What is a Bidet and Why Consider One?

If you’ve ever traveled to Europe or certain Asian countries, you may have encountered an unexpected fixture in the bathroom – the bidet. While still not common in most American households, bidets are growing in popularity as more people discover their benefits. But what exactly is a bidet and how does it work?

Key Takeaways

• A bidet is a fixture used after going to the bathroom that sprays water to clean your private areas. They offer better hygiene compared to toilet paper alone.
• Standalone bidets, integrated bidet toilets, add-on bidet seats, and portable travel bidets are the main types.
• Both electronic and non-electric versions are available. Warm water, heated seats, and dryers are high-end luxury features.
• Bidets attach right to your existing toilet and bathroom water supply lines, making DIY installation straightforward.
• Using a bidet is simple – just press a button or turn a knob for the cleansing water spray. Maintaining one involves occasional cleaning.
• Bidets are affordable bathroom upgrades that save money on toilet paper and are greener than wipes.

Bidet Basics

At first glance, a bidet may look like a weird second toilet or funky sink. But this bathroom fixture has a very singular purpose – to cleanly and hygienically wash your nether regions after using the toilet.

Bidet Features and Functions

A bidet works by shooting a stream of water in a controlled spray pattern. The spraying nozzle is positioned to conveniently aim water at your bottom or genitals. On most models, you simply turn a knob or press a button to activate the water flow.

Unlike dunking in a bathtub, the bidet’s spray pattern keeps the water neatly targeted. The water pressure rinses away any remnants left after using the toilet, leaving you fresh and clean.

Basic bidets have manual controls to start and stop the water. More advanced models include options like:

• Adjustable water pressure
• Warmed water
• Heated seats
• Positionable spray nozzles
• Slow closing lids
• Air dryers
• Automatic opening/closing lids
• Night lights

These features lend a high-tech and luxurious feel, but a basic manual bidet still gets the job done!

Types of Bidets: Standalone, Integrated Toilets, Add-On Seats, and Portables

There are a few different types of bidet options:

Standalone Bidets: As the name suggests, this is a completely separate basin-style unit positioned right next to the toilet. Using a standalone bidet involves partially sitting/straddling the basin to rinse off.

Integrated Bidet Toilets: An all-in-one unit combining electric toilet and bidet functions. These high-end units have a retractable bidet spraying nozzle conveniently built into the toilet bowl rim area.

Add-On Bidet Seats: As an affordable DIY upgrade, a bidet seat replaces your existing toilet seat. The water spray nozzle is integrated into the new seat. Both manual and electric add-on seats are available.

Portable Travel Bidets: Compact and lightweight handheld units designed for use on the go. Travel bidets include a small water reservoir and spray nozzle.

The Benefits of Using a Bidet

Why should you add a bidet to your bathroom? There are some excellent reasons to consider one:

• Enhanced Hygiene: For those delicate areas, a rinse with water is simply cleaner than wiping with dry toilet paper alone. Bidets wash away any remnants left behind after using the toilet for fresh cleanliness.

• Toilet Paper Savings: With the cleansing water spray of a bidet, you’ll drastically reduce your toilet paper use, saving noticeable money over time. This savings helps offset the bidet’s initial cost.

• Eco-Friendly Choice: Producing toilet paper takes huge amounts of resources and places strain on septic systems. Using less TP is greener for the planet.

• Gentleness: The soft spray pattern of a bidet is gentle and non-irritating, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin, hemorrhoids, healing postpartum, or mobility limitations.

How Bidets Work

Bidets may seem mystifying if you’ve never encountered one before. But the technology behind that well-aimed water spray is relatively straightforward.

The Technology Behind the Spray

Nearly all bidets, from basic models to fancy electric ones, rely firstly on your home’s water pressure to run their cleansing spray.

Standalone bidets contain a basin which fills with regular tap water, much like a sink. For attached bidets connected to the toilet, the water feed comes straight from the bathroom’s main water supply line – the same one supplying the toilet tank.

For non-electric bidet attachments and seats, turning the activation knob opens a valve in the fixture to allow the water to flow out through the nozzle. The nozzle’s position focuses the spray where needed. Once finished, turning the knob back off closes the valve and stops the water.

Warm Water, Heated Seats and Other Fancy Features

While basic bidets simply use ambient temperature water, higher-end models include ways to warm up the cleansing spray. There are also other luxury features that use electricity:

• Warm Water: An instant water heater lets you select a comfortable water temperature. Inside the bidet fixture, a flow control sensor activates ceramic heating plates as the water flows through.

• Heated Seats: Similar resistive heating technology as used in an electric blanket gently warms the seat. Current passed through wire coils buried in the seat liner heats it up when activated.

• Air Dryers: A small fan integrated into the unit pulls air across an electric heating coil. The warmed air then flows out of the fixture to gently dry things off.

• Automatic Lid: A proximity sensor detects when you approach, triggering a hinge to slowly raise the lid automatically. It closes again a short time after you leave the room.

Manual Control vs Automatic Settings

While standalone bidets always require manual activation of the tap and spray nozzle, integrated electric bidets include both manual and programmable automatic modes.

Sophisticated bidet toilet combinations utilize a small onboard computer and custom software to control functions. Users can save personal presets for spray position, water temperature, pressure, and drying via a handy remote control.

This control panel sends wireless signals using infrared technology to activate the various electronic modules inside the unit. The remote allows easy access to saved preferences without reprogramming each time.

More basic non-electric add-on bidet seats still include handy manual controls for adjustability and comfortable use.

Installing a Bidet in Your Bathroom

If you’re sold on trying out a bidet, installing one is your next step. Adding an attachable bidet to your existing toilet generally presents few problems as long as you have adequate clearances.

Prep Work Needed for DIY Installation

Installing a standalone bidet requires considerably more intensive plumbing alterations, akin to adding a new sink. For DIYers, attached bidets that mount to pre-existing toilets are far simpler upgrades.

Before getting started, gather any tools you’ll need like wrenches, a screwdriver, pliers, and a bowl for loose parts. Make sure to turn off the water shut-off valve before beginning. You’ll also want to drain the toilet bowl completely after shutting off the water.

Then remove your old toilet seat and lid. Now you have full access to install your new bidet seat or bidet attachment in the same spots.

Expert Help for Tricky Setups

If your bathroom layout presents tight quarters for working or access to plumbing is challenging, don’t hesitate to hire a handyman. Pros can ensure correct positioning and solid, leak-free connections.

Seeking professional assistance also makes sense if electrical work is needed. An electrician can safely route any required new wiring and outlets placed near the toilet area.

No matter who tackles the install, pay special attention to create secure, watertight connections between the bidet fixture and toilet water supply line. This critical step helps prevent trouble down the road.

Using and Maintaining Your Bidet

Once installed, using your new bidet takes little effort. Proper maintenance keeps it fully functional for the long run.

Proper Bidet Usage Tips

Using a bidet is quite simple. Just sit down on the toilet seat as usual. After finishing up your business, slide forward slightly to position yourself over the bidet nozzle.

Activate the bidet spray by turning the knob or pressing the control button. Adjust the water stream location and pressure settings to your preference.

Let the spray do its job for 10-20 seconds. Using a little toilet paper, gently pat yourself dry when finished.

Keeping Things Clean for Optimal Operation

It’s smart to give your bidet fixture an occasional wipe down to prevent dirt buildup. Every week or two, use a soft cloth with mild cleaner to lightly scrub the seat and nozzle opening.

Check any accessible water connections under the bidet seat to catch small leaks early before they worsen. Tighten fittings or replace worn washers as needed.

Every few months, give the often-hidden spray nozzle a more thorough scrub using an old toothbrush and vinegar or bathroom cleaner solution. Calcium deposits can impede good water flow otherwise.

Frequently Asked Bidet Questions

If you still have some bidet basics to clarify, here are answers to some commonly asked questions:

Does a bidet attachment use the same water as my toilet tank?

No, bidets have a completely separate water line supplying clean tap water from your home’s plumbing directly.

What if I accidentally get poop on the bidet spray nozzle?

Modern bidet nozzles automatically retract out of the way when not in use to avoid this problem. Any remnants rinse away once you activate the next bidet cleansing cycle.

Which type of bidet should I choose?

That depends on your budget, available space, and desired features! Non-electric add-on bidet seats offer an affordable way to experience bidet benefits. Integrated electric bidet toilets provide the ultimate advanced experience for those who can accommodate their larger footprint and higher costs.

Can I install a bidet myself?

If you have basic DIY skills and tools, installing an attachable electronic or non-electric bidet seat is totally feasible. If tricky tight clearances, extensive wiring, or complex plumbing is needed, seeking professional help is the wiser choice.

I hope this article gave you a comprehensive understanding of what a bidet is, how the various types work, installation considerations, using and caring for one, and answers to some common questions. A bidet can be an easy way to add a new level of comfort, hygiene, and luxury to your home bathroom.