A small hose by the toilet can cut your toilet paper use. A bum gun, also called a bidet sprayer, is a handheld nozzle that rinses with water, and it’s common across much of Asia and increasingly fitted in Australian homes. At Renovation Kingdom, we supply bidets and bum guns for Sydney bathrooms. There’s one part of the job where a DIY attempt can put your drinking water at risk, and we cover it in the installation section below.
Key takeaways
- A bum gun is a handheld water sprayer fitted beside the toilet to clean with water instead of, or alongside, toilet paper.
- It generally costs less than a bidet, but you still hold the nozzle yourself.
- In Australia, a bum gun connected to your drinking water must be installed by a licensed plumber with backflow protection.
- Choose a product that carries the WaterMark certification trademark and licence number.
- Start on low pressure, spray front to back, and pat dry afterwards.
What is a bum gun and how does it work?
A bum gun is a handheld nozzle on a flexible hose, connected to the water supply beside your toilet. After using the toilet, you aim the stream at the area you want to clean, either instead of toilet paper or alongside it.
Nozzles are usually stainless steel or plastic. Some models have a shut-off valve for controlling the water, and others have a trigger you squeeze.
What are the benefits of using a bum gun?
Most people switch for one of three reasons.
- Hygiene: water rinses away residue that paper can leave behind, and many people find it gentler on sensitive skin.
- Environment: using less toilet paper means fewer trees pulped and less packaging waste.
- Cost: you pay up front for the unit and a plumber, then spend less on toilet paper over time.
If you have a medical condition or ongoing skin irritation, check with your GP before switching.
How is a bum gun installed in Australia?
A licensed plumber has to install it. A bum gun connects to your drinking water supply, and without the right backflow protection, toilet water can be drawn back into that supply.
Can’t I just fit it myself?
It’s a fair question, because the hardware looks simple: a hose, a bracket and a connector. The risk is the part you can’t see.
Handheld sprays are treated as high-hazard fixtures, which is why a backflow prevention device is required. A DIY install can leave that device out, and a faulty connection can mix toilet water with the water you drink and cook with.
What will the plumber do?
The plumber connects the hose to the water supply near the toilet, fits an approved backflow prevention device and mounts the bracket within easy reach. They then turn the water back on and check for leaks.
Before you buy, look for the WaterMark trademark and licence number on the product or packaging, and ask your plumber to confirm it suits your bathroom.
How do you use a bum gun?
Using one takes a few seconds once it’s fitted.
- Sit on the toilet and hold the bum gun in your dominant hand.
- Aim the nozzle at the area you want to clean.
- Squeeze the trigger or open the valve, and adjust the pressure as needed.
- Pat the area dry with a small amount of toilet paper or a towel.
A few habits make the first weeks easier:
- Start on low pressure to avoid discomfort.
- Rinse the nozzle before and after use.
- Spray front to back to keep bacteria away from the urethra.
Bum gun or bidet: which suits your bathroom?
A bum gun suits you if you want a lower-cost, flexible option. A bidet suits you if you want a hands-free clean.
| Bum gun | Bidet | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Use | Handheld, you aim the nozzle | Hands-free |
| Fitting | Hose and bracket beside the toilet | Built into the toilet or a separate fixture |
| Installation | Licensed plumber | Licensed plumber |
The choice comes down to budget, bathroom space and whether you’re happy to hold the nozzle.
Is a bum gun worth it?
A bum gun is one of the cheaper bathroom upgrades, but the plumbing behind it is the part not to cut corners on. With the benefits, the installation rules and the bidet comparison covered, the next step is choosing a WaterMark-certified unit and booking a licensed plumber. Browse the bidets and bum guns at Renovation Kingdom and look for the WaterMark details on each product.
Bum gun FAQs
Can I buy a bum gun online and have my own plumber fit it?
Yes, but check the product carries the WaterMark trademark and a valid licence number first. Ask your plumber to confirm they’re happy to install it before you buy, since the right backflow protection depends on the product.
Can I install a bum gun in a rental?
Check your lease first, because fitting one is a plumbing alteration. Get your landlord’s written consent before you book a plumber, and ask whether the fixture can stay when you move out.
Is a bum gun suitable for sensitive skin or haemorrhoids?
Many people find water gentler than wiping, so it can feel more comfortable. Start on the lowest pressure, and talk to your GP if you have a medical condition or irritation that doesn’t settle.
Is a bum gun actually better for the environment than toilet paper?
It cuts toilet paper use, which means fewer trees and less packaging. It does use water, so keep rinses short.