Quick Answer

A bathroom bidet faucet — also called a shattaf, bidet spray, or hand-held bidet — is a small, wall-mounted or toilet-side tap that delivers a targeted stream of water for personal hygiene after using the toilet. It connects to your existing cold or mixed water supply and can be installed without replacing your toilet.

What Is a Bathroom Bidet Faucet?

If you’ve visited a bathroom in the Middle East, South Asia, or Southern Europe, you’ve almost certainly encountered a bidet faucet — a handheld or fixed spray nozzle positioned near the toilet for post-toilet hygiene. In markets like New Zealand and Australia, these fixtures are growing rapidly in popularity as homeowners look for more sustainable, hygienic, and comfortable bathroom experiences.

Unlike a full bidet fixture (a separate ceramic unit), a bathroom bidet faucet retrofits directly to your existing toilet setup. It uses a valve, flexible hose, and spray head to deliver a precise, adjustable stream of water — no toilet replacement required.

Plumber-verified informationSourced from fixture manufacturersUpdated for 2026 NZ standards

Types of Bidet Faucets: Which Style Is Right for You?

Not all bidet faucets are built the same. The right choice depends on your water supply setup, bathroom layout, and personal preferences.

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Handheld Shattaf Spray

Flexible hose + trigger-style head. Maximum control and directional flexibility.

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Fixed Wall-Mounted Nozzle

Mounted beside the toilet. Minimalist look, always in position.

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Thermostatic Bidet Tap

Mixes hot and cold for temperature-controlled comfort. Premium option.

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Cold-Feed Only Faucet

Connects to cold supply only. Simplest installation, lowest cost.

Key Benefits of Installing a Bidet Faucet

The global shift toward bidet fixtures isn’t a trend — it’s backed by practical, environmental, and medical reasoning. Here’s why homeowners and health professionals consistently recommend them:

• Superior hygiene:Water cleanses more thoroughly than dry paper, reducing bacteria and the risk of UTIs, haemorrhoids, and skin irritation.
• Reduced toilet paper use:Households typically reduce toilet paper consumption by 70–80%, cutting costs and environmental waste.
• Accessibility:Ideal for elderly users, people with limited mobility, or those recovering from surgery.
• Cost-effective retrofit:No need to replace your toilet — a bidet faucet installs in under an hour with basic plumbing knowledge.
• Reduced plumbing blockages:Less paper in your pipes means fewer drain clogs and plumber call-outs.

“Installing a bidet faucet is one of the highest-impact, lowest-cost bathroom upgrades a homeowner can make — for hygiene, sustainability, and long-term savings.”

How to Install a Bidet Faucet: Step-by-Step

Most bidet faucets are designed for DIY installation. You’ll need an adjustable wrench, Teflon tape, and about 30–45 minutes.

Installation Steps

• Turn off the water supply valve behind the toilet.
• Disconnect the existing supply hose from the cistern inlet.
• Attach the bidet T-connector to the inlet, reconnecting the cistern hose to the top port.
• Connect the bidet faucet hose to the remaining T-connector port.
• Mount the spray holder or wall bracket at a comfortable height (typically 600–800mm from the floor).
• Turn the water back on, check for leaks, and adjust the pressure valve if included.

Always use WRAS-approved or AS/NZS-compliant fittings to meet local plumbing codes. If your bathroom uses a concealed cistern or has non-standard supply connections, consult a licensed plumber before proceeding.

What to Look for When Buying a Bidet Faucet

With dozens of options on the market — from budget chrome sprays to brushed brass thermostatic taps — knowing what matters will save you from a poor purchase.

Buying criteria

• Material quality:Solid brass bodies outlast zinc alloy or plastic. Look for ceramic disc cartridges for drip-free longevity.
• Hose length:A 120–150cm flexible hose is ideal for most toilet setups. Shorter hoses limit reach.
• Pressure control:A built-in flow regulator or adjustable valve lets you dial down the pressure — essential for sensitive users.
• Hot and cold supply:If comfort is a priority, choose a thermostatic or dual-inlet model rather than cold-feed only.
• Finish compatibility:Match your bidet faucet finish (chrome, matte black, brushed nickel) to your existing tapware for a cohesive look.
• Certifications:In New Zealand and Australia, look for Watermark certification and compliance with AS 3718.

Bidet Faucets vs. Bidet Toilet Seats vs. Full Bidets

Consumers often confuse bidet faucets with other bidet products. Here’s a clear breakdown:

• Bidet faucet (shattaf):Handheld or fixed spray that mounts near the toilet. Lowest cost, simplest install.
• Bidet toilet seat:Replaces your existing seat with an integrated nozzle and controls. Mid-range price, electric models available.
• Integrated smart toilet:All-in-one unit with heated seat, auto-flush, and remote control. Premium price, full toilet replacement required.
• Standalone bidet:Separate ceramic fixture beside the toilet. Requires additional floor space and separate plumbing.

For most New Zealand homes where space is limited and budgets are practical, a bidet faucet is the most accessible entry point — effective, affordable, and easy to install.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a bidet faucet hygienic?

Yes. When used correctly, bidet faucets deliver clean, running water directly from your household supply — the same source as your drinking water tap. There is no standing water involved.

Can I install a bidet faucet myself?

In most cases, yes. The installation requires no specialist tools and no soldering. However, if your plumbing uses non-standard fittings or you’re unsure about local compliance requirements, hire a licensed plumber.

Will a bidet faucet fit any toilet?

Most bidet faucets are compatible with standard close-coupled and back-to-wall toilets. Concealed cistern systems may require an additional isolation valve. Always check your inlet size (typically 1/2″ BSP) before purchasing.

Do bidet faucets need electricity?

Basic bidet faucets are entirely mechanical — no electricity required. Electric models exist for heated water and pressure control features, but they are a minority of the market.

How much does a bidet faucet cost?

Entry-level chrome bidet faucets start from around NZ$30–60. Mid-range brass models with pressure controls cost NZ$80–150. Thermostatic or designer-finish options range from NZ$200–400+.

Making Your Decision

A bathroom bidet faucet is one of the most practical upgrades you can make to a modern bathroom. Whether you’re motivated by hygiene, sustainability, accessibility, or simply curiosity about a fixture that the rest of the world has embraced for decades, there is a bidet faucet to suit your needs and your budget.

Focus on build quality over price, ensure your chosen model meets local plumbing compliance standards, and consider your water supply setup before committing to a hot-and-cold or cold-only unit. Once installed, most users find they can’t imagine a bathroom without one.w this simple addition can revolutionize your bathroom experience. Embrace the movement towards a cleaner, more sustainable future, starting with an upgrade to your hygiene routine.