Dual Shower Heads Perth: Shower Heads with Handheld Guide
Dual shower heads combine a fixed overhead shower with a handheld shower in a single system, delivering flexibility that single shower heads can’t match. For Perth households juggling different needs—elderly parents requiring accessibility, young children needing bathing assistance, or simply wanting both rainfall coverage and targeted spray control—double shower heads solve competing priorities without compromise.
As Head of Purchasing at Ross’s, I regularly help customers navigate this decision. The question isn’t whether dual shower head systems are useful—it’s whether the $280-$1,210 investment makes sense for your specific household compared to a single shower head or handheld option at $100-$380.
This guide covers the real benefits of twin shower heads, different system types available, and when the investment justifies itself. By the end, you’ll know whether a shower head with handheld shower suits your Perth bathroom and which configuration works best for your household.
What Are Dual Shower Heads?
A dual shower head, also known as a twin shower, is a bathroom fixture that combines a fixed overhead shower with a handheld shower in a single integrated system. Unlike choosing between one or the other, you get both options installed together, controlled by a diverter valve that switches water flow between them.
How Dual Systems Work
The standard configuration includes an overhead rainfall shower mounted to your ceiling or wall arm, plus a handheld shower on a flexible hose with wall bracket or rail mounting. The diverter valve—typically installed where your shower arm meets the wall—lets you direct water to the overhead only, handheld only, or, in premium models, both simultaneously.
Different from Separate Installations
This differs from separate installations, where you’d have a fixed overhead shower and later add a handheld as an afterthought. Twin shower heads are designed as complete systems with matching finishes and coordinated water pressure distribution. You’re also likely to see these called double shower heads or combo shower systems, all referring to the same overhead-plus-handheld configuration.
Using Your Dual System
Your shower head with handheld shower adapts to different needs throughout the day. Switch to overhead for your regular hands-free shower, use the handheld when bathing children or cleaning the shower recess, or run both together if your system supports simultaneous operation and your water pressure allows it. The fixed overhead typically delivers broad rainfall coverage, while the handheld shower provides targeted spray control wherever you direct it.
What’s Included in Dual Shower Head Systems
Most dual shower head systems include the overhead shower head (usually 200-250mm diameter), handheld spray head, flexible hose (1.5-2m length), diverter valve mechanism, and wall bracket or adjustable rail for the handheld component when not in use.
Important: Shower Mixer Required Separately
Dual shower head systems don’t include a shower mixer—the tap or lever that controls water on/off, temperature, and pressure. Shower mixers are purchased separately and must be compatible with dual shower head systems.
If you’re replacing an existing shower, your current shower mixer typically works fine. If you’re installing a new shower or your existing mixer isn’t compatible, you’ll need to purchase a separate mixer. Check with your plumber before buying a double shower head to ensure you have or can get a compatible shower mixer.
Benefits of Dual Shower Head Systems
Dual shower heads deliver practical benefits that go beyond simple convenience or luxury. Here’s when they make the most sense for Perth households.
Best of Both Worlds: Flexibility When You Need It
Dual shower heads give you hands-free overhead showering for regular use, plus handheld capability when situations demand it. Switch to handheld for washing kids, cleaning shower walls, or accessibility needs—then back to overhead for your normal routine.
The flexibility of a shower with hand shower matters most when households have varying needs—some family members need accessibility while others prefer standard showering, or bathrooms serve multiple users with different preferences.
Overhead Coverage + Targeted Control
The fixed overhead provides full rainfall coverage for relaxing, immersive showers. The handheld delivers targeted spray for rinsing specific areas, washing hair without wetting your body, or quick refreshes.
This appeals to people who love the rainfall shower experience but also need practical functionality, as well as households where different family members have different shower preferences.
Accessibility Without Sacrifice
Unlike choosing between fixed OR handheld, shower heads with handheld units let able-bodied family members enjoy overhead coverage while elderly or mobility-limited members use the handheld option. Everyone gets their preferred shower experience.
I see this particularly in multi-generational Perth households—homes with elderly parents, accessibility needs that don’t apply to all family members, or families futureproofing for ageing in place.
Premium Shower Experience
Some twin shower head systems allow simultaneous use—both the overhead and the handheld running at the same time. This creates a spa-like shower experience with water coming from multiple directions.
This suits luxury bathroom renovations, homeowners seeking a premium shower experience, and situations where you have adequate water pressure to support dual-flow comfortably.
Cleaning & Maintenance Advantages
A shower with hand shower makes cleaning shower walls, glass screens, and bath surfaces easy—just like standalone handheld systems. But you don’t sacrifice the overhead shower most people prefer for daily use.
This benefits bathrooms you clean yourself, glass shower screens that show watermarks, Perth’s hard water that causes mineral buildup, and maintaining rental properties between tenants.
Add Handheld Without Losing Fixed
If you love your current overhead shower but recognise you need handheld capability, double shower heads add functionality without removing what already works.
This works when you’re happy with your current overhead shower, but life changes—an ageing parent moves in requiring accessibility, a new baby needs handheld bathing, or you’ve acquired a pet needing regular washing.
Types of Dual Shower Head Systems
At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we stock dual shower heads in two main configurations, with the key difference being how the handheld component mounts.
Twin Shower Head (Fixed Wall Bracket)
A traditional twin shower head includes a shower head with handheld unit that sits in a fixed wall bracket when not in use. The wall bracket mounts at whatever height you choose during installation, but doesn’t adjust afterwards.
This is the more affordable option and works well when all household members are similar heights or when you’re primarily using the overhead shower for daily use and only occasionally need the handheld.
Price at Ross’s: $280-$540
Ideal for: Budget-conscious households, standard family use, bathrooms where height flexibility isn’t critical
Twin Shower Rail Sets
Twin shower rail sets include the same fixed overhead shower, but the handheld shower head sits on an adjustable sliding rail rather than a fixed bracket. Anyone can slide the handheld up or down the rail to their preferred height without tools or reinstallation.
This delivers more flexibility for households with varying heights—tall teens, young children, elderly family members—and creates a more contemporary aesthetic with the vertical rail design.
Price at Ross’s: $545-$1,210
Ideal for: Mixed-height households, families with children growing taller, modern bathroom aesthetics, and easy height customisation preference
Finishes Available
Both configurations come in multiple finishes to coordinate with your existing bathroom tapware and accessories:
- Chrome: Classic, versatile, suits most bathroom styles
- Matte Black: Modern, hides water spots, increasingly popular in Perth
- Brushed Gold: Premium, warm tones, luxury aesthetic
- Brushed Nickel: Soft metallic, elegant
- Gunmetal: Industrial, contemporary statement
Water Pressure Requirements
Water pressure is a critical consideration for double shower heads. They require adequate pressure to function well.
- Minimum pressure: 250-300 kPa for satisfactory performance when switching between overhead and handheld
- Optimal pressure: 350+ kPa if you want to run both simultaneously (some premium models allow this)
- Low pressure (<250 kPa): A single shower head (handheld or fixed) works better
Most Perth homes have adequate pressure for dual systems, but older homes or those at higher elevations may have lower pressure. I recommend checking with your plumber if you’re uncertain about your water pressure before purchasing a shower head with handheld shower.
If you’re planning to run both overhead AND handheld together simultaneously, verify your water pressure supports this—it requires higher pressure than alternating between them.
Are Dual Shower Heads Worth It?
Dual shower head systems cost $280-$1,210 at Ross’s Discount Home Centre—significantly more than our range of single shower heads, so it’s not uncommon to ask the question, “Are dual shower heads worth it?” Here’s when the investment justifies itself:
When Dual Systems Are Worth It
- Multi-generational households: Elderly parents need handheld accessibility, but adult children prefer overhead rainfall. Everyone gets their preferred shower experience without compromise.
- Growing families: A baby arrives, and you need a handheld shower for bathing, but don’t want to sacrifice your beloved rainfall shower. A double shower head system accommodates both needs.
- Luxury bathroom renovations: You’re creating a spa-like bathroom where a premium shower experience justifies the investment. Simultaneous overhead and handheld delivers resort-quality showering.
- Future-proofing: You’re planning to age in place or anticipating accessibility needs. Installing a twin shower head system now prevents future renovations when mobility becomes an issue.
- High-use bathrooms: Your master ensuite gets used daily by multiple family members with different preferences. The flexibility pays for itself through improved daily experience.
- Adequate budget: The $280-$1,210 investment fits comfortably within your bathroom renovation budget without stretching finances.
When to Reconsider
- Tight budget: A single handheld for $100-$315 delivers most practical benefits at a fraction of the cost. Double shower heads offer convenience, not necessity.
- Low water pressure: Your home has less than 250 kPa pressure. Dual systems won’t perform well—better to choose a single shower head optimised for low pressure.
- Simple needs: Your household has straightforward requirements without accessibility concerns. A single fixed head for $35-$380 works perfectly fine.
- Rental property: Unless you’re targeting the premium rental market, a single handheld ($100-$195) provides accessibility benefit without major investment.
- Small shower recess: Compact bathrooms feel cluttered with both overhead and handheld components. A single shower head maintains a clean aesthetic.
The Honest Assessment
Dual shower heads deliver genuine convenience and flexibility, not just luxury. For households with varying needs—accessibility, young children, cleaning requirements, multiple user preferences—they solve real problems. The question is whether the $280-$1,210 investment aligns with your budget and priorities compared to $100-$315 for a standalone handheld that provides the most practical benefits.
Why Buy Dual Shower Heads from Ross’s
Ross’s Discount Home Centre stocks comprehensive dual shower head systems with expert guidance to help Perth households choose the right configuration.
- Range and pricing: Twin shower heads with fixed wall brackets and rail-mounted systems with adjustable height. Finishes include chrome, matte black, brushed gold, brushed nickel, and gunmetal. Prices range from $280 to $1,210, covering budget to luxury options.
- Quality assurance: All our double shower heads carry WELS water efficiency ratings and WaterMark certification. Warranties range from 5 years to lifetime, depending on brand, giving you confidence in your investment.
- Expert guidance: We’ve served Perth families for over 50 years. Our staff can assess your water pressure requirements, recommend appropriate systems for your bathroom size, and explain installation complexity before you purchase.
- Plumber recommendations: While we don’t install, we can recommend trusted Perth plumbers experienced with dual shower head installation who understand water pressure requirements and diverter valve fitting.
- Showroom experience: Visit our Perth bathroom showroom to test both overhead and handheld components, examine diverter quality, feel finish textures, and understand how the systems operate before purchasing.
- Complete bathroom solutions: Coordinate your dual shower heads with our bathroom tapware and bathroom accessories for cohesive bathroom design.
Conclusion
Dual shower heads deliver the flexibility of overhead rainfall coverage combined with handheld accessibility and cleaning capability. For Perth households juggling multiple needs—elderly family members requiring accessibility, young children needing bathing assistance, or a desire for a premium shower experience—double shower heads solve competing priorities without compromise.
Whether you choose a twin shower head with fixed wall brackets or a rail-mounted system with adjustable height, the combination of fixed and handheld functionality improves daily bathroom routines for families with varying requirements.
For Perth families with varying household needs, investing in dual shower heads justifies itself through daily convenience and long-term flexibility. The key is ensuring your budget and water pressure can comfortably accommodate the system.
Visit Ross’s in Guildford to view our range of twin showers and shower mixers, or browse our complete range online with a flat-rate Perth metro delivery for $100.
For guidance on standalone handheld benefits and when single shower with hand shower options work better than dual systems, see our handheld showerheads buying guide.
