Americans go through 36 billion rolls of toilet paper each year. Each roll needs 36 gallons of water to produce. More North Americans are starting to discover what 77.5% of Japanese households already know – bidets are a better way to stay clean.
Bidets provide better cleaning and use just one-eighth of a gallon of water each time. Today’s bidet toilet seats pack impressive features. These include adjustable water temperature, heated seats, and self-cleaning nozzles. The price range fits most budgets, from simple $30 attachments to premium models that cost over $1,000. Users who switch to bidets report up to 80% reduction in toilet paper usage.
Let’s explore if bidets are worth your money by looking at their costs, benefits, and how they affect the environment. This guide covers everything from simple operation to picking the perfect model that fits your bathroom. You’ll have all the information needed to decide if this popular bathroom upgrade is right for you.
What Is a Bidet Toilet and How Does It Work?
Bidet toilets are breakthrough bathroom solutions that combine traditional toilet functionality with specialized cleaning capabilities. Regular toilets rely only on toilet paper for cleaning, but bidet toilets use a controlled water spray to give you thorough hygiene after using the bathroom.
Different types of bidets explained
You’ll find several distinct varieties while learning about bidet options:
Standalone bidets originated in France in the 17th century and remain common throughout Europe. These separate porcelain fixtures sit beside the toilet and look like a low sink or bowl with temperature and pressure controls. You use the toilet first, then move to this separate fixture to clean.
Bidet toilet seats replace your existing toilet seat with a combo seat-bidet unit. North Americans prefer these because they don’t need extra bathroom space. You can get both electric and non-electric models that pack all components into the seat itself.
Bidet attachments mount between your existing toilet seat and bowl. These affordable options let you try out bidets without spending much. Most attachments work without electricity but still clean effectively.
Handheld bidet sprayers (also called “shattafs” in the Middle East) look like kitchen sink sprayers and mount near the toilet. These manual options let you control the spray direction completely.
Smart bidets lead the high-end market with remote controls, programmable settings, and smart home connection. These units offer an unmatched experience with automatic functions and customization options.
Simple functionality and mechanics
A bidet’s operation works in a straightforward way. The ‘wash’ button extends a nozzle (about the size of a marker) that sprays a precise stream of water toward your rear. The nozzle retracts into its housing after you press ‘stop’ following a 20-30 second clean.
The water comes from the same source as your shower and sink – not toilet water as some people think. Simple bidet attachments use water pressure from your home’s pipes, and a valve controls the flow.
Electric bidet seats work similarly but heat water through resistive heating. Electric current flows through conductive coils (like those in toasters) to warm the water and seat. The water temperature adjusts as it flows through ceramic plates that quickly reach the right temperature.
Many advanced models control pressure with an air pump. This pump sends air to a multiway valve where air and water mix before going through the nozzle. Your preferred spray pressure depends on this valve’s opening size.
Common features found in modern bidets
Modern bidet toilet seats come packed with features that boost comfort and functionality:
Temperature controls let you adjust both water and seat heat, with premium models offering multiple settings. This feature makes bidets especially nice during cold months.
Adjustable water pressure helps you customize the cleaning intensity based on what you like, usually through a simple +/- scale.
Nozzle position adjustment fits different body types and cleans better by moving forward or backward.
Self-cleaning nozzles rinse automatically before and after each use with a water jet to stay hygienic.
Premium models include extra luxuries:
Warm air dryers reduce or eliminate toilet paper needs, though most people still pat dry.
Oscillation and massage functions clean more thoroughly and comfortably. The nozzle moves back and forth during oscillation, while massage makes the water pulse.
Deodorizers neutralize bathroom odors using specialized filters.
Night lights provide soft glow for bathroom visits after dark.
User presets remember settings for everyone in your household.
Energy-saving modes cut power use by lowering seat and water temperatures during idle times.
The simple mechanics remain largely unchanged, but technological breakthroughs have reshaped the scene. Bidets have evolved from simple washing stations into sophisticated bathroom appliances that deliver exceptional comfort, hygiene, and customization.
The Real Costs of Owning a Bidet Toilet
Buying a bidet toilet requires you to look beyond the price tag. You need to understand both upfront costs and future savings to decide if this bathroom upgrade fits your budget and needs.
Original investment: price ranges for different models
Bidet prices vary based on the type and features you choose. Bidet attachments are the most budget-friendly option, costing between $20 to $100. These simple devices attach under your toilet seat and clean without electricity.
Bidet toilet seats cost more, ranging from $170 to $650 for standard models. High-end seats with heated water, warm air drying, and deodorizers can cost $700 or more. These replace your current toilet seat but work with your existing bowl.
Standalone bidets need their own fixture next to your toilet and cost $500 to $1,500. All-in-one bidet toilets range from $1,200 to $2,000. These luxury models come with extras like nightlights, massage jets that move, and even Bluetooth speakers.
Installation expenses: DIY vs. professional
Most bidet seats and attachments let you install them yourself in under an hour. You’ll need to turn off the water, flush the tank empty, disconnect the water line, and add a T-connector to split water between toilet and bidet.
DIY-friendly models only cost what you pay for the bidet. You might need an electrician if your bathroom lacks a GFCI outlet for electric models. A new electrical outlet costs $125 to $175, and electricians charge $50 to $130 per hour.
Standalone bidets and complex models often need professional help. Plumbers charge $80 to $200 hourly, with typical installation costing around $220. New plumbing lines for standalone bidets add about $1,180 to the total.
Long-term savings on toilet paper and water bills
Your upfront costs will pay off over time. One person spends $60 to $90 yearly on toilet paper, while a family of four might spend $288 to $336. Bidets cut toilet paper use by 75%, saving $45 to $67.50 per person each year.
Bidets use 1/8 gallon per use, adding just $1.93 to yearly water costs with frequent use. Making one roll of toilet paper needs 37 gallons of water. This makes bidets more water-efficient when you factor in manufacturing.
Electric bidets use power mainly for heating water and warming seats. Running costs change with usage and temperature settings but usually range from $21.90 to $65.70 yearly. Using energy-saving features and lower temperatures helps reduce these costs.
Maintenance costs and lifespan considerations
Quality bidet toilet seats last 5 to 10 years with proper care. Materials make a big difference in durability. Polypropylene (PP) handles heat and pressure better than ABS plastic, which might crack as time passes.
Keeping your bidet clean costs little and takes minimal effort. Most seats need occasional cleaning with mild soap and a washcloth. Many clean their nozzles automatically or let you extend them for easy cleaning. Electric models might need water filter cleaning or replacement now and then.
Warranties protect your investment. Most manufacturers give 3+ years of parts and labor coverage, with options to extend. This protection helps, especially for expensive models with more features that could need repairs.
Health and Hygiene Benefits of Using a Bidet
People switch to bidets not just to save money and enjoy convenience – they want the amazing health and hygiene benefits too. Medical professionals now recognize these benefits, making bidet toilet seats a great choice if you have specific health concerns.
Superior cleaning compared to toilet paper
A bidet toilet’s best feature is how well it cleans. Research shows bidet users had nearly 10 times fewer bacteria on their hands compared to toilet paper users. People who used toilet paper ended up with almost 40,000 different viable bacteria on their hands, while bidet users showed much lower bacterial counts.
Bidets work better because you don’t need to use your hands. Instead of spreading residue around sensitive areas with dry paper, a focused water stream cleans thoroughly without any contact. Your hands are less likely to touch fecal matter, which helps prevent germs from spreading in your home.
Why water works better: The sort of thing I love to point out – if a bird pooped on you, you wouldn’t just wipe it off with tissue. You’d use water and soap. This same idea applies to personal hygiene. Water removes waste much better than dry paper, which just smears residue around instead of cleaning properly.
Benefits for people with mobility issues
Bidets are a game-changer if you have limited mobility. Elderly people, those recovering from surgery, or anyone with physical disabilities often find it hard to twist, reach, and make precise movements needed to wipe properly.
Bidet toilet seats solve these problems through:
- One-touch operation: Simple button presses handle washing and drying, so you don’t need to reach awkwardly
- Customized cleaning: You can adjust water pressure and temperature to ensure comfortable, effective cleaning without help
- Independence preservation: Many users with mobility issues say bidets help them feel dignified by reducing their need for caregiver help with intimate hygiene
Half of nursing home residents reported that bidets had “a positive effect on toileting”. These devices also lower the risk of infections that often affect people with limited mobility.
How bidets help with hemorrhoids and other conditions
Bidets are a great source of relief for millions of Americans with hemorrhoids. A 2011 study found that warm water at low-to-medium pressure can relieve anal pressure just as well as traditional sitz baths. This gentle pressure helps swollen veins that cause hemorrhoids.
Bidets also help with:
Anal fissures: The gentle water spray helps healing without the irritation that comes from dry paper
Postpartum recovery: New mothers find bidets especially helpful while healing after childbirth
Constipation relief: Some models include an enema wash feature that helps with stubborn bowel movements
Skin irritation reduction: Regular wiping with scented toilet paper can cause tiny cuts and irritation in sensitive areas – problems that bidets eliminate
The best results come from using warm water at low-to-medium pressure. This method cleans thoroughly and boosts blood circulation to help heal sensitive tissues.
Bidets work great alongside other treatments, though they’re not meant to replace medical care. They provide gentle, effective cleaning that won’t make existing conditions worse.
Environmental Impact: Are Bidets Actually Greener?
The truth about our bathroom habits’ environmental footprint might surprise you. Each day, the toilet paper industry cuts down about one million trees to meet what people just need. This heavy tree cutting affects vital ecosystems like Canada’s boreal forests that store 30-40% of Earth’s land-based carbon.
Toilet paper consumption reduction
Americans use about 141 rolls of toilet paper each year. This creates a huge environmental burden. Toilet paper production leads to about 15% of all deforestation in the United States.
People who switch to bidet toilet seats cut their toilet paper use by up to 75%. These numbers tell an interesting story:
- One person saves about 100 rolls of toilet paper yearly
- A family of four keeps around 400 rolls out of the waste stream each year
- The plastic packaging waste from toilet paper rolls drops a lot
This drop in use helps protect our forests. Most North American toilet paper comes from ancient boreal forests. These forests are home to centuries-old trees and wildlife like caribou, wolves, and wood frogs.
Water usage comparison
You might think bidets waste water, but they’re actually better than toilet paper if you take a closer look at the whole production cycle. A bidet uses just 1/8 gallon (0.5 liters) each time you clean.
Making one roll of toilet paper takes about 37 gallons of water. Even with heavy bidet use—like 20 minutes of washing daily—you’d only use 2.64 gallons per day.
Location plays a role too. Andrea Hicks, professor of civil and environmental engineering, says your area’s water supply should shape your choice. People living in places with drought might want to think this over carefully.
The smallest environmental footprint comes from using a bidet with a towel for drying instead of toilet paper. Using both bidet and toilet paper creates the biggest environmental impact.
Energy considerations for electric models
Electric bidet seats use power to heat water and warm the seat. The power they use depends on which features you pick and how often you use them.
A typical electric bidet uses about 1100 watts each time, based on which features you turn on. Most bidets stay in idle or eco mode during the day, which cuts power use by a lot.
Heavy users (about 20 minutes of washing daily) spend between $21.90 and $65.70 yearly on electricity. Your settings and use of power-saving features change these numbers.
Better models come with power-saving features:
- Auto shut-off when not in use
- Power-saving modes that lower seat and water temperatures during quiet times
- Ceramic heating elements that move heat efficiently without wasting energy
Research shows bidets leave a smaller environmental footprint than toilet paper in several ways. They’re better for the climate, human health, resources, and ecosystem protection. This full picture shows that electric bidets make more sense for the environment, even with their power needs.
Choosing the Best Bidet Toilet Seat for Your Needs
Image Source: https://pixabay.com/
A perfect bidet toilet seat balances key features with your budget and bathroom setup. You’ll find everything from simple models to luxury units that can reshape the scene of your bathroom experience.
Essential features worth paying for
The right core functions give you the best value in a bidet toilet seat. Heated seats stand out as a must-have feature, especially in cold climates. Warm water washing feels more comfortable than cold water options, and adjustable temperature matters a lot for use throughout the year.
Adjustable water pressure lets you customize based on your sensitivity and cleaning needs. Electronic bidets come with pressure controls that work on a simple +/- scale. Nozzle position adjustment fits different body types by moving front to back.
People with mobility issues find self-cleaning nozzles that rinse automatically before and after each use are worth the investment. These features are the foundations of a quality bidet experience without going into luxury territory.
Luxury features: nice-to-haves vs. gimmicks
Manufacturers add premium features that boost comfort beyond the basics. Warm air dryers cut down toilet paper use, but most people still prefer to pat dry. Deodorizers clean bathroom odors through special filters, which add convenience without being essential.
Remote controls make access and use easier, which helps users with limited mobility. High-end models like the Toto WASHLET and Brondell Swash series come with wireless remotes that control all functions.
Some features seem more like gimmicks, such as nightlights, music players, and automatic lid openers. Nightlights help during nighttime bathroom visits, while Bluetooth speakers might be an unnecessary luxury.
Compatibility with your existing toilet
Your chosen bidet must fit your toilet properly. These measurements matter most:
- Bowl shape: Check if you have round or elongated bowl – measure from mounting holes to bowl front (round: 16.5″, elongated: 18.5″)
- Mounting hole distance: Should be between 5.5″-7.5″ apart
- Tank clearance: Need at least 1.5″ between mounting holes and tank
Two-piece toilets (separate tank and bowl) work with almost any bidet seat. One-piece toilets with a “French curve” design create fitting challenges where the tank meets the bowl on a slope. Some models like Kohler Rialto don’t work with most bidet seats.
Your bathroom’s electrical setup matters too. Electric models need nearby GFCI outlets, which might add to installation costs if you don’t have one.
Common Concerns and Misconceptions About Bidets
People often miss out on bidet toilet benefits because of various misconceptions. These range from hygiene questions to installation concerns. The facts can help address these common worries.
Addressing hygiene worries
Bidets provide better sanitation than toilet paper alone, which goes against what many believe. Water cleans better than wiping, as paper tends to smear residue around. The right usage techniques will give a safe and healthy experience.
Women’s health depends on water flowing from front to back. This prevents bacteria from entering the vagina or urethra. Research shows bacterial vaginitis occurred slightly more in bidet users, though the study found this difference wasn’t statistically meaningful.
A university hospital study revealed bacteria presence on shared bidets. Your bidet toilet seat needs regular cleaning and maintenance, especially with multiple users. Modern bidets come with self-cleaning nozzles that rinse automatically before and after use. This feature reduces contamination risks significantly.
Space and bathroom layout considerations
The bathroom’s size worries many potential buyers. Modern solutions work perfectly with existing toilets. Bidet toilet seats, attachments, and handheld sprayers don’t need extra space.
Traditional side-by-side setups need at least 30cm (about 12 inches) between fixtures for comfort. The space in front should measure around 60cm (24 inches). This ensures everyone can access it easily.
Learning curve and adaptation period
The first bidet experience might feel strange. New users should check water pressure and temperature settings before they start. The spray might surprise you at first, but people quickly get used to the cleansing sensation.
Manufacturers provide detailed guides, and premium models offer customizable settings that make the switch easier. Users love the superior cleaning so much that going back to just toilet paper becomes difficult.
Conclusion
Bidets are a major step up from regular bathroom routines. They provide better hygiene, help the environment, and save money over time. The simple attachments to high-end smart models might cost more upfront, but users save money by using less toilet paper while getting a much better clean.
Today’s bidets come with features that make them easy to use. These include water pressure controls, heated seats, and quick installation options. People in America who switch to bidets use much less toilet paper. They also enjoy better personal hygiene and comfort.
The bathroom upgrade might seem strange at first. Yet people around the world say that once they try a bidet, regular toilet paper doesn’t feel clean enough anymore. A simple attachment or a feature-packed electronic seat offers practical benefits that make bidets worth a closer look in any bathroom.
