Nero Round Range

A floor waste (also called a floor drain or shower drain) is a drainage fitting set into the bathroom floor that collects and drains excess water. In Australian bathrooms, a floor waste is mandatory in wet areas including shower recesses and is also commonly installed in the main bathroom floor area. Floor wastes prevent water damage in the event of an overflow or in wet area bathrooms designed for accessibility.

Floor wastes are available as round, square, and linear (channel) drains in a wide range of finishes including chrome, matte black, brushed nickel, and tile-insert options that allow tiles to be laid over the grate for a seamless look. Linear floor wastes (shower channels) are particularly popular in contemporary Australian bathrooms for their streamlined appearance and ease of cleaning. All floor wastes in Australia must be installed by a licensed plumber and must comply with the relevant plumbing code.

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 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.

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.

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.