Derived from a French word that means something along the lines of ‘riding a pony’, a bidet is a plumbing fixture that is installed low to the ground near the toilet and is used for cleaning your private parts after using the toilet.
Most bidets consist of hot and cold water faucets from which emerge a stream of water that does the task.
There are two types of bidets. The first type uses a stream of water. There is another type of bidet also that needs to be filled up and requires the use of your hands to wash and clean.
Bidets are preferred by people who are big on personal hygiene and want to move a step ahead of just using toilet paper. Bidets offer washing without having to take a full-body shower.
Types of Bidets
Bidets can be installed in a number of ways to ensure hygiene and cleanliness. Here are the most common types of bidets.
1. Vertical Spray Bidet
Resembling the lower half of a conventional toilet, the vertical spray bidet is linked to a P-trap extending horizontally from the wall. It is considered to be the easiest to install of all the bidets and is also apparently the least expensive.
2. Toilet Bidet System
An upgrade from the vertical spray bidet, the toilet bidet system is ideal for those who like proper systems for everything. They come with a wide range of features and need a separate electronic structure. This type of system is in fact a complete toilet in itself and can be used as such.
3. Handheld Bidet
The toilet bidet seat is halfway between a full-blown bidet system and a vertical spray. Firstly, it doesn’t comprise a toilet seat. Instead, it plugs the seat into the nearest available GFCI outlet.
In simple terms, the handheld bidet is like a hose with a spray connected to toilet plumbing. The spray option gives users greater flexibility of use. This is considered ideal for those who are recovering from injuries or have mobility issues.
4. Travel Portable Bidet
Travel bidets are used by those who are constantly on the move. It resembles a water bottle with an angled nozzle that acts as the spray. This works for those people who can’t use public toilets for any number of reasons such as allergies and health woes.
Key Features to Look For in a Bidet
If you want to get a bidet, there are certain considerations in addition to costs that you must consider. These include:
- Water Temperature Features: Not every bidet has a warm water feature so if you want this, check this beforehand.
- Spray Length: There are certain models that allow you to choose how far a spray can go. If you have special considerations, check this out while buying.
- Nozzle: A stainless steel nozzle is considered to be more bacteria resistant and hence if you are very particular about this, choose a model that comes with a steel nozzle.
How Much Does a Bidet Installation Cost?
Bidets can cost anywhere between $500 and $1,200 depending on the type and features. Additionally, you will also have to account for installation charges. If you get any additional accessories and more complex models, you should be ready to shell out for money.
If you are confused about getting a bidet in your bathroom from a cost perspective, you must give serious consideration to the cost of toilet paper, plumbing services and maintenance and then make your decision taking a long-term view on the issue.
Are Bidets Safe to Use?
It is not uncommon to have doubts about things we know little of. The same can be said about bidets. Are they are safe to use? Are there any risks associated? Are they safe for pregnant women and children?
The simple answer to this would be that they are incredibly safe to use and in fact, provide an added layer of hygiene. When it comes to pregnant women, using bidets may reduce the chances of vaginal infections. Hence, it can be conclusively said that bidets are safe and reliable.
Are Bidets Complicated to Use?
Bidets are incredibly easy to use. It is just a matter of getting used to it and of course, you should wipe yourself after using a bidet.
Things that you need to look out for are adjusting the optimum temperature and pressure of the water and angling the nozzle in a way that you don’t end up wetting your clothes.
What Are the Maintenance Needs of a Bidet?
Cleaning a bidet is a simple task and definitely not as daunting as it sounds. For starters, you must not clean your bidets with very harsh abrasives. Instead, a good soap solution is sufficient to do the task. Once you have cleaned it with soap, you can simply wipe it off.
Pros and Cons of a Bidet
Bidets are gaining momentum across the world and that is because of several advantages they serve. We take a look at the pros and cons of bidets to give you an idea of their efficacy.
Pros
- Provides a more thorough cleaning solution for your private areas as opposed to toilet paper.
- It is an environmentally conscious choice as you use less paper that reduces the burden on trees. It also saves you from clogging issues and reduces your household waste.
- It is a means of using water conservatively.
- It ensures better hygiene and cleanliness of undergarments.
- It is a flexible option for elders, pregnant women and people suffering from injuries and mobility issues.
Cons
- It could be an issue for people with small bathrooms where the fixtures may take up added space.
- It increases your cleaning and maintenance workload.
- Sometimes, you may have puddles of water on the floor and may need to wipe that down occasionally.
The Final Word
Bidets are gaining popularity because of the additional cleanliness they offer. Depending on different user needs and preferences, there are several types of bidets available. It is, therefore, worth considering multiple factors when zeroing in on a bidet for your bathroom.