A bidet is a bathroom fixture that is designed for cleansing the body after using the toilet. Bidets are becoming increasingly popular in the United States, as they offer a more hygienic way to cleanse than toilet paper alone. When it comes to how to install a bidet, there are a few different ways, including attaching it to your existing toilet or installing a standalone unit.
If you’re interested in adding a bidet to your bathroom, there are a few things you need to know before you get started. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about bidets, from how to install one to how to use it. Keep reading to learn more!
How to Install a Bidet Attachment
If you choose to go with the bidet attachment or bidet toilet seat, it’s usually a simple process of attaching it to your toilet and tightening the screws. You will need to have a water supply line nearby in order to connect the bidet, as well as an additional power GFCI outlet if the model you choose has a heating element for warm water or hot water.
Once you have all of your supplies, follow these step-by-step instructions to install your bidet attachment:
- Begin by shutting off the water supply to your toilet. The shut-off valve is usually located behind the toilet or in the basement.
- Flush the toilet to empty the tank and remove any water that may be left inside.
- Unscrew the hose from the back of the toilet tank and disconnect it from the water supply line.
- Follow the instructions that came with your bidet attachment to attach it to the toilet, including how to connect the water supply.
How to Install a Bidet Standalone Fixture
Installing a standalone bidet is a lot more involved than the attachment bidets that can be used with an existing fixture. The first thing you have to realize is that bidets are intended to be separate from traditional toilets. There are some bidets that handle all of your bathroom business, so make sure you know what model you’re buying and its capabilities.
If the bidet is in addition to a toilet, you’ll need to choose a spot in the bathroom where it will fit. They will need roughly the same amount of space as your standard toilet, around 30 inches wide and four-feet deep. You’ll also need to consider where the water line is located in your bathroom because the bidet hose will need to tie into the system.
Basically, you need to bring water to the bidet and also attach it to the wastewater line. Because everything needs to go downhill, you may need to install the bidet a little higher to allow for enough slope for the wastewater to reach the main sewer stack in the home.
How to Install a Bidet: Wall-Mounted and Floor-Mounted Models
There are two types of standalone bidets: wall-mounted and floor-mounted. For wall-mounted bidets, you’ll need to cut into the wall of the bathroom, install a bracket, and run all of the plumbing (water supply hose and drain) through that bracket. The bidet mounting holes will then fit onto the mounting bolts protruding from the mounting plate (bracket).
Once you connect to the water line and line up the drain, you should be able to put it in place. Floor-mounted models are a little bit easier to install because you won’t need to worry about the bracket (although the bolt holes on the bidet will still need to match the bolts from the floor). You’ll still need to rough in plumbing and then repair any drywall or tile that was disturbed during installation.
After you turn on the water, check for leaks and that everything is working correctly. If installing a bidet toilet seems like a bit too much work, you can always hire a professional plumber to install the bidet for you. This is definitely the easiest way to get your new bathroom fixture up and running.
Once you’ve installed your bidet, it’s time to give it a try! Follow the instructions that came with your product on how to use it. Most bidets have a sprayer that you can use to clean yourself after using the toilet. Some also offer a heated seat and air dryer. Enjoy your new bathroom upgrade!
Work With Plumbing Experts
With decades of experience, Meticulous Plumbing can help you with your bidet installation as well as many other plumbing services. If you’re interested in bidet, give us a call and we will come out and see if it’s a possibility in your current bathroom. We look forward to working with you!
