Is a bidet right for your home? We think so, and after covering a few of the bidet basics, we're sure you will too.
Benefits Of A Bidet Toilet Seat
The benefits of a bidet toilet seat go far beyond a thorough cleaning. Owning a bidet comes with various benefits, including:
Improved Hygiene & Health
A better cleaning process leads to improved personal hygiene and health. Bidets thoroughly rinse sensitive areas, leaving no toilet paper remnants or fecal matter. This is especially helpful for those with limited mobility or medical issues that prevent proper wiping.
A dated concern that users had with bidets was the potential bacterial contamination, but these systems can actually protect users from bacterial infections and other medical issues. Bidets provide a much more thorough cleanse, effectively removing germs and bacteria that cause urinary tract infections and other medical complications. Modern bidets are meticulously designed to avoid "splashback" and nozzle contamination, so users can wash without concern.
More Convenient & Comfortable
Bidet toilet seats are packed with features that increase comfort and convenience. Features like a heated seat, air dryer, and self-cleaning function make bidets more enjoyable and effective. Various functions and features are available with bidets based on the model you select, so it's important to browse and find the model that fits your preferences.
Better For The Environment
Too many people are drawing from natural resources for toilet paper to be a sustainable solution. On the other hand, bidets require a fraction of a gallon per wash and last years without adding additional waste to our planet. According to Inhabitat, it takes more than 31 Million trees to fuel U.S. toilet paper consumption each year, which is a remarkable issue. The number of trees destroyed, water consumed, and pollution emitted to supply our nation with toilet paper is horrendous, but you can do your part with a bidet toilet seat.
More Cost-Effective
Bidets may be more expensive than toilet paper initially, but you will quickly see the savings. When you think about the weekly, monthly, and annual costs of toilet paper and wipes, spending a few hundred dollars for a luxury bathroom experience seems much more reasonable.
Bidets last a minimum of 3-5 years, but they can last much longer with a little care and maintenance. Studyfinds reported that individuals spend more than $150 per year on TP, which is substantial compared to the one-time cost of a bidet toilet seat.
Types Of Bidets
Bidet/Toilet Combos
All-in-one combination bidet toilets like this replace your toilet and are the way to go for those who want to go all-in on their next bidet system. They may be the more expensive option, but these futuristic bathroom appliances are sleek, elegant, and packed with features. This type of bidet removes the need for a water tank, offering a compact and modern design.
Toilet Seat Bidets
Bidet toilet seats are the most functional and convenient systems, with most of the amenities you can expect from bidet toilet combos without the high price and additional installation efforts. Replacing your existing toilet seat, these systems only require electricity and a water supply to unlock their various features.
Stand-Alone Bidet Fixtures
When you think of a traditional bidet, the stand-alone bidet is probably what comes to mind. A stand-alone bidet is a separate fixture from the toilet and is now considered "old fashionedâ and less convenient to use as they require users to move from the toilet to the separate bidet for cleaning.
Bidet Attachments
Bidet attachments come in several shapes and sizes, including the handheld bidet sprayer, under-the-seat attachments, and travel bidets. While these do not have all of the bells and whistles you can expect with electric bidets, they are still functional and tend to be low-cost.
Why Aren't Bidets More Popular?
In our countryâs early days, bidets would have been impractical. Few individuals had access to fresh water, let alone running water. In fact, most people used whatever was handy until perforated toilet tissue was invented. Even that received backlash initially since people weren't used to purchasing bathroom sundries then. Eventually, toilet paper became essential, and in the same way, bidets will, too.
Choosing A Bidet Seat
There are several factors to consider when purchasing a bidet attachment or toilet seat. Considering all of the pros and cons of a bidet before selecting your new model will lead to a better toileting experience over the next few years, so take your time and explore all the options.
Price
Many first-time bidet buyers purchase their system based on the price, but the same can't be said for second and third-time buyers who appreciate the extra quality that comes with mid-level and luxury bidets. While an inexpensive bidet seat or bidet attachment may work, many users wish they had gone for a more luxurious, functional system.
Features
You will become well-acquainted with your bidet, so it's best to figure out which features are the most important to you and find a model with everything you desire. From remote control to night light, self-cleaning nozzles, or deodorization, there's a model with everything you are looking for.
Functionality
Functionality ties into the features of your bidet, but it's an entirely different consideration. Do you have frequent constipation? Consider one of the bidet toilet seats with a massaging function to relieve pressure. Does your loved one have a bad habit of leaving the seat up? We recommend looking into bidets with auto-closing lids. Manufacturers have spent decades ensuring that bidet products are effective and functional, so take advantage of the advancements.
Installing A Bidet
Installing a bidet toilet seat or attachment is surprisingly simple, requiring minimal tools, time, or experience to accomplish the task. Each bidet comes with an instruction manual that outlines the installation process, so follow along and refer to our installation guide if you need assistance. The most important things to remember are:
Verify Toilet Bowl Size
To avoid the return process and unnecessary hassle, verify whether you have an elongated or round toilet bowl. Aside from the longer, ovular shape, elongated bowls measure longer than round models, with elongated bowls around 18.5" and round bowls around 16.5".Â
Shut Off Water Supply & Drain
To install your new toilet seat bidet, it's essential to turn off the toilet's water supply valve and drain the standing water from your tank. The best way to drain the toilet water reservoir is to flush it until it's empty, preventing you from manually draining it into a bucket. This will prevent a large mess when connecting water lines later in the process.
Follow Instructions Carefully
Before installing your bidet toilet seat, read the instructions carefully, gathering recommended tools and materials to complete the task efficiently. Ensuring you have the required items will help you avoid critical errors, like broken parts or loose connections.
Following the step-by-step instructions for installing your bidet will lead to a more successful, less time-consuming experience.
Check For An Electrical Outlet
Electric bidets like these require an outlet within approximately three feet to operate. Unfortunately, not every toilet has an outlet nearby, so it's imperative for users to check before purchasing. There are a few options if your nearby wall doesn't have an outlet installed. The first is to have an electrician install an outlet. While professional installation may be costly, it will increase your home's value and provide an effective solution to your issue. The second option is to use an extension cord, which can be unsightly and potentially hazardous if cords are not properly secured.
Using A Bidet
Using a bidet is quite simple, and anyone can achieve an immaculate cleanse with a few adjustments. To use a bidet, simply sit on the toilet seat as you normally would and complete your business. Once finished, use the remote control or control panel to initiate the bidet's wash cycle.
During your first few washes, you may need to perform some adjustments. Spray nozzle angle, water pressure, and water temperature are all standard adjustments that can be made to improve your washing experience, so don't be shy about configuring the settings to optimize your "go".
Some bidet toilet seats are equipped with warm air dryers, which initiate a jet-dry cycle to provide a spot-free dry. If your bidet doesn't come with this feature, you may need to pat dry with toilet paper. Explore this Using a Bidet blog for more information on how to use bidet attachments and seats.
Summary
There are various reasons to purchase a bidet seat, and few things are holding you back. From long-term savings to improving every toileting experience in your home, owning a bidet is the smart decision every time. Replace your old toilet seat with a bidet, and you'll never look back!