Can you install a bidet spray in Australia? The short answer is yes.

Installing a bidet spray in your toilet can significantly improve personal hygiene, but it’s crucial to understand the legal requirements in Australia. 

However, despite online sales sites such as MyHomeware or The Bidet Company Australia promoting the benefits of a bidet spray installed at every toilet, there are multiple legal requirements to be followed. Neither of these sites addresses the legal requirements of installing a bidet spray. This results in many of their customers being unaware of the compliance and installation standards required.

Currently, with huge numbers of migrants arriving in Australia from countries where a bidet spray has been the norm, they are frequently surprised to find them not installed in Australian homes.

Below, we will explore the process, benefits, and legal considerations of installing a bidet spray.

Bidet sprays, or handheld bidet sprayers, are not just a luxury but a significant step up in personal hygiene. They provide a gentle, effective cleaning method, surpassing the conventional toilet paper approach. 

Bidet sprays are invaluable for individuals with specific health conditions or those aiming for a higher standard of cleanliness.

Can you install a bidet spray by yourself on your toilet? The answer unequivocally is NO.

The question “Can You Install A Bidet Spray?” often arises among homeowners. While the installation might seem straightforward, it involves more than just attaching a nozzle to your toilet.

Unfortunately, all of the online sales sites actively promote a bidet spray as a simple DIY job. The Bidet Company Australia, which is not actually an Australian company despite its name states unashamedly states “The personal bidet toilet attachment is a low-cost way to achieve freshness like never before with a simple addition to your existing plumbing to create a stylish toilet bidet combo! No plumber or handyman necessary. This bathroom bidet has everything you’ll need for a complete 10 minute toilet with bidet installation to create a useful bidet toilet for years to come.”

 Understanding the legal requirements and standards governing the installation of bidet sprays is essential.

When considering the installation of a bidet spray, one must adhere to legal and regulatory standards. 

A licensed plumber must carry out the installation to ensure compliance with the National Construction Code – Volume Three which is the Plumbing Code of Australia. This compliance is critical for the safety and effectiveness of the bidet spray system.

A bidet spray that is not installed by a licensed plumber is illegal.

The Plumbing Code of Australia defines bidet sprays, when used as douche sprays, to be classified as a High Hazard category. This classification requires the installation of additional backflow prevention mechanisms to safeguard the drinking water supply. 

In the Plumbing Code of Australia section B5V1 Determination of individual and zone hazard ratings the simple explanation is in clause 2:

A hazard exists wherever it is possible for water or contaminants to enter a non-drinking water service or supply via any potential cross-connection between itself and another separate non-drinking water service on the same site.

This is further defined in section S41C4 Individual protection in clause 3 where it specifically lists the following as High Hazard:

(f) Bidets and toilet douche seats where the outlet in any position is not 25 mm above the overflow level of the pan.

(g) Bidettes installed without a minimum 25 mm air gap.

(h) Handheld bidet hoses and trigger sprays.

These requirements are the law in every state in Australia. They are crucial for preventing water contamination and ensuring drinking water safety.

Installing a bidet spray, therefore, requires legal compliance with AS/NZS 3500.1:2021 Plumbing and Drainage – Water Services, specifically Section 4 Cross-connection control and backflow prevention, which sets out the specific requirements for preventing contamination of the drinking water and the installation of backflow devices.

Under clause 4.3 Cross-connection hazard rating, the three degrees of cross-connection hazards are listed and high hazard is very specific as it says:

• High hazard – Any condition, device or practice that, in connection with the water supply system, has the potential to cause death. 

For bidet sprays to comply with the Plumbing Code of Australia legal standards, installing a Reduced Pressure Zone Device (RPZD) compliant with AS/NZS 2845.1:2022 is required. 

This component is essential for meeting the AS/NZS 3500.1:2021 Plumbing and Drainage – Water Services specifically Section 4 Cross-connection control and backflow prevention ensuring the bidet spray system is safe and compliant.

Neglecting to install a Reduced Pressure Zone Device (RPZD) with your bidet spray is not just a breach of plumbing laws; it’s a serious health hazard. This device is critical in preventing backflow or back-siphonage, which can contaminate your drinking water supply with sewage. Such contamination carries risks of infections, severe gastrointestinal diseases, and in extreme cases, death, aligning with the High Hazard rating of bidet sprays.

Beyond health risks, there are legal implications to consider. If an incident leading to serious harm or death occurs due to a bidet spray installed without an RPZD, the homeowner could face criminal manslaughter charges. This highlights the gravity of ensuring your bidet spray system complies with legal standards.

Moreover, plumbers are legally obligated to decommission any bidet or hand-sprayer installations that breach plumbing laws, encountered during their duties. If a plumber discovers a bidet spray installed without adhering to the legal requirements, they must disable it to avoid being held accountable. 

This requirement further highlights the necessity of complying with plumbing laws from the beginning of the installation process.

Installing a bidet spray involves several steps, beginning with choosing the suitable model for your toilet that has WaterMark certification in Australia. 

A licensed plumber can install the bidet spray, incorporating the necessary backflow prevention devices to meet the regulatory standards required by the Plumbing Code of Australia.

Beyond hygiene, bidet sprays offer environmental and economic advantages, reducing the need for toilet paper and consequently household waste.

Reducing the reliance on toilet paper can save money and lessen household waste, contributing to ecological sustainability.

There are misconceptions about bidet sprays, with the most common being that it is only a simple DIY job. Another common misconception is the belief that they are challenging to install or maintain. 

However, with professional installation by a licensed plumber, bidet sprays are user-friendly and require minimal maintenance other than the annual testing of your Reduced Pressure Zone Device (RPZD).

For the bidet spray to remain effective and compliant, regular maintenance by a professional is recommended. This ensures the system operates correctly and meets health and safety standards at all times.

As you can see from the above legal requirements “Can You Install A Bidet Spray?” is a question with a multifaceted answer. 

While physically installing the device might seem simple, the legal and compliance aspects are critical. It is unfortunate that all of the online websites selling bidet sprays ignore the legal requirements and heavily promote the installation of a bidet spray as a DIY installation.

Just be aware that an illegally installed bidet spray that bursts and floods your home may mean you have to pay for the repairs as the likelihood is your insurance comapany will not.

Engaging a licensed plumber for installation is essential to ensure safety, compliance, and optimal functionality, enhancing your bathroom experience within the bounds of Australian law. The importance of professional, legally compliant installation cannot be overstated.

Whywait Plumbing prioritises our clients’ and community’s health and safety, adhering strictly to Australian Plumbing standards for installing bidet sprays or seats. We install only with an RPZ (Reduced Pressure Zone device), regardless of whether the product has built-in backflow prevention. Our commitment to maintaining our plumbing license means we do not compromise on safety or compliance to reduce costs and save you money.

In the Gold Coast area, the cost for a legally compliant installation of a bidet by a licensed plumber, including the necessary backflow prevention devices, ranges from $1,100 to $1,500. This price covers the Reduced Pressure Zone Device (RPZD) and labour. However, for a retrofit system where additional work is needed to ensure compliance or accessibility, the cost can escalate to around $5,000.

Having served as a trusted local plumber on the Gold Coast for 47 years, Whywait Plumbing is equipped to address any questions or concerns about installing a bidet spray or seat in your home. We recommend reading these detailed fact sheets on bidets, which explain the compliance requirements and safety protocols that licensed plumbers must follow, which are listed below.

• ABCB Dangers lurk in your bathroom with DIY quasi bidets
• VBA Health Warnings Over Bidet Seats and Bidet Sprays
• Dangers of DIY Bidets
• Toilet Seat Douches

Upon reviewing the fact sheets and the details provided in this blog, it is clear that securing a licensed plumber for the bidet spray installation is imperative for safety, legal adherence, and optimal functioning. This expert installation enhances bathroom functionality and complies with Australian laws.

The critical nature of a lawful and professionally managed installation cannot be overstated, as it is crucial for protecting our drinking water’s purity and ensuring the well-being and safety of your family.