Caroma Urbane II Tapware

The key factor is the height and style of your basin. For standard inset or semi-recessed basins, a regular deck-mounted basin mixer with a spout height of around 100–140mm works well. However, if you have an above-counter or vessel basin, where the bowl sits on top of the benchtop, you will need a tall basin mixer with a spout height of 180mm or more, otherwise the spout will sit below the basin rim and water will splash onto the benchtop. Wall-mounted mixers offer another option for above-counter basins, with the height controlled by your rough-in position. Always confirm basin rim height before purchasing your tapware.

The Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme is a mandatory Australian government rating system that measures how water-efficient a tapware product is. Ratings run from 1 to 6 stars, the more stars, the less water the tap uses per minute. For basin mixers, a 5 or 6-star WELS rating is considered excellent and translates to meaningful long-term savings on water bills, particularly important in drought-prone Australian states. All tapware sold in Australia must carry a WELS rating, and most reputable brands now offer basin mixers rated 4 stars or higher as standard. Look for the WELS label on the product or packaging before you buy.

While bath mixers and basin mixers may look similar, they are not interchangeable. The key technical difference is the water supply connection size. This difference matters because filling a bathtub requires a significantly higher flow rate, a basin mixer simply cannot deliver water fast enough to fill a bath in a reasonable time. Always use tapware specified for bath applications when fitting out a bath, and consult your plumber if you are unsure.

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.

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.

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.

The Urbane II tapware line covers the core categories needed to match the suite throughout a bathroom: basin mixers, bath and shower mixers, and typically a matching shower system, all carrying the range's squarer, more architectural design language. It's designed to be paired with the Urbane II basin and toilet for a consistent look, though each piece can also be bought on its own.

Current Caroma ranges are typically offered in chrome as the standard finish, with one or more contemporary finishes such as matte black or brushed nickel also available depending on the specific product. Check the individual listing for current finish options, since availability can vary between the basin mixer, shower mixer and other pieces within the same range.

This depends on the specific mixer's spout height relative to your basin's rim. A standard inset or semi-recessed basin generally suits a regular deck-mounted mixer, while an above-counter or vessel basin needs a taller spout, typically 180mm or more, so water clears the rim without splashing onto the benchtop. Confirm your basin's rim height against the mixer's listed spout height before ordering.

Yes, as with all tapware sold for use in Australian homes, Urbane II tapware carries WaterMark certification confirming it meets Australian plumbing standards, and a WELS rating showing its water efficiency. Both should be listed on the product page before purchase.

If you're only updating tapware and keeping your existing basin and toilet, buying the tapware on its own is the straightforward option, provided the finish and style still suit what's already in the room. If you're planning a fuller bathroom update around the Urbane II look, comparing the tapware against the matching Urbane II toilet and the wider Urbane II collection makes more sense for a consistent result.

Yes. As with any tapware installation in Australia, connecting Urbane II mixers to your water supply should be carried out or checked by a licensed plumber, both to meet local plumbing requirements and to keep the manufacturer's warranty valid.