How A Bidet Works
Bidets are highly useful for numerous reasons, but to get comfortable with the transition, you must understand how bidets work. You may find it helpful to investigate all of the available features, too!
Installing The Bidet
Before you can use a bidet, you have to mount the system to your existing toilet. While it may seem like a tall task, bidet installation is easy enough for almost any user to complete, whether you choose a bidet seat or spray attachment. Using basic household tools and the user manual, the job can be finished in under half an hour!
Bidet Installation Instructions
Seats and attachments use a very similar installation process, which consists of a few simple steps. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to the best of your abilities so your seat can function the way it was intended to.
Measure your toilet
Start the installation process with a few measurements to ensure your bidet will fit correctly. The first measurement should be from the front of your water tank to the mounting holes. If you have 1.75 inches of clearance behind the mounting holes (or more), then youâre all set!
Your second measurement will be the distance from your mounting holes to the front outer edge of the toilet bowl. 17 inches or less indicates you need a round size bidet toilet seat, while greater than 17.5 inches will require an elongated toilet seat. Most round size toilet bowls measure between 16 and 16.5 inches while most elongated toilets measure between 18 and 18.5 inches.
Drain The Toilet Tank
Before you start disconnecting anything, you must turn off the toiletâs water supply and flush it to drain the tank. Doing this will remove all of the water from your system so you wonât leak water when connecting the bidet to the water line.
Removing Your Toilet Seat
Locate your screw caps and pop them open to reveal the current mounting hardware, which usually consists of a Phillips head screw and wing nut. Using the correct screwdriver, remove the hardware and set it aside until you verify the parts are no longer required.
Mounting The Bidet Seat
Next, you will install the bidet mounting bracket using the same holes. To do this, attach the rectangular guide rails to either side of the bracket, and then place the bolts through the rails and mounting holes. Secure in place with the nuts from underneath the mounting holes.
Once your mounting bracket is secured, you can attach the bidet seat. A distinct clicking sound will confirm proper installation. If you do not hear the click, loosen the brackets and press in again, tightening once it snaps into place.
Connecting The Water Supply
Detach the supply line from the bottom of your toilet tank and install the T-Connection (water splitter) directly to the bottom of the toilet tank. Re-attach your supply line to the bottom of the T-Connection.
Your new bidet will come with an additional water line, which is used to tap into your toiletâs supply. Attach this water hose to the T-connection while securing the other end of the bidet hose to the seat's inlet on the rear left side of the unit. Once you have everything connected, turn on your water supply and check the newly installed seat for any leaks.
Plug In Your Bidet
If you have an electric bidet, you will need a nearby power source. If there is no outlet within approximately three feet of your system, it would be ideal to start working on installing a GFCI power outlet while your bidet ships.
Getting Warm Water For Your Wash
Many of todayâs bidet seats and attachments have a warm water option, which can drastically improve your comfort. There are two ways to achieve a warm water wash, depending on the type of bidet you choose. Electric bidets utilize a water heater, so all you have to do is plug the system in to start generating warm water.
The second option for accessing warm water is to tap into your sinkâs warm water supply. This is the only way to get warm water with a non-electric bidet attachment. Using a âYâ valve or âTâ fitting, you will connect an additional hot water line from your sinkâs supply to the bidet attachment. This is still a fairly easy process, but the extra line may be unsightly, especially if your sink isnât very close, and may not provide as reliable of temperature control.
Sitting On A Bidet Seat
Modern bidet systems come with posterior and feminine washes, which can easily be used to cleanse after using the restroom. As long as the bidet is positioned correctly during installation, some fine-tuning should provide a thorough wash for any user. To use a bidet seat or attachment, sit like you normally would, ensuring that you are in a natural position on the seat.
Once you have finished your business, simply turn the knob or press the corresponding button to initiate your wash. If the water stream is off the mark, adjust the nozzle position with the systemâs control panel to find the best position.
Using A Handheld Sprayer
Using a handheld bidet sprayer is a lot like using a detachable shower head. You can position yourself however you like to best reach back to use the spray. The preferred method is to lean forward, angle the sprayer to avoid being under your target area, and spray. This process might take some practice and angle adjustment. While it may be a bit more awkward positioning yourself and the sprayer, having manual control of the spray can help with accuracy.
Sticking With Toilet Paper
Drying off with toilet paper may not be the cleanest way to end your business, but itâs the fastest. Dabbing dry with toilet paper is a familiar option that lets you quickly get up and go after using your bidet, but of course that means you still have to keep toilet paper in your home, even if you are cutting down on how much is being used. Some people would recommend a reusable cloth to dry after using a bidet, but that may not appeal to everyone.
The Air-Dryer Function
The best way to dry after using your bidet toilet seat is to get a system with a heated air-dry function. This combines the naturally cleaner feeling of air drying without the inconvenience of sitting for minutes after. While you may pay more initially, the cost of your air dryer will probably be recouped by the extra amount of TP youâre not using.
Getting Comfortable With Your Bidet
A large portion of Americans have never used a bidet, so itâs no surprise if you are not entirely comfortable with the system at first. To help acquaint yourself with bidet washing, start slow and stick to the basics. Turn the pressure down to a moderate-low level before your first spritz as you acclimate to using the spray.. As you refine the position of the nozzle and begin to find the washing function more familiar, increase the pressure to ensure a thorough cleanse.
Once you have gotten your basic settings down, you can explore other features offered on your bidet. Depending on your model, there could be plenty to check out
Summary
Make sure that purchasing and setting up your bidet seat is a fun, painless experience by ensuring the unit will fit and function in your bathroom. If modifications are necessary to make the system work, consider completing them before buying the bidet- or complete the updates while your new bidet is on the way! Lastly, ensure that you will stay happy with your bidet seat indefinitely by purchasing one with all of the features you want.
Switching to a bidet can save you hundreds of dollars, so reinvest that money into getting a setup you will be happy with. Install your outlet if necessary, convert your power source to GFCI if itâs not already, and go for the upgrades you will wish you had for the ultimate bidet experience!