Last Updated on September 13, 2022 by acechapman
Bidets are often mistaken for a drinking fountain, awkward sink, or shower, but you will know what you are looking at. But, can you install a bidet on any toilet? Apparently, yes.
Humans have been cleaning their bodies with water for thousands of years. Even if you don’t know how to wash your undercarriage in your culture, it is a common practice and necessary. You are fortunate if that is why you are here.
Modern toilets often have hoses that can be used to attach a bidet. Many toilets may not have hoses to install a bidet.
CAN YOU INSTALL A BIDET ON ANY EXISTING TOILET?
Yes, you can. It isn’t as easy as it looks. It can be difficult to mount a bidet in some toilets, but it is possible with others.
Most toilets don’t have a bidet option. You will need to make an extra effort if your bathroom is older than you think and doesn’t have a bidet. However, most toilets can be fitted with a bidet attachment.
Installing Bidet On Two-Piece Toilets
Two-piece toilets work well for most bidets. Two-piece toilets are designed with separate basins and tanks. The tanks and basins are placed in front of each other.
It is easy to connect your bidet to the toilet. You can install any heated bidet attachment, or toilet spray yourself.
A two-piece toilet has the advantage of being able to locate the filling valve quickly. The fill-in valve connects to the inlet of water. The valve must connect most bidets so that water can be rerouted into them.
Two-piece toilets are also very predictable. It is likely that your bathroom has a two-piece toilet. Because of their popularity, it is easy to understand the structure and determine the best place to install the bidet.
Installing Bidet On Conventional One-Piece Toilets
One-piece toilets are bidet-friendly Most one-piece toilets can be bidet-friendly. Semi-bidet-friendly is the term we use to describe it. It has one unit, with just the basin and bowl. The mainframe is attached directly to the tank. You can still use a bidet to install one-piece toilets even after removing the mainframe.
The fill-in valve is visible on most one-piece toilets. You can usually find an alternate way, even if it is difficult to reach. The problem comes when there is less space between your valve and the wall. This problem is more apparent if the toilet has a flatback.
A bidet will almost always come with a T-connector to connect to the valve. You won’t be capable of properly installing it if there isn’t enough space between the valve & the wall.
Are Bidets possible on tankless toilets?
When installing a bidet, tankless toilets (or flushometers) are a challenge. This is because toilets don’t have a tank. It is essential that the building has adequate plumbing to supply water directly into the basin. You cannot access water unless the toilet is flushed and you can see it swirling in the bowl.
You don’t have a tank so you can’t attach the t connector to the fill-in device. This creates the problem. Alternative methods are the only way to get out of this mess. To install bidets in tankless toilets, you will need to have special equipment.
To connect the water supply, you may need to drill into the wall. These methods are only applicable to non-electric or handheld bidets.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF BIDETS
Toilet paper doesn’t always clean your toilet. Even though the bidet was originally developed in Europe, it is now popular in Western countries. You will find yourself at crossroads if you choose to buy a bidet in your home.
There are many kinds of bidets on the market. The type of toilet you have will determine which bidet you choose. If you are a frequent traveler and want to be super clean, you can get travel or portable toilet.
Electric Bidet
There are two types of electric bidets: the electric bidet combination and the electric bidet seat. The electric bidet toilet seat is for toilets without a bidet option. You manually place the toilet seat on top of the toilet. For people with mobility problems, electric seats can be helpful.
The electric bidet combination is a toilet that includes a bidet. You don’t need to buy one separately. If you’re remodeling your bathroom or changing the toilet, it will be a better option.
It runs on electricity so you don’t need to do much. Bidets aren’t sterilization tools and you wouldn’t want them to be. To remove any hard particles from the rear area, you can use a bidet. The electric bidet is much more user-friendly than the other types and easier to use.
Non-electric Bidet
Ceramic or Standalone Bidets
These look most like traditional bidets you will find in many European homes. Because they are separate from the toilet, ceramic bidets can also be used as standalone bidets. The bidets hang from the wall and look more like a toilet. People without a bidet culture often confuse it with one.
You can only use a standalone model to clean your rear area. After you’re done, you can go back and clean. Many standalone models have modern technology, including water temperature control. These models are best if you want something more traditional and have enough space in your bathroom.
Handheld Bidet
Handheld bidets can be a good compromise if you don’t want things to get too complicated. They are often mistaken for bar showers, even though they look very similar. Bidet sprays or handheld bidets can be hoses that have one end connected to the plumbing and the other attached to a sprayer.
The toilet bidet spray can be a great option for those with limited flexibility. This sprayer allows you to control the water flow and pressure more easily. Sprayers are also cheaper than other bidet options. Many sprayers come with double pins. This allows you to choose the temperature of the water.
Portable Bidets
Bidets can be found in Asian and European countries. It can be difficult to find bidets at hotels and other locations in countries such as the United States.
You can take your portable bidet anywhere you want. They can be easily packed in a backpack and taken on a trip. They are also the most affordable option on the market. However, they do not offer the same technical features as other types.
HOW TO INSTALL A BIDET ON ANY TOILET
You have decided to install a bathroom bidet. Now you need to know how to do it correctly. You don’t have to hire a professional in most cases. The majority of traditional toilets have a good design that allows you to install any type of bidet.
Here are some things to consider before you put a bidet in a toilet.
BEFORE YOU INSTALL A BIDET, HERE ARE THINGS TO REMEMBER
Type of toilet
First, determine the type of toilet you currently have or intend to purchase. Different toilets will work with different bidets. Tankless toilets are more suited to handheld bidets. The best toilet seat and attachment will be chosen based on the type of toilet.
Empty the tank
Before you install a bidet. It is important to empty the tank completely. You can shut off the water supply valve if the model of your toilet is tankless.
GFCI Outlet
To protect your electric bidet lines, ensure you have a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) if you’re installing it in a damp area. This is a safety issue.
Plumbing requirements for a bidet
There may be different plumbing requirements for your bidet depending on the type of toilet. These are the most common materials that you will need in most cases.
- Bidet
- Crescent wrench
- Cordless drill
- Braided water connectors
- Tape measure
- Pencil
HOW TO INSTALL BIDET ATTACHMENT FOR EXISTING TOILET
A bidet chair will replace almost all of your current toilet seats. These are the steps to install a bidet chair.
- Begin by removing the current toilet seat. To do this, you can use a wrench.
- Make sure to clean the rims well. Use a scrubbing brush to do so. To get a better result, you can also use toilet cleaners.
- You will now need to place the mounting plate. Angle correctly to fit the holes. Finally, tighten the bolts so it doesn’t move.
- Mount the bidet chair on the mounting plate or catch plate. You can adjust it as needed. It is possible to remove the bidet from the mounting plate at any time.
Installation of the Water Connection
After mounting the electric bidet successfully, it is time to connect the water supply. These steps will help you establish the water connection for your electric bidet.
- Turn off the shutoff valve from the water supply for the toilet.
- Locate the fill-in valve on the toilet, where you can connect T-valve to the bidet.
- Attach the bidet water supply line to the T valve’s lower connector and one end to the upper T-valve connection.
- Insert the other end into the seat.
- Finally, make sure that all connections are secure. Check for leaks by turning on the shutoff valve.
Your bidet chair is now ready for use.
HOW TO INSTALL A HANDHELD BIDET SPRAYER
The handheld bidet sprays can be used as a more cost-effective and flexible option for traditional seats. People with limited mobility can use these bidets. A handheld spray can be installed in a few simple steps.
These are the steps to install a handheld bidet.
- First, choose which side of your toilet you prefer to install the bidet spray.
- Turn off the shutoff valve to stop the water supply to the toilet.
- Connect the T-connector to the bidet and locate the fill-in valve for the toilet.
- The water supply hose should connect to the T-valve’s lower connection, while the sprayer’s one end should go to the upper connection.
- Attach the sprayer to the other end.
- To rest the spray, you may have to drill a hole in the wall.
- Restart the water supply, and look for leakages.
Many handheld bidets include a warm water attachment. They include two pins to connect to the cold and warm water supply.
HOW MUCH DOES AN AVERAGE BIDET INSTALLATION COST?
Few factors can affect the cost of a bidet. If you purchase a bidet and a toilet, it is important to factor in the cost of the toilet. The cost of installing a bidet will vary depending on whether you need a handheld, standalone or ceramic bidet.
A bidet seat installation would cost between $25 and $100. It takes approximately 30 minutes to install.
A handheld bidet costs between $35 and $50 to install. They are easy to set up and quick.
If you are looking for extra luxury, there are also more expensive bidets. You can get them as high as $500 for electrically heated bidets.
Toilet bidet attachments can be installed by yourself in most cases. These attachments are inexpensive and take only 15 minutes of your time. In rare cases, however, you might need the assistance of a professional like a plumber, electrician, or other skilled workers. Depending on what kind of assistance you require, the cost may rise.
INSTALLING BIDETS: ADVANTAGES
More Hygienic
Bidets are more efficient than toilet paper if you compare them to hygiene. You can use toilet paper to clean your bum, while you can wash it with a bidet. Washing is more hygiene-friendly than wiping your tush.
There is less chance of germ spreading
Bidets are safe for your hands and prevent you from coming in contact with fecal matter. This reduces the risk of germ spreading.
Eco-Friendly
Would you prefer to waste paper over use water? No, right? We have a responsibility to our planet.
Reduced paper consumption will make a significant difference for the environment and your wallet. Washing is always cleaner.
Wrapping up
Many countries around the globe use water to clean their undercarriage. It is more hygienic, environment-friendly, and budget-friendly. Recently, the USA has been a major market for bidets. A recent study found that the global bidet market will soon reach $2.51 billion by 2026.
It is clear that bidets are becoming popular worldwide. Bidets may not be as popular in America or Australia as they are in Europe and Asia, but people are becoming more conscious about their health. We hope you found this article helpful.
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