How To Upgrade Your Bathroom With A Bidet

In today’s fast-paced world, bathroom upgrades go beyond just functionality – they’re about transforming your space into a haven of comfort and luxury. 

Bidets have emerged as a key player in this evolution, offering unparalleled hygiene and an elevated bathroom experience. 

According to recent statistics, over 40% of households in urban areas have shown an increased interest in bidet installations as a means to revamp their bathrooms.

In this blog, R.C. Gochenour and Son Plumbing LLC will provide you with all the knowledge you need about bidet upgrades – from the various types of bidets available to the factors to consider when selecting the perfect bidet for your home. 

Whether you’re new to the concept of bidets or seeking guidance on making the right choice, we’ve got you covered. 

So, let’s dive in and discover how bidets can harmonize functionality and aesthetics seamlessly, giving your bathroom a touch of modern sophistication.

What is a Bidet?

A bidet is a bathroom fixture designed to promote personal hygiene by cleansing the genital and anal areas after using the toilet. It is much like an ordinary toilet, but it has a small sink with running water to cleanse the genitals after using the toilet. The bidet can be installed as part of the toilet or as an independent unit. Some bidets also have a dryer function that helps to dry up any remaining moisture from washing.

It is a fixture that has been used in many cultures around the world, including Asia, Europe, and North Africa. It’s been around since the 1700s. The first bidet was invented by a French clergyman named Guillaume Aufray de la Plaigne (who was also an amateur inventor) for his wife, who was recovering from childbirth and had trouble getting up from her bed. He created the first bidet using a wooden stool with a hole cut into it and attached a jet of water from a fountain to wash her private parts.

Bidets were used for many years by royalty and other wealthy people in France, where they were viewed as being too luxurious for commoners. They did not reach widespread popularity until the 1960s when other countries started manufacturing them for use at home or in public bathrooms.

In recent decades, bidet adoption has experienced a surge in different parts of the world due to growing concerns about environmental sustainability, hygiene, and comfort. Countries like America, Japan, South Korea, and Italy have embraced bidet technology extensively, with electronic bidet toilet seats becoming a standard feature in many households.

Types of Bidet

Bidets are great for a lot of reasons. They’re efficient, they’re easy to use, they’re hygienic—and they can even be fun! But there are many types of bidets out there, and each one has its own benefits and drawbacks.

Here’s a quick guide to 8 most common types of bidet toilets:

Bidet Type	Description	Installation	Features	Suitable For
Standalone Bidet	Traditional separate fixture resembling a basin	Separate	Faucet/spray for cleansing water	Those with ample space
Bidet Toilet Seat	Replaces regular toilet seat with bidet functionality	Replaces seat	Adjustable water pressure, temperature	Bathrooms with limited space
Bidet Attachment	Installs on the existing toilet, handheld spray	Attaches to	Manual spray direction	Budget-conscious users
Integrated Bidet Toilet	Toilet and bidet functionalities combined	Single fixture	Heated seats, advanced settings, etc.	All-in-one solution
Portable Bidet	Handheld device for travel or temporary use	Handheld	Squeezable for water spray	Travel or temporary needs
Non-Electric Bidet	Uses water pressure, and no electricity is required	Plumbing system	Basic cleansing features	Simplicity and cost-effectiveness
Electronic Bidet Seat	Electric-powered, advanced features and customization	Replaces seat	Heated water, adjustable settings, etc.	Luxurious and high-tech feel
Smart Bidet	Integrates with smart home tech, app control, profiles	Replaces seat	Smartphone control, voice activation, etc.	Tech-savvy users

How to Use a Bidet?

Bidets are one of the most useful yet underrated things in life. They’re basically like an extra sink you can use to clean yourself. And they’re great for anyone who has ever had to deal with hemorrhoids.

But if you’ve never used a bidet before, it can initially seem a little confusing. How do you use one? What do you have to do?  How does a bidet work? And does it hurt? It’s time to put those questions to rest—we’ll explain everything about how to use a bidet so that no matter what kind of bathroom setup you have, you can start enjoying this fantastic invention right away.

Preparation

Before you use your bidet, you’ll want to make sure that you’re prepared. The first step is to find a clean, dry place to set up your bidet. Your bathroom is an ideal location. If you do not have a bathroom, you can use any other room in the house with a sink and running water access.

Adjust the Water Temperature

The next step is adjusting the water temperature. You should use warm water for washing, which will help keep your skin moisturized and healthy and feel refreshed after every wash. However, if this is too hot for you, then it’s possible to adjust it using the nozzle adjustment knob on top of your bidet.

Adjust the Water Pressure

Adjust the water pressure to a comfortable level. You can do this by turning a valve on the side of your toilet bidet. If you’ve never used a bidet before, we recommend starting with low pressure and increasing it as you get more comfortable with the process.

Position Yourself

Position yourself on your bidet so that you are facing away from the faucet and able to reach it easily. Make sure you have plenty of room around your rear end so that you can move around as needed during use. Remember, this is about comfort!

Activate the Water Spray

In order to use your bidet, you’ll need to turn on the water supply. Press the “On” button to activate the water spray. (If you want to turn off the water, press “Off.” If you want to adjust the temperature of your water, press “Temp Up” or “Temp Down.”)

Adjust Your Spray Direction

Once you’ve turned on the water and adjusted its temperature, you can now start using it! To change your spray direction, simply place your hand on the dial in front of you and twist it clockwise or counter-clockwise until you find a setting that feels good for you. You can also hold down one of these buttons for several seconds if you want to change both settings at once.

Cleanse and Rinse

Allow the water to cleanse the area thoroughly. You can move your body slightly to make sure all areas are reached. The water spray helps to clean without the need for wiping.

Dry Off

After using the bidet, you can use a small amount of toilet paper or a towel to pat yourself dry. Some advanced bidet models also come with built-in air dryers to help you dry off without using toilet paper.

Dispose of Waste

If the bidet toilets you’re using don’t have built-in features for disposing of waste, make sure to flush the toilet as you normally would.

Clean Up

After using the bidet, make sure to clean the bidet’s controls or any other surfaces you might have touched as a matter of hygiene.

What are the Benefits of Bidet?

Bidets are, hands down, the best thing to happen to humanity since sliced bread.

That’s a bold claim, but we’re sticking to it. Bidets have some amazing benefits that we just can’t ignore. Here are some primary reasons why you should start using a bidet today:

The Bidet is Better than Toilet Paper at Cleaning You Up

Toilet paper doesn’t do much more than wipe away a bit of mess—and it leaves your skin feeling like you’ve just dragged yourself across a brick wall. A bidet uses warm water to cleanse your skin gently and thoroughly.

The Bidet Saves Money on Toilet Paper Bills

A typical toilet paper roll costs about $5 per roll, which means that using a bidet instead of toilet paper can save you hundreds of dollars every year—and with some models costing as little as $50, there’s no reason not to try one out!

Bidet is Convenient

Bidets are small, light fixtures that hook up directly to your toilet seat and can be used with a touch of a button or lever. They’re more convenient than washing your hands in the kitchen sink or using a washcloth in the shower!

Bidets Are More Hygienic Than Toilet Paper

The average person uses about 18,000 sheets of toilet paper per year (about 100 sheets per day). That’s a lot of waste! Bidets keep things clean by using water instead of wet wipes or dry paper, so you’ll save money on those products and help protect the environment at the same time.

Bidet Can Reduce Irritation.

Think about how much time you spend in the bathroom each day. If you’re like us, it’s probably quite a bit—and if you don’t have a bidet, that means a lot of toilet paper. But toilet paper is not only wasteful, it’s also kinda gross. Why not invest in something that will clean your butt more effectively and with less work? That’s where bidets come in! Using a bidet means no more paper cuts or other irritations while cleansing your posterior; they’re just better at their jobs than toilet paper ever could be!

Bidets Are Environmentally Sustainable

Did you know that using toilet paper is bad for the environment? Well, it is! In fact, it’s so bad that if every person on earth used as much toilet paper as Americans do right now (about 1 roll per day), we’d run out of trees in just 10 months. So why not switch to something better for both your bum and the planet? Bidets are an easy way to do just that!

Bidets Are Cultural Norms

In certain parts of the world, it’s customary to use bidets in order to clean up after using the restroom. If you’re traveling abroad and want to fit in with the locals, using a bidet will help you do just that.

Bidets Are Versatile

Bidets come in all shapes and sizes, with many different features that can help users achieve their desired results. Whether you’re looking for a simple jet spray or something more advanced like an integrated toilet seat warmer or drying system, there’s bound to be a bidet out there for you!

Bidets Offer Comfort and Relief

Whether you’re recovering from a bout of diarrhea or feeling like your nether regions, need a little extra cleansing after a long day, using a bidet will help you feel better—and more comfortable in your own skin.

Bidets Can Enhance Confidence

By eliminating the need to worry about odor and/or stains on your clothes, bidets help make you feel like yourself again. You can get back out there and confidently tackle whatever life throws at you!

Things to Consider While Choosing a Bidet for Your Home

Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to make your bathroom experience even more luxurious? Or maybe you just want to get rid of that nasty toilet paper and start using something a little more effective and efficient. Whatever the case may be, bidets are an excellent option.

But with so many different kinds of bidets on the market, choosing one can seem daunting—especially if you’ve never owned or used one before. To help make your decision easier, we’ve broken down what to look for in a bidet.

Type of Bidet

There are a variety of types of bidets on the market today, including wall-mounted and floor models. If space is an issue in your bathroom or you don’t want to install something permanently, consider getting a portable bidet instead. Portable bidets are small enough to fit in suitcases or backpacks and can be used while traveling. They also use less water than other types of bidets, so they’re more eco-friendly!

Features

A good quality bidet should have some features that make it more convenient and comfortable for users, such as adjustable water pressure control, automatic temperature adjustment, and heated seats, as well as warm air drying functions with adjustable speed levels depending on preference (some people prefer faster drying speeds).

Installation

If you are looking to install a bidet in your house, it is important to consider the installation process. There are different types of bidets available on the market today, and some may require professional assistance while others can be installed by yourself. The bidet installation process may also vary depending on the type of bidet that you choose.

Size and Compatibility

Before purchasing a bidet, make sure that it will fit in the space where you want to install it. The size and shape of a bidet may also impact its compatibility with other bathroom fixtures like toilet seats or other accessories such as towel warmers or mirrors.

Maintenance

When you’re looking for a bidet, you’ll want to look at how much maintenance it will require. The more complicated a bidet is, the more likely it is to break down and require repairs or replacement.

Budget

You also want something within your budget—you don’t want to spend too much money on something that isn’t going to work out for you! And if you have any limitations or restrictions on what kinds of products can be used in your home (like if you have kids or pets), make sure they’re taken into account as well so that everything goes smoothly once you’ve made your purchase.

User Experience

It’s important to choose a bidet that makes you comfortable. Consider how much space is available in the bathroom and where it fits best. You’ll want something that can fit in the space available without causing any inconvenience or discomfort while using it.

Power Source

Bidets come with different sources of power—some use electricity while others run on batteries or solar power. Make sure you know what type of power source works best for your home before purchasing one so that it doesn’t end up sitting unused in your bathroom due to lack of accessibility!

Future Upgrades

A lot of people who start using bidets don’t stop there. They tend to get hooked on the experience and want to upgrade their existing model or invest in a new one with more features. So it’s important to look at what kind of future upgrades are available for your product and how much they’ll cost.

Reviews and Feedback

It’s always good to do some research before making such an important decision—and that means reading reviews, asking friends and family members about their experiences with various models, and taking note of any feedback from experts in the field (such as us!). These things will help ensure you choose a product that meets your needs and expectations.

DIY Vs. Professional Bidet Installation 

Are you looking for a bidet installation? Do you want to install it yourself, or would you rather hire a professional? In this comparison table, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of both options and help you determine which one is right for you!

Aspect	DIY Installation	Professional Installation
Cost	Usually lower cost as you won’t pay for labor.	Higher cost due to labor charges and expertise.
Skill Required	Moderate to high, depending on your plumbing skills.	Minimal skills are needed; experts handle the process.
Time Required	More time-consuming; it may take a few hours.	Faster installation with experienced technicians.
Tools Needed	Basic plumbing tools, wrench, screwdriver, etc.	Specialized tools and equipment for precision work.
Complexity	May be challenging, especially for complex models.	Professionals handle complexities with ease.
Risk of Errors	Higher risk of errors, which may lead to leaks.	Lower risk as experts ensure proper installation.
Plumbing Knowledge	Requires a good understanding of plumbing systems.	Experts have in-depth plumbing expertise.
Electrical Work	May involve minimal electrical connections.	Professionals can handle electrical aspects.
Warranty Concerns	DIY installation might void product warranties.	Professional installation typically preserves warranties.
Long-Term Reliability	Depends on installation quality and skill.	Professional installation ensures reliability.
Customization	Flexibility to customize installation based on needs.	Professionals can suggest optimal setups.
Suitable For	Those with plumbing skills and confidence.	Anyone seeking a hassle-free, guaranteed installation.
Peace of Mind	Satisfaction of doing it yourself if successful.	Professional assurance of a job done right.

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