple, and practical choice for any bathroom.

Wall shower heads are available from compact 80mm diameter models up to large 200 – 250mm wide plate-style heads. For a standard shower recess, a 100–150mm shower head provides strong coverage without excessive water consumption. For a more luxurious experience, a wide-plate or rain-effect head in the 200mm+ range creates a full-body spray. Always check the WELS rating and flow rate of your chosen model.

A shower mixer (or shower tap) is the control valve that regulates the flow and temperature of water to your shower. A single-lever mixer controls both temperature and flow with one handle. A thermostatic mixer maintains a pre-set water temperature even if pressure changes elsewhere in the system, a safer and more convenient option, particularly for households with children. Shower mixers in Australia must comply with AS 3718 standards.