Have you ever wondered why the rest of the world seems to be ahead of America regarding toilet hygiene? Enter the Bidet toilet seat – the missing upgrade of your bathroom which finally catches up in North American houses.
Whether you are tired of the endless or simply curious toilet paper races of a more hygienic bathroom routine, this guide will guide you through everything you need to know about the Bidet toilet seats.
Why consider a Bidet toilet seat?
Let's be honest – We all want a cleaner and more comfortable bathroom experience. The Bidet toilet seats offer exactly that, and they are more practical than you think. This is why they make sense:
Best personal hygiene
Think about it – If you have something messy on your hands, would you have it with paper? Of course not! You wash with water. The same logic applies to bidets, which use a soft flow of clean water to let you really clean.
Goodbye paper waste
The average American family goes through 409 rollers of hygienic paper per year. By switching to a bidet, you will always use a small amount of paper for drying (unless your model has a dryer), but you will cut your use of toilet paper from about 75 to 80%. It's both good for the planet and your wallet.
Low -budget
Although the initial cost can take a break, consider this: a family of four generally spending $ 250 to $ 300 per year on hygienic paper. Most of the basic bidet seats have been paid within one year thanks to a reduction in the use of paper.
Different types of bidets: find your perfect match
Non -electric bidets: the simple solution
If you are new in the bidets, a non -electric model is an excellent starting point. These mechanical bidets are:
- Affordable (usually $ 30 to 100)
- Easy to install with basic tools
- Powered by water pressure alone
- Perfect for tenants (easy to withdraw during move)
Electric bidet seats: luxury experience
Although more expensive, electric models offer comfort features like:
- Heated seats (perfect for cold mornings)
- Adjustable water temperature
- Several spray models
- Hot air dryers
From around $ 200 to $ 300 for basic models
Do the big question: do bidets use toilet water?
This is probably the most common concern we hear, and we are happy to put this myth to rest: no, the bidets do not use the toilet water! Your bidet connects directly to the same clean water line that feeds your toilet tank. It is the same water that comes out of your sink tap.
Here is how Bidet plumbing:
- The Bidet seat connects to the water supply line of your toilet using a simple value
- Clean and soft water crosses a dedicated nozzle system
- The nozzles are self -cleaning on most models
- Water pressure is adjustable for comfort
How to choose the right bidet for your bathroom
Buying your first bidet does not have to be overwhelming. Here is what to consider:
Toilet compatibility
First, check the shape of your toilet bowl:
- Round bowls generally measure 16.5 inches long
- Elongated bowls generally measure 18.5 inches long
Measure mounting holes in front of your bowl to determine what you have.
Essential characteristics vs nice-to-haves
For beginners, focus on these key characteristics:
- Self -cleaning nozzles for hygiene
- Adjustable water pressure (trust us, you will want)
- Good warranty coverage (search at least one year)
- Easy installation design
Budget considerations
You can find quality options in these ranges:
- Basic mechanical bidets: $ 30 to 60
- Entry-level electric bidets: $ 200-300
- Mid-range electric bidets: $ 300-500
Bidet installation guide: easier than you think
Do not let the installation problems hold you back – Most Bidet seats can be installed in less than 30 minutes with basic tools.
What you will need:
- Adjustable adjustment key
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Towel (for any water spill)
- Plumber ribbon (included with most bidets)
Basic installation steps:
- Turn off the water supply and rinse the toilet
- Remove the existing toilet seat
- Install the mounting support for a new Bidet seat
- Connect T-Valve to water supply
- Attach the water supply line to Bidet
- Test all connections for leaks
- For electric models: connect to the GFCI socket
For advice: Take a photo of your existing toilet configuration before you start – it will help you if you need to reference something later.
The best choice of affordable bidet for 2025
Best non -electric option: Luxe Bidet Neo 120
- Price: About $ 35
- Characteristics: Double nozzles, self -cleaning spray
- Advantages: excellent water pressure control, easy installation
- Disadvantages: cold water only, no dryer
Best basic electric: bio bidet slim zero
- Price: about $ 250
- Characteristics: heated seat, lukewarm water
- Advantages: good set of features for the price, reliable brand
- Disadvantages: no air dryer, basic water pressure parameters
Best electric value: Washillet Toto C2
- Price: about $ 300
- Characteristics: heated seat, lukewarm water, air dryer
- Advantages: reliable brand, good warranty
- Disadvantages: Premium features excluded to maintain the price down
Frequently asked questions
Is a Bidet sanitary?
In fact, bidets are more hygienic than hygienic paper alone. The nozzles are self -cleaning and remain protected when they are not used. In addition, you use clean water to wash yourself rather than just wipe with paper. Many users report less use and less irritation after going to bidets.
Will this increase my water bill?
The use of water is minimal – usually approximately 1/8 gallons per washing. For a perspective, it takes about 37 gallons of water to make a single roll of toilet paper!
Your minor increase in water use is far prevails over the environmental impact of reducing hygienic paper consumption.
What about electricity costs for electric models?
Electric bidets are surprisingly effective. Most models use approximately 15-25 cents of electricity per month when they are in active use, or up to $ 1 to 2 per month if you keep the heating function of the seat continuously.
Do I still need toilet paper?
You will need much less, but most people use a small amount to dry (unless your model has a dryer). Expect to reduce the use of your hygienic paper by 75 to 80%.
What if I rent?
Non -electric bidets are perfect for tenants! They settle easily without permanent modifications and can be deleted in a few minutes when you move. Just record your original toilet seat.
Will it spray water everywhere?
No – Modern bidets are precisely designed for directly water exactly where it should go. Water Stream OD is contained and controlled, so there is no waste or splashes.
Can I connect it to hot water?
For non -electric bidets, you can technically connect to the hot water driving of your sink, but this is not recommended. The connection can be complicated and you would risk uncomfortably hot water.
Electric bidets solve this problem by heating the water internally – they connect to your ordinary cold water line and warm it to a comfortable temperature that you can adjust.
Live the life of bidets: final thoughts
Going to a Bidet toilet seat is not only to join an increasing trend – it is a question of upgrading your daily routine with a more hygienic solution, concerned with the environment and comfortable. Whether you start with a basic mechanical model or jump directly into an electric seat, you will probably wonder how you lived without one.
Things to remember:
- Start with your toiletries and your budget
- Consider your essential features
- Do not be intimidated by the installation
- Give yourself a week to adapt to the new routine
Ready to make the change? Your future me will thank you for doing this simple but important upgrade in the bathroom. In addition, you will join the millions of people around the world who have already discovered that water does a better job than paper alone.
Care and maintenance advice
- To keep your bidet to be executed optimally:
- Wipe the seat and nozzles with a soft monthly cleaning
- Replace the batteries in remote controls each year (if applicable)
- Check the connections each year for all loose fittings
- Clean the nozzles according to the manufacturer's instructions
Are you looking to buy? Always check the current prices because they can fluctuate throughout the year. The best offers usually appear during the main shopping holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
