What Is a Shower Toilet? Benefits, Features & Why They’re Growing in Popularity in Ireland

Shower Toilets: Everything You Need to Know

A shower toilet is a smart WC with a built-in bidet function. After you finish, a gentle water spray cleans you, and many models dry you with warm air. The idea is simple – water cleans better than paper, and the result feels fresh every time. You'll see them called Japanese-style toilets, bidet toilets, shower WCs or washlets. They're popular across Europe and are now appearing in Irish homes that want comfort, hygiene and a premium look.

Quick shop: Japanese Style Shower Toilets

What exactly is a shower toilet?

At first glance it looks like a sleek wall-hung toilet. Inside the seat is a small nozzle that extends to spray clean water – you control temperature, pressure and position – then the nozzle retracts and self-cleans. On premium models you also get a heated seat, an automatic lid, a quiet deodoriser and a soft night light. Two well-regarded examples are the Laufen Cleanet Riva, with its built-in bidet and rotary control, and the Duravit SensoWash Starck F Lite Compact.

Why people in Ireland are choosing them

Cleaner and gentler

Water removes residue more effectively than dry paper, and it's kinder on sensitive skin. The Cleveland Clinic's guide to bidet hygiene gives a straightforward overview of why water can be more hygienic.

More independence for some users

Technology-assisted toilets can improve independence and comfort for people in rehabilitation or with mobility limitations. Research in rehabilitation settings reports better cleanliness and user satisfaction compared with standard toileting – see the peer-reviewed study.

Less toilet paper – better for plumbing and the planet

Cleaning with water can significantly cut toilet paper use, which means fewer blockages and less waste. Geberit compares the water footprint of paper production with the spray water used per wash on a real product – see the AquaClean comparison.

The features that matter

• Adjustable spray – set temperature, pressure and nozzle position to suit you.
• Separate front and rear wash programmes – helpful for different needs.
• Auto-clean nozzles and descaling programmes – keep maintenance simple.
• Heated seat, warm air dryer and night light – comfort for early mornings and late nights.
• Rimless bowl and powerful flush – cut down on hidden germs compared with old rimmed designs. The TOTO hygiene note on rimless design provides useful background reading.

Two main routes: integrated or seat add-on

All of the shower toilets we stock are integrated units – a complete pan and seat in one, giving the cleanest look and the most features. Browse the full Japanese Style Shower Toilets collection to find the right model for your bathroom.

Wall hung: great looks and less floor to clean

Most premium shower toilets are wall-hung, which keeps the floor clear and makes cleaning considerably easier. You'll pair the pan with a concealed steel frame that carries the weight, and a matching flush plate on the front wall. Compatible options include the Geberit Sigma 98 cm frame and the Geberit Sigma 112 cm frame (rated to 400 kg), plus a wide range of flush plates to match your finish.

What to plan for installation in Ireland

Power supply

All of our shower toilets are integrated units and need a nearby power outlet. Bathrooms are special locations under Irish wiring rules, so use a Registered Electrical Contractor and follow I.S. 10101. Useful reading: NSAI update on I.S. 10101:2020+A1:2024, the Safe Electric overview, and the HSA summary page.

Water and backflow protection

Shower toilets connect to your drinking water supply. European standard EN 1717 describes how backflow into the supply is prevented. Top brands build the necessary protection into the unit, keeping installation clean and simple. See how TOTO explains EN 1717 and built-in backflow protection, or read a general overview of EN 1717.

Fixings and space

Your installer will fix the steel frame to studwork or solid walls, then set the finished height to suit the users. Allow room in front for the automatic lid to open and for the remote to be used comfortably.

What about water use?

A short spray uses less water than the water footprint of producing toilet paper for a household. Geberit's AquaClean comparison gives a worked example showing a net saving. If you want to reduce flush water as well, use a dual flush cistern and make sure the small flush is set correctly.

Who benefits the most?

• Families – easier cleaning and fewer blocked loos when paper use drops.
• People with sensitive skin or haemorrhoids – water is gentler than dry paper.
• Older adults and those in rehabilitation – the spray and dryer reduce reaching and twisting, improving both comfort and independence.

Further reading: Cleveland Clinic overview · rehabilitation study summary.

How to choose the right model

• Wall hung or floor standing – wall hung makes cleaning easier; floor standing avoids opening the wall.
• Check projection – many wall-hung models are compact to suit smaller rooms.
• Rimless bowl and powerful flush – the hygienic choice for any bathroom.
• Flush plate finish – choose one that matches your taps and handles for a pulled-together look.

Popular picks: Laufen Cleanet Riva in matt white · Laufen Cleanet Riva in black · Duravit SensoWash Starck F Lite Compact kit · Flush plates · Geberit frames and cisterns

Pre-purchase checklist

• Confirm you have power available in the right location – plan the outlet with a Registered Electrical Contractor to I.S. 10101.
• Choose your frame height (98cm or 112cm).
• Measure projection and door clearances so the automatic lid and seat will open without clashing.
• Pick a flush plate that matches your finish palette.

Ready to compare and order?

Browse Japanese Style Shower Toilets, pair with Geberit frames and flush plates. Contact the team for advice on sizing and installation planning.