If you’ve never used or installed a bidet, it’s understandable that you’d feel apprehensive about the installation process – and possibly about the experience of using a bidet once it’s installed.
But you’ll be pleased to know that under the right conditions, installing a bidet is easy. And once it’s in place, you’ll never want to go back to using only toilet paper.
Types of Bidet
First, you should understand that there are several types of bidet that exist:
Standalone bidets
Standalone bidets look almost like a second toilet. They’re designed to be used totally separately from the toilet, serving as an isolated cleaning station. They’re much more difficult to install than other types of bidets and are a rare choice for someone installing a bidet into an already-established bathroom.
Portable bidets
Some bidets are designed to be fully portable. They’re more like a hand tool than an installed appliance, so they require no real installation.
Sprayer bidets
Sprayer bidets feature a simple water-spraying attachment and are designed to be used with an already installed toilet.
Toilet seat and attachment bidets
Toilet seats and attachment bidets are the most common choice for people looking to upgrade a bathroom. They’re easy to install, merely adding a few simple components to a toilet that already exists and is functional.
How to Install a Bidet
If you want to install a bidet, the process will be somewhat more intensive – and you may need to hire a professional plumber. You’ll need to make sure you have ample space to install the bidet, you’ll need to ensure you can get a plumbing line to it, and you may need to make major renovations to ensure it fits.
If you’re in the process of building a new house or remodeling your current bathroom, this is an easy addition to make to the agenda.
Otherwise, if you’re not in the market for a bathroom remodel or if you just want a convenient option, you’ll want to install a sprayer or toilet seat-style bidet.
This is the general process you’ll follow to do it:
Turn off the water
Before doing any plumbing work, it’s important to turn off the water to your toilet. This usually means finding a knob and turning clockwise to shut off the water to the local pipes.
Drain the toilet tank
Once the water is off, you’ll want to drain any water that’s currently left in the tank. This will also be a good opportunity to see if the water is truly and fully off. Holding down the handle for a few seconds should get the job done.
Remove any attachments in your way
Depending on the type of bidet you’re about to install, you may need to remove various components or attachments that are in your way. For example, you might need to unscrew the toilet seat to remove it and make way for your newer, bidet-containing toilet seat.
Modify the water feed pipe
Most bidets rely on your water feed pipe as a steady source of water. Accordingly, you’ll need to install a new attachment to this pipe and attach it to your bidet unit.
Install the new seat (or other hardware)
The last step of the process is to finish installing the toilet seat (or other hardware). This usually involves some combination of mounting a bracket and screwing your components in place.
These instructions will vary significantly based on the type of bidet you have, the manufacturer of the bidet, and the type of toilet you’re modifying. Be sure to follow your manufacturer’s instructions specifically when installing a bidet.
The Benefits
Why would you go through this process in the first place?
Using a bidet has many benefits, including:
Greater cleanliness
It’s hard to deny that bidets get you cleaner than merely wiping with toilet paper. Washing with water is always a better option than smearing residue around with paper products.
Better health outcomes
There’s some evidence that bidets lead to better health outcomes as well. You’ll spread fewer germs when you start using a bidet – and you’ll be less susceptible to health issues like hemorrhoids.
Less toilet paper used
Using a bidet means using far less toilet paper. In turn, that means spending far less money on paper products and protecting the environment.
Personal comfort
Most people grow to find bidets much more comfortable than conventional wiping practices. Once you’re over the initial “awkward” stage, you’ll have a much better time every time you use the bathroom.
After installing a bidet in your bathroom, you’ll end up using less toilet paper, spreading fewer germs, and feeling cleaner every time you leave the room. And since bidets are both inexpensive and easy to install, there’s no reason not to get one for your home.
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