If you’ve been thinking that maybe you should add a bidet to your toilet, the plumbing experts at Meticulous Plumbing have one thing to say to you: Yes, you should add a bidet to your toilet!
Why? Lots of reasons. We’ll get to those in a second. But first, a little history.
Americans have been slow to catch on to the bidet craze. And not just a little slow — but very slow. Bidets have been a part of modern plumbing systems worldwide since at least the 1800s, although it’s much more popular — indeed mandatory — in some countries than others.
The word bidet is French for “pony.” Originally (i.e., in Old French), it meant “to trot.” The idea here is pretty clear: You have to straddle a bidet much like you’d have to straddle a pony.
The Simple Mechanics of a Bidet
A bidet is traditionally separate from the toilet but modern versions — even electronic versions! — are part of the toilet itself. The original design was merely a washbasin filled with clean water; it was also used to wash one’s feet.
Modern bidets can be arranged in much the same way — that is to say as a separate bowl in your bathroom.
However, many people are beginning to realize the benefits of attaching a bidet to an existing toilet. And here we return to the original theme of this blog post: You should add a bidet to your toilet. Here’s why.
Why You Should Add A Bidet To Your Toilet
1. They’re cheaper than a separate bidet and easy to install. The Portland plumbing experts at Meticulous can have your bidet installed and performing its duties in a short amount of time.
Attachable bidets can be activated mechanically (i.e., by turning a valve) or electronically (i.e., with waterproof switches). They can be installed so as not to draw attention to themselves, too (under the seat).
Keep in mind that electronic bidets will need a protected outlet from which to draw power. Go check one out at your local hardware store or Home Depot to get an idea of the options available to you. Or ask Meticulous!
2. Modern bidets have excellent comfort options. Bidet attachments on your existing toilet seat can include warm air dryers, heated seats, deodorizers, nightlights, and even remote controls. Ask us about the options we can provide for you.
3. They’re environmentally friendly. Not only will you use less water, but you’ll use much less toilet paper. This helps the environment and your wallet!
One report published in recent years concluded that Americans use about 36.5 billion rolls of toilet paper annually. That amount of paper requires 15 million trees and 473 billion gallons of water to produce! Bidets eliminate the need for toilet paper in many instances. And bidets only need about one-eighth of a gallon of water to do their job properly.
4. They’re way more hygienic than paper alone. The combo of bidet and toilet paper provides a marked improvement in hygiene and cleanliness. Just ask anybody who’s ever used one. Some bidets clean so thoroughly that paper is not necessary at all.
5. They benefit the elderly and disabled. Adding a bidet to your toilet makes it easier for older folks and the disabled to practice self-care and hygiene. Some reports show that bidets also ease the discomforts of certain minor health problems, such as hemorrhoids.
Meticulous Plumbing in Portland OR
There are all types of bidets. They can come with adjustable water temperature control (for lukewarm, warm water, hot water, etc.) and adjustable water pressure. They can be installed regardless of the size of your toilet tank or toilet bowl and can use the existing water supply and water supply hose.
So yes, you should add a bidet to your toilet. In many countries, such as Italy and Portugal, it’s mandatory (and has been since 1975) to install a bidet.
Here in the United States, it isn’t mandatory, but it sure makes a lot of sense — and cents.
Contact Meticulous Plumbing today with any questions about bidets, Bio Bidets, toilet seats, and more. We are a full-service Portland plumbing company.
