Bidets and Shattafs in the UK: Getting the Regulations Right
- Bidets and shattafs are classified as Fluid Category 5 — the highest backflow risk category in UK water regulations.
- For ascending spray bidets, a simple check valve is never sufficient; proper protection requires a Type AB air gap or equivalent certified device under BS EN 1717.
- For handheld sprayers (shattafs), a WRAS-approved double-check valve (Type BA device) integrated into the kit is the compliant and practical solution for most homeowners.
- Installing a bidet is notifiable work under the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 — a registered installer handles the notification as part of the job.
Why Are Bidets and Shattafs Gaining Popularity in the UK?
More UK homeowners are turning to bidets and shattafs (handheld toilet sprays) as a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to toilet paper. These fixtures use a directed stream of water, which many people find more thorough and comfortable than wiping. For people with mobility issues or skin sensitivity, a water spray can be gentler than dry paper. Beyond comfort, there is growing awareness of the environmental cost of toilet paper production — a bidet spray uses a small amount of water directly per use, significantly less than the water embedded in producing the paper it replaces. With space at a premium in many urban UK bathrooms, bidet attachments and shattafs are compact, practical upgrades that do not require a separate porcelain fixture.
How Do Bidets and Shattafs Work with UK Plumbing?
A bidet attachment sits under your existing toilet seat and connects to the cold water supply via a small hose. A shattaf is a handheld version — a spray head on a flexible hose, wall-mounted or clipped near the toilet. Both draw water from the same pipe that feeds your toilet cistern. Because they use cold water only (hot water risks encouraging bacterial growth inside the fixture), the mechanical installation is relatively simple. However, UK water regulations are genuinely strict here — stricter than for most other bathroom fittings — because of the backflow contamination risk.
Water pressure also matters. Most UK homes have adequate pressure, but if yours is very low, the jet may feel weak. It is worth checking your mains pressure before buying, since some models are specifically designed for lower-pressure gravity-fed systems.
What Are the UK Regulations for Installing Bidets and Shattafs?
Under the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 (and equivalent legislation in Scotland and Northern Ireland), any bidet or shattaf with a flexible hose or spray nozzle is classified as a Fluid Category 5 risk — the highest category, on the same level as a kitchen sink with a hose attachment. This classification exists because the spray head or hose could become contaminated and, under certain fault conditions, draw that contamination back into the mains supply.
The level of backflow protection required depends on the type of bidet being installed. For ascending spray bidets — where the nozzle sits inside or near the bowl — official guidance from Water Regs UK specifically flags these as difficult to protect properly in practice. They cannot be connected to a standard supply pipe without a Type AB air gap arrangement (a break tank with a physical gap between the supply and the fitting), because the geometry of the ascending spray means a check valve alone cannot reliably prevent backflow under all fault conditions.
For handheld sprayers (shattafs) — the most common type installed in UK homes — the compliance picture is more straightforward. A WRAS-approved double-check valve (Type BA device under BS EN 1717), integrated into the T-connector assembly, is an accepted compliant solution for Fluid Category 5 handheld applications. This is why buying a WRAS-approved shattaf kit is the practical route for most homeowners: the backflow protection is already engineered and independently tested into the product, so you are not building compliant protection from scratch.
In either case, installing a bidet or shattaf is formally notifiable work under the Regulations. A registered installer — plumber registered with WaterSafe or the CIPHE — handles this notification as part of the job. For a pre-approved, off-the-shelf WRAS-compliant shattaf kit, a competent DIYer can carry out the physical installation, but should be aware of the notifiable status.
When comparing products, look specifically for "Fluid Category 5" and either "Type AB air gap" (for ascending spray bidets) or "Type BA double-check valve" (for handheld sprayers) mentioned in the product description or installation instructions — not just a generic "WRAS approved" sticker. It confirms the backflow protection is genuinely built in and tested for the specific type of bidet, not just implied by the approval mark.
The Professional Installation Process
If you are hiring a professional, the process typically follows these steps:
- Assessment: The plumber checks your existing toilet supply line, water pressure, and available space, and confirms which backflow arrangement is suitable for the specific product.
- Isolating the water: The water supply to the toilet is turned off at the isolation valve. If no valve exists, one may need to be installed first.
- Connecting the spray: A T-connector is added to the toilet's water inlet — one side feeds the cistern, the other feeds the bidet spray hose, with the WRAS-compliant backflow prevention device fitted at this point as part of an approved kit.
- Mounting the spray: For a bidet seat attachment, the existing toilet seat is lifted and the bidet unit slides into place. For a shattaf, a wall bracket is fixed near the toilet.
- Testing: Water is turned back on, all joints are checked for leaks, the spray is confirmed working correctly, and the backflow device is verified as operating as designed.
Most simple, pre-approved attachments take under an hour to install. A standalone bidet unit — a separate ceramic bowl next to the toilet — requires its own waste pipe and is rare in modern UK homes as a result. For most households, a WRAS-approved handheld sprayer or seat attachment is the practical, regulation-friendly choice.
Bidets vs Traditional Toilets: Key Differences
A traditional toilet handles waste removal but leaves dry paper as the only cleaning method. A bidet spray cleans with water; you pat dry afterwards with a small amount of paper or a reusable cloth. The environmental difference is genuine: toilet paper production is water and energy intensive, and most rolls come wrapped in plastic. A bidet spray uses approximately 0.5 litres of water per use. Over a year, a household that reduces toilet paper use by 70–80% saves meaningful quantities of paper and packaging — the average UK household spends £100–£150 per year on toilet paper, and a family of four £120–£180 or more. There is also less risk of blocked drains from flushing excess paper.
Common Concerns About Bidets in UK Homes — Addressed
"Will it raise my water bill?" Negligibly. At approximately 0.5 litres per use and average UK metered rates, the annual water cost addition is under £1.50 per sprayer.
"Is it hygienic?" Yes, when installed correctly with proper backflow protection. The water is fresh from the mains for each use, and the nozzle self-cleans on most models. Regular wiping of the spray head keeps things hygienic. Anyone with a specific health concern relating to hygiene method should speak to their GP.
"Can I install it myself?" If you buy a kit that already includes WRAS-approved Fluid Category 5 backflow protection, DIY is generally feasible for a basic handheld sprayer. Be aware of the notifiable work status. For ascending spray bidets or any custom setup, hiring a WaterSafe-registered plumber is the safer route.
"What if the water is cold?" Most UK users find cold water perfectly fine for a brief spray. If you want warm water, an electric bidet seat with a heating element is the option — this requires an electrical connection near the toilet, adding complexity and cost beyond a cold-water attachment.
The Future of Bidets in UK Bathrooms
Interest in bidets and shattafs has grown steadily, driven by hygiene awareness and a broader push toward reducing single-use products. Manufacturers are responding with more UK-specific models — easy-fit, pre-approved attachments, shattaf sets, and smart seats with warm air drying. As water companies and environmental groups continue to encourage households to cut waste, the basic bidet spray looks set to become a more standard feature in renovations and new builds — provided it is always fitted with proper backflow protection from the outset.