Tapware & Shower

Start with where the tapware will be installed and what it needs to work with. A standard basin mixer suits many inset or integrated basins, while an above-counter basin may need a taller mixer or wall-mounted tapware. Bath outlets need enough projection to clear the bath edge, and showers normally require a compatible mixer to control temperature and flow. Also check the existing plumbing, mounting position and available space before choosing the style or finish. Selecting the fixture and tapware together usually gives the best result.

The right height and reach depend on the basin, sink or bath you are pairing with the tapware. For an above-counter basin, a tall mixer may be required so the outlet clears the basin rim. The spout should also extend far enough into the bowl for comfortable use without creating excessive splash. For bath tapware, check that the outlet reaches comfortably over the bath edge. Do not choose a mixer based on height alone — consider the complete relationship between the outlet, fixture and water landing position before ordering.

Sometimes, but first check the existing tap holes, water outlets, connection positions and mounting type. Changing from a traditional three-piece tap set to a mixer can require plumbing alterations, while replacing a shower rail may depend on the inlet and fixing positions. Tradelink also notes that changing tapware configurations or adding extra shower outlets can require plumbing changes. If you want to minimise alterations, take photos and measurements of the existing installation and compare them with the new product specifications before ordering.

Anything installed inside the wall should be selected early. This includes wall mixer bodies, wall basin mixer rough-ins, shower/bath diverters and other concealed plumbing components. They need to be installed at the correct depth and position before waterproofing and tiling are completed. Different brands and ranges may use different concealed bodies, so a trim kit is not automatically compatible with an existing mixer body. Nero and Phoenix both use dedicated compatible rough-in systems on selected ranges. For a new renovation, give the relevant rough-in components and installation instructions to your plumber early.

Choose according to how the shower will be used. A rail or hand shower provides flexibility, while a dual shower combines an overhead shower with a handheld option. A large rain-style shower head provides broader coverage but does not automatically create stronger pressure. Water pressure, flow rate and shower-head design all affect how the shower feels. Some manufacturers specify minimum operating pressures; Phoenix, for example, specifies at least 150kPa for its mixers and hand showers. Check the individual product specification if your home has low or unusual water pressure.

WELS helps you compare the water efficiency of regulated taps and showers by showing their water consumption and star rating. WaterMark confirms that regulated plumbing products meet applicable requirements for installation in Australia; WELS-regulated plumbing products also require valid WaterMark certification. In Victoria, from 1 May 2026, applicable copper-alloy products that contact drinking water must also meet new lead-free requirements and carry the appropriate Lead-Free WaterMark. Check the individual product specification rather than assuming every tap or shower has the same compliance requirements.

Popular finishes include chrome, brushed nickel, matte black, gunmetal, brushed gold, brushed brass and bronze. Chrome is versatile, brushed nickel gives a softer metallic look, while darker or warmer finishes can create a stronger design feature. MBS currently offers a wide range of coordinated finishes across tapware and shower products. If you want everything to match closely, selecting tapware, shower fittings and accessories from the same brand or collection can help. Finish names are not universal, so “Brushed Gold” or “Gunmetal” may look different between brands.