by Gary Mays | Dec 1, 2024 | Accessible Plumbing Solutions
The Crucial Role of Accessible Plumbing Modifications for the Elderly and People with Disabilities
As we age or face mobility challenges, simple everyday tasks can become more complex. However, modern, accessible plumbing solutions can make these tasks more comfortable, safe, and accessible. For elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and those on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), these modifications improve quality of life and foster greater independence.
Accessible plumbing solutions are essential for individuals with limited mobility, disabilities, or the elderly, ensuring safety and independence in daily activities. This blog will explore critical accessible plumbing modifications and their benefits, along with tips on funding and choosing the right professionals to assist with these changes.
Why Accessible Plumbing Solutions Matter
Accessible plumbing ensures homes remain safe and functional for people with unique mobility needs. By incorporating thoughtful adjustments, everyday spaces like bathrooms and kitchens can become more accessible to navigate, reducing the risk of slips, falls, and strain. For caregivers and family members, these modifications provide a profound sense of relief and peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are better supported and their home is a safer place.
Whether installing grab rails, widening doorways, or upgrading fixtures, accessible plumbing modifications empower individuals to maintain their independence and dignity at home. These changes foster a sense of confidence and self-reliance, making daily tasks more manageable and enhancing the overall quality of life.
Common Modifications for Accessible Plumbing Solutions
Accessible plumbing changes vary based on individual needs, but the following upgrades and modifications are among the most effective for enhancing comfort and safety:
1: Installing Bidet Seats and Douche Hand Sprayers
Bidet seats and douche handheld sprayers are practical solutions for improving personal hygiene with minimal physical strain.
These fixtures provide an independent and comfortable alternative for toileting, especially for those with limited mobility. They’re user-friendly and can reduce the need for assistance, making them a popular choice for accessible bathrooms.
These showers are designed with low or zero-entry steps, ensuring easy wheelchair access and minimising tripping risks. Additional features like grab rails, shower seats, and handheld showerheads enhance user convenience and safety.
3: Wheelchair-Friendly Showers
Wheelchair-accessible showers feature open designs, often with little to no threshold, ensuring easy entry. These showers include:
- Strategically placed grab bars for balance.
- Handheld showerheads for flexibility.
- Foldable seats for comfort during use.
This combination of features makes showers safer and more convenient for wheelchair users or individuals with reduced mobility.
4: Accessible Kitchen Sinks
Standard kitchen sinks can pose challenges for individuals in wheelchairs or those with limited mobility. Lowering the sink height and removing the cabinetry beneath provide easy wheelchair access. Adding lever or touchless taps further simplifies turning the water on and off, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Raised toilet seats and strategically placed grab bars can make using the toilet safer and more comfortable. Some designs also include additional space to accommodate wheelchairs or caregivers.
6: Upgrading to Mixers or Touchless Taps
Traditional taps can be difficult for people with arthritis or limited hand strength. Single-lever mixers or touchless taps offer a more accessible solution, allowing users to control water flow and temperature with minimal effort. These upgrades are easy to install and significantly enhance the functionality of any space.
7: Raised Toilets and Grab Rails
Raised toilet seats or higher models make sitting down and standing up more accessible, reducing strain on the knees and back. Adding grab rails alongside the toilet further enhances users’ stability and confidence, preventing potential falls.
These baths feature doors that allow easy entry, eliminating the need to step over high edges. Many come with built-in seating and non-slip surfaces to enhance safety. Some models also offer hydrotherapy options for added comfort.
Using non-slip materials in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens minimises slipping risks, enhancing overall safety.
Ensuring sufficient space for movement, especially for wheelchair users, is crucial in bathrooms and kitchens.
Well-lit areas reduce the risk of accidents and aid those with visual impairments.
12: Wider Doorways and Space Modifications
In some cases, making structural changes like widening doorways or adding turning space in bathrooms can significantly improve accessibility for wheelchair or walker users. Pairing these changes with non-slip flooring enhances stability and reduces the risk of slips or falls.
NDIS Funding for Accessible Plumbing Solutions and Modifications
For individuals on the NDIS, accessible plumbing modifications are often eligible for funding under the scheme’s “Home Modifications” category. This funding covers essential adaptations such as:
- Accessible bathroom renovations.
- Installation of grab bars.
- Upgraded fixtures that improve safety and independence.
To ensure modifications meet NDIS requirements, it’s essential to work with licensed plumbers who understand accessibility standards. Collaborating with professionals like Occupational Therapists or NDIS plan managers can also help clarify the level of funding available for each project and streamline the process. The NDIS funding process for accessible plumbing modifications is straightforward and can significantly reduce the financial burden of these essential changes.
Choosing the Right Professionals
When planning accessible plumbing modifications, choosing a licensed and insured plumber is crucial. Look for professionals with experience in accessibility-focused projects and knowledge of NDIS requirements. This will ensure you feel secure and well-advised throughout the process.
A skilled plumber will assess the individual’s needs, provide tailored recommendations, and ensure all modifications are code-compliant. Their expertise will enhance your space’s functionality and guarantee a smoother, stress-free experience.
The Transformative Power of Accessible Plumbing Solutions and Modifications
Accessible plumbing offers more than convenience—it empowers individuals, promotes independence, and fosters a safer home environment. Here are some key benefits that will make you feel secure and at ease:
- Increased Safety: Modifications like grab rails, non-slip flooring, and accessible fixtures significantly reduce the risk of accidents, providing a secure and protected environment for individuals with unique mobility needs.
- Enhanced Comfort: Thoughtful changes make spaces more accessible, eliminating physical strain and frustration.
- Greater Independence: Accessible plumbing enables individuals to perform daily tasks with confidence and dignity.
- Caregiver Support: Families and caregivers gain peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are in a safer environment.
Why Choose Whywait Plumbing for Your Accessibility Needs?
At Whywait Plumbing, we understand the importance of creating spaces that support independence and safety. With over 48 years of experience in accessibility-focused plumbing, we’re equipped to handle modifications tailored to the needs of the elderly, people with disabilities, and NDIS clients. Our licensed and insured team ensures every project is handled carefully and precisely. We’re here to help transform your home into a comfortable, accessible sanctuary.
Whether installing a wheelchair-friendly shower, upgrading fixtures or making structural adjustments, our licensed and insured team ensures every project is handled carefully and precisely. We’re here to help transform your home into a comfortable, accessible sanctuary.
Get Started Today on Your Accessible Plumbing Solutions
If you’re considering plumbing modifications for yourself, a loved one, or an NDIS client, contact Whywait Plumbing today. We’re here to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and provide expert solutions tailored to your needs.
Contact us now to learn more about accessible plumbing solutions and how we can make your home safer, more functional, and better suited to your lifestyle. Your independence and comfort are our top priorities! Don’t wait, take the first step towards a safer and more accessible home today.
by Gary Mays | Nov 3, 2024 | bidet seats
What Can a Bidet Toilet Seat Installed at Home Do for Older Australians?
With an ageing population, many older adults prefer to stay at home rather than move into aged care facilities.
It is more important than ever to ensure that these older Australians retain their dignity and quality of life. Solutions that enhance the stay-at-home experience are being sought.
Making the existing home more comfortable, safe, healthy, and hygienic is a priority, particularly around personal care. One product emerging as a potential game-changer in this space is the bidet toilet seat, offering a cleaner, more hygienic experience that enhances comfort and dignity.
What is a Bidet Toilet Seat?
A bidet toilet seat is a fixture that serves as a standard toilet seat and a water jet attachment to cleanse the private areas after using the toilet. Although bidets have been widely used worldwide for years, they’re often considered simply an upgrade to a traditional toilet.
Recently, bidet toilet seats have gained attention as a valuable addition to home care to address the specific needs of older adults. A bidet toilet seat provides a gentle, thorough cleaning experience, especially beneficial for the elderly who may struggle with traditional post-toileting routines due to limited mobility, arthritis, or other physical challenges.
The Advantages of a Bidet Toilet Seat Begin with Better Personal Hygiene and Skin Health
Toilet paper, often used for cleaning after using the toilet, is less effective for older adults.
As we all age, dexterity may decline, mobility may be limited, and skin may become more sensitive. With their gentle water jets, Bidet toilet seats offer a soothing and comfortable cleaning experience that reduces skin irritation and lowers the likelihood of infections.
A bidet can greatly enhance older adults’ quality of life by providing an effective alternative for maintaining hygiene.
Older Adults Are Less Likely to Contract Infections, Including UTIs
One significant advantage of bidet use is its ability to reduce infection risks, especially urinary tract infections (UTIs). Older adults are more susceptible to UTIs due to weakened immune systems, incontinence, and decreased bladder control.
Bidets help maintain adequate cleanliness in the perineum area or the area between the anus and the scrotum in males or the vulva in females. Water from the bidet minimises bacterial build-up and reduces infection risks.
By fostering a cleaner, more hygienic environment, bidets help older adults feel healthier and experience fewer UTIs, promoting better comfort and overall health.
Support for Incontinence Care
Incontinence is another common issue among older adults. A bidet toilet seat is an ideal solution for managing incontinence-related hygiene. A bidet’s gentle, effective cleansing helps you feel cleaner, more comfortable, and more dignified, fostering a more empathetic and understanding atmosphere in the home with carers.
Additionally, using a bidet may reduce the embarrassment often associated with incontinence, fostering a more open and compassionate atmosphere in the home with carers.
The Relief of Constipation and Improved Bowel Health
Constipation is a frequent issue for older adults, often aggravated by decreased mobility, medication side effects, or dietary changes.
Studies indicate that bidets can aid in bowel management by promoting more complete emptying of the bowels. The warm water stream relaxes the anal sphincter muscles, encouraging more regular bowel movements. This can reduce constipation-related discomfort and potentially decrease the need for laxatives or other interventions, providing a reassuring solution for overall bowel health.
In addition to benefiting older adults, bidets alleviate the workload for caregivers, including professional staff and family members.
Bidets streamline toileting routines, reducing the time and effort required for manual cleaning and frequently changing incontinence products. This decreased workload lessens the physical strain on caregivers, allowing them to spend more time on personalised care and valuable engagement.
Ultimately, this improves the quality of caregiver interactions and contributes to a more supportive environment in the home.
Sustainability and Cost Savings
Using bidet toilet seats can reduce the consumption of toilet paper and incontinence products, promoting sustainability and cost savings. This responsible choice not only benefits the environment but also supports families seeking eco-friendly solutions, fostering a sense of responsibility and consciousness of their environmental impact.
Reducing paper waste is environmentally beneficial and supports families seeking eco-friendly solutions. Adopting these sustainable practices can often create a favourable reputation with younger family members.
Making Elderly People More Dignified and Comfortable with a Toilet Bidet Seat
As Australia’s population ages, it becomes increasingly crucial to ensure that older adults maintain their dignity, hygiene, and overall well-being.
When introduced into the home, bidet toilet seats offer a practical and innovative solution explicitly tailored to the needs of older adults. These seats provide a dignified, accessible way to maintain hygiene, reduce infection risks, and support physical health—all of which can significantly ease daily routines for older adults and their caregivers.
Whywait Plumbing's Role in Evaluation and Installation
Whywait Plumbing offers professional evaluation and installation services for bidet toilet seats, ensuring a seamless fit within your bathroom and providing expert advice on the most suitable models for your needs.
With Whywait Plumbing’s expertise, families and caregivers gain peace of mind knowing that the installation meets safety standards and functions to enhance comfort and accessibility.
Various financial assistance programs are available that can help offset the cost of bidet toilet seats, making them more accessible to those who could otherwise not afford them.
Overcoming Challenges with Support and Education
While bidet toilet seats offer many benefits, it’s important to consider potential challenges. For example, some older adults may initially feel uncomfortable or unfamiliar with a bidet toilet seat. However, with proper education and support, these challenges can generally be overcome, and the benefits of a bidet toilet seat can be fully realised.
Investing in a professionally installed bidet toilet seat elevates the level of care available to older adults and improves the quality of life for everyone involved. Families and caregivers looking for a practical approach to caring for older parents will find that a bidet toilet seat expertly evaluated and installed by Whywait Plumbing is a valuable addition that preserves the dignity and comfort of older Australians.
by Gary Mays | Apr 1, 2024 | bidet spray
Can You Install A Bidet Spray to Your Toilet?
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.
The Hygiene Advantage of Bidet Sprays
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?
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.
Legal Requirements and Compliance
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.
Understanding the High Hazard Classification
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.
The simple interpretation of these requirements is With the rise in installation of handheld bidet spray hoses (trigger sprays) next to toilet pans, there is often confusion about the correct type of backflow device required. If the trigger spray hose is long enough to reach or stay inside the toilet pan, it poses a potential high-hazard cross-connection risk. To eliminate the risk of cross-contamination, it is essential to install a backflow prevention device suitable for high-hazard conditions, such as a Reduced Pressure Zone Device (RPZD).
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.
The Role of Reduced Pressure Zone Device (RPZD)
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.
What Are the Ramifications of Not Installing A Reduced Pressure Zone Device (RPZD)?
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.
Environmental and Economic Benefits Beyond Hygiene
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).
Ensuring Long-Term Effectiveness
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.
Can You Install a Bidet Spray is in Reality a Multifaceted Question
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.
How Much Does it Cost to Install a Bidet Spray?
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.
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.
by Gary Mays | Jun 11, 2022 | bidet seats
DIY Bidet Seat and Douche Hand Spray Installations Are Illegal and Non-Compliant
Since the Covid-19 pandemic and the infamous toilet paper shortages, we are getting asked about installing bidet seats or douche hand sprayers. Many of these enquiries eventuate from sponsored posts on Facebook promoting the DIY installation of bidet seats. The photo above perfectly illustrates a DIY bidet seat installation we recently encountered in a client’s home.
We commonly come across these DIY bidet installations in clients’ homes. Unfortunately, we are then placed in the invidious position of informing them that this is an illegal installation that requires disconnecting as it has no WaterMark approval and is not compliant, as required by the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018.
Unfortunately, we are only the messenger, but immediately, too many people believe we are wrong. This occurs as the online company they purchased the bidet seat from told them they could install it themselves.
Illegal DIY Installations Can Effect Your Home Insurance Cover
Imagine how we feel when explaining to a disgruntled client that their DIY bidet installation is not legally compliant. Then explain that if it fails and floods their home causing tens of thousands of dollars of damage, their insurance company will null and void insurance protection.
Despite what Facebook posts say, very few legal DIY plumbing installations exist. Your insurance policy requires a licenced plumber to undertake all plumbing work with all plumbing fixtures installed with the necessary WaterMark approval.
Avoid Online Retailers, and Only a Licensed Plumber Can Install a Bidet Seat or Douche Hand Spray
Bidets, bidet seats and douche hand spray bidets are popular with the elderly and people with disabilities. Correctly installed, they afford their users self-care toileting which aids their independence, plus they are much more hygienic than toilet paper.
If you are looking into bidet seats or a douche hand spray, only purchase them from reputable Australian suppliers. Avoid online retailers with no prominent Australian location and not displaying a WaterMark approval.
No matter what, you must use a licensed plumber to install the bidet seat or douche hand spray to ensure there is no risk of backflow. A backflow situation can risk your family and neighbours consuming sewerage-contaminated drinking water.
A legally compliant installation by a licensed plumber required lodgement of Form 9 with the local council and lodgement and payment of fees for Form 4 with the Queensland Government QBCC. You should always get a copy of both forms to prove to your insurer that it is a compliant installation.
Legally Installed Bidet Seat or Douche Hand Spray Offer Benefits in Terms of Hygiene and Independence for the Elderly and People With Disabilities
Remember, if you install a bidet seat or a douche hand spray, you need to do the following:
- Purchase a WaterMark-approved product
- Only use a licensed plumber to install your bidet products
- All installations require high-hazard backflow prevention
Compliance with these requirements will ensure the safety and well-being of your family, protect your home from potential risks, and maintain insurance coverage.
A bidet seat should not be confused with a bidet. A proper bidet must go through an entire approval process by council plumbing inspectors.
Like everything in life, you only get what you pay for, so we recommend you stay away from online retailers, especially on Facebook.
The adage applies when finding cheap DIY bidet seats or douche hand spray hoses. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
by Gary Mays | Apr 10, 2020 | bidet seats
The DIY Installations of Bidet Seats and Douche Sprays is Illegal
The DIY installations of bidet seats and douche sprays are illegal. The health risk of incorrectly installed bidet seats or douche sprays can be severe not only to you but to the community as a whole. In the last month, Google searches for the term bidets have increased tenfold, which is frightening as traditionally Australians have shunned the installation of bidets. The increase in Google searches has occurred due to multiple social media posts and newspaper articles on so-called alternative toileting devices and what is appallingly lousy advice on their installation.
The multitude of bidet seats and douche sprays that can now be found for sale online has set off alarm bells at all levels of government in Australia. It is evident when checking the scant information available online that very few of these online products have been tested and approved for use in Australia.
Hardware stores and specialist plumbing suppliers that stock douche spray kits are selling them out as fast as stock arrives to DIY enthusiasts who get installation advice from shop assistants. This just increases the health risks tenfold. There have been reports of staff in plumbing supply stores being abused for refusing to advise on how to install bidet seats or douche spray kits and suggesting that a licensed plumber must install these products.
QBCC Public Health Warning on Alternative Toileting Devices
As a result, here in Queensland, the QBCC has issued a public warning on the sale and installation of ‘alternative toileting devices’ which in part states:
This is a warning issued by the Commissioner of the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) to the public under section 20J(1)(i) of the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991 (QBCC Act).
The QBCC warns suppliers and the public about the sale and use of potentially non-conforming building products, namely Do It Yourself (DIY) bidets, douche sprays and similar hygiene devices, collectively known as ‘alternative toileting devices’.
The QBCC has recently become aware of the sale and DIY installation of alternative toileting devices in Queensland, particularly for household use. Unless these devices are manufactured to comply with Australian Standards and also are properly installed, these can lead to a risk of contaminating the household water supply with E. coli bacteria. An E. coli infection can lead to serious health and safety issues.
In Queensland, alternative toileting devices must be installed by a licensed plumber who has the skills and qualifications to ensure that a backflow prevention device is in place.
Bidet Seats and Douche Sprays Are High-Hazard Installations
A bidet seat or a douche spray are classified as high-hazard plumbing products. This is because there is a high risk of toilet sewage water mixing with your drinking water if they are not installed as per the requirements of section 12 of AS/NZS 3500.1-2018 Water Services. They must be legally certified with an Australian WaterMark approval which is evident on the packaging plus can be searched online at the WaterMark Product Database.
Despite looking easy to install, they are not. Both a bidet seat and a douche spray require a water connection. Generally, this can be at the water connection for the toilet cistern. However, this always requires a legally compliant backflow prevention device to be installed as well. This is not an optional extra it is the law to prevent your drinking water from becoming contaminated, which pose serious risks to your families health and safety.
If you have recently undertaken a DIY installation of a bidet seat or douche spray to your toilet, then we urge you to call us on (07) 5580 4311 to get us to check it is a compliant installation. This ensures you have not created a risk to your families health and safety plus ensures you have not null and voided your homes insurance policies.
Only Licensed Plumbers Can Install a Bidet Seat or Douche Spray
You need to be aware of so-called unlicensed plumbers or handyman who cannot legally install a bidet seat or douche spray to your toilet. Beware of the handyman who tries to convince you that he can undertake plumbing works as long as it’s under $3300 of value. This is a complete lie by opportunistic unlicensed scammers who put your families health at risk. The benchmark value for undertaking plumbing, drainage or gas work is $0 and always has been.
For extra assurance go the QBCC website To find out more about a licensee you can use their online licensee search, or search their occupational licence.
If you would like to investigate the installation of a bidet seat or douche spray to your toilet, then call us on (07) 5580 4311 to book an appointment. This ensures the installation is compliant with Queensland law, as all products we install have appropriate and genuine Watermark certification.
