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Hi - as a first time apartment owner with no DIY experience I am looking for some knowledgeable guidance on how to go about getting a taller shower head. You can see my current set up in the photos - the shower head at the moment sits about 2cms above my head. I need to find a solution to make it taller and I'm wondering what my options are. I'm happy to keep it as a rain water head, but also happy for it to be different. Preference is to keep it in this brass look - all other fittings match this. I'm looking for advice on the following:
- how easy/difficult is it to get a higher sitting shower head (rain water or otherwise) using the same wall connection point? What do I need to know/consider/look for in buying something suitable?
- what would be the impact of getting a rail system where the show head height is adjustable? Would this require tile breakage/replacement, moving of the connection points?
- should I just get a plumber to come as assess it before even trying to buy my preferred replacement option?
Thank so much for your help.
E.
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Rici. It's a pleasure to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about shower heads.
Given your setup, the key issue isn’t the shower head or extension arm as you already have an extension, so the limiting factor is the height of the wall outlet itself. To significantly raise the shower head, the wall connection (the pipe coming from the wall) would need to be moved higher. This isn’t a simple DIY job in an apartment, because it involves working with the fixed plumbing behind the wall. It typically requires opening the wall, cutting or extending the pipe, installing a new outlet at the desired height, and ensuring it’s sealed and pressure-tested properly. There will also be some tile patching or replacement.
Because of this, the safest and most practical first step is to have a licensed plumber assess the situation. They can confirm how high the outlet can go, whether it can be moved safely within the wall cavity, and what impact it will have on the surrounding tiles. Once the outlet is in the right position, you can then move the showerhead into the correct position.
A rail system with an adjustable shower head can be very convenient if multiple heights are needed, but it is a more involved installation. Typically, these require drilling into the wall and securing brackets, and in tiled bathrooms, that can mean breaking and re-grouting tiles if your current mixer tap is in the way or if there isn’t an existing mounting surface. They also work with the exiting outlet on your wall and typically adjust down from it, not up.
In short, with your current setup, raising the shower head further without moving the wall outlet isn’t feasible. A plumber consultation up front is the most effective and safe way to ensure the work can be done correctly.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
