How to Replace a Shower Hose and Head (UK Guide)

Almost all UK shower hoses are 1/2" BSP

The union nut on both ends is 1/2" BSP female. The exception is Aqualisa Quartz digital, which uses a proprietary bayonet clip on the handset end — a standard 1/2" hose will fit the outlet elbow but not the handset.

Bore size affects flow

Standard bore is 8 mm. On low-pressure gravity systems (attic-tank fed), fit a 10–12 mm large-bore hose — the extra cross-section restores 30–40 % flow. On mains-pressure combi systems, 8 mm is fine.

Head compatibility

• Mira Response 4-spray — bayonet-mount to Mira handsets, 1/2" BSP for other brands.
• Grohe Tempesta 100 — universal 1/2" BSP, 9.5 L/min at 3 bar.
• Hansgrohe Croma Select — 1/2" BSP, EcoSmart 6 L/min option.