WELS and WaterMark explained for Australian tapware and bathware

When you shop for tapware, showers and toilets in Australia, you will see two terms again and again: WELS and WaterMark. They are not marketing badges. One tells you how much water a product uses, and the other relates to whether it can be legally installed in your plumbing. Here is what each means in plain English.

What is WELS?

WELS stands for the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards scheme. It is run by the Australian Government under national legislation. Products covered by the scheme must be registered and carry a label when sold, showing:

• a star rating, where more stars means more water efficient
• the water consumption, for example litres per minute for a shower or tap, or litres per flush for a toilet

Which products need a WELS label?

The scheme covers showers, tap equipment such as basin, kitchen and laundry taps, toilets, urinals, flow controllers, dishwashers and clothes washing machines. In a bathroom renovation, that means your shower, basin mixer, bath and kitchen taps and toilet will all have a WELS rating.

How to use the rating

A higher star rating saves water and the energy used to heat it. For showers, the flow rate matters for comfort as well as efficiency. A low flow shower rose can still feel good if it is designed well, and a large rain rose may feel softer than a smaller one at the same flow. If you have low water pressure at home, mention it when you choose, because some showers perform better than others on low pressure.

You can find the WELS rating and flow figure on the product label, the specification sheet, or the WELS product database. On our product pages, the supplier specification sheet is linked where available. Browse showers and tapware.

What is WaterMark?

WaterMark is the certification scheme for plumbing and drainage products in Australia. Under the Plumbing Code of Australia, many products that connect to your water supply or drainage must be WaterMark certified before they can be installed. That includes taps and mixers, shower outlets, toilets, wastes and many fittings.

Why it matters to you

• Your plumber needs it. Licensed plumbers are required to install compliant products. A product without the right certification can be refused.
• Insurance and warranty. Using certified products, installed by a licensed plumber, protects you if something goes wrong.
• Quality and safety. Certification involves testing against Australian standards for things like materials in contact with drinking water.

How to check

Look for the WaterMark logo and licence number on the product, packaging or specification sheet. Be careful with products bought from overseas websites, which may not be certified for use here.

Lead free tapware

Australia has introduced lower limits on lead in plumbing products that come into contact with drinking water. Many brands now label compliant products as lead free. If this matters to you, check the product listing and specification sheet, and ask us if anything is unclear. You will see this on many current Phoenix Tapware listings, for example.

Practical checklist before you buy

1. Confirm the WELS star rating and flow rate on the listing or specification sheet.
2. Confirm the product is WaterMark certified for Australia.
3. Check whether a mixer is a complete set or a trim kit that needs a separate rough in body.
4. Download the specification sheet and pass it to your plumber before rough in.
5. Keep receipts and specification sheets for warranty claims.

How Porcelana helps

We supply tapware, showers and bathware from established Australian suppliers including Meir, Phoenix Tapware and Modern National, and supplier specification sheets are attached to product pages where available. If you cannot find a figure, call either showroom and we will look it up. For layout and timing, see our renovation planning checklist.

All plumbing work should be done by a licensed plumber. If you would like it handled for you, installation by our qualified trades can be quoted after a free measure.

Common questions

What does a WELS star rating mean?

It shows how water efficient a product is. More stars means less water used. The label also shows the actual flow rate or litres per flush.

Do all taps need WaterMark certification?

Most plumbing products that connect to the water supply or drainage, including taps, mixers and shower outlets, need WaterMark certification before they can be installed in Australia.

Where can I find the WELS rating for a product?

On the product label, the supplier specification sheet linked on our product pages where available, or the national WELS product database. You can also call our showrooms.

Visit us or shop online

See the range in person at our showrooms: Geelong at 35A Ryrie St, Geelong VIC 3220, phone (03) 5223 2765, and Reservoir at 214 Broadway, Reservoir VIC 3073, phone (03) 9867 5051. Both are open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:00pm, Saturday 9:30am to 3:00pm, and Sunday by appointment only.

Planning a renovation? Request a quote and a free measure, and ask us to include installation by our qualified trades if you would like it quoted. Prefer to shop from home? Order online with Australia-wide delivery, or pick up from either showroom, usually ready in 2 to 4 days.