Introduction
Installing a bidet in your bathroom can be a relatively easy process that will provide you and your family with a more hygienic, refreshing, and eco-friendly toilet experience. A bidet is a plumbing fixture that shoots a stream of water to cleanse your intimate areas after using the toilet. They have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their hygienic benefits and growing awareness of their use.
While a plumber can handle a bidet installation professionally, a handy do-it-yourselfer can also complete the project themselves with some basic tools and plumbing knowledge. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully install a bidet on your toilet. We’ll cover bidet types, tools required, steps for removing your existing toilet seat, how to hook up the bidet, and tips for testing and using your new fixture. Let’s get started!
What is a Bidet and Why Should I Install One?
Before diving into the installation process, let’s briefly go over what a bidet is and why installing one can be beneficial:
- What is a bidet? A bidet is a bathroom fixture that shoots water to cleanse your intimate areas after using the toilet. There are two main types of bidets:
- Add-on bidets are an accessory that can be installed on an existing toilet. The bidet attaches underneath the toilet seat and shares the same water supply as the toilet.
- Integrated bidets have bidet wands built directly into the porcelain toilet bowl itself. This type requires completely replacing your existing toilet.
- Benefits of installing a bidet include:
- Improved hygiene – Bidets provide a more thorough clean than just using toilet paper alone. The water rinses away any traces of urine and feces.
- Increased refreshment – Users report feeling cleaner and fresher after using a bidet.
- Eco-friendly – Bidets can significantly reduce toilet paper usage and waste.
- Enhanced accessibility – Bidets can aid those with mobility challenges, like the elderly, pregnant women, or people with disabilities.
- Cost-effective – Standalone bidet fixtures often pay for themselves quickly with the toilet paper savings.
As you can see, adding a bidet to your bathroom can provide many advantages. The installation process is also relatively straightforward for most do-it-yourselfers.
Tools and Materials Needed for Installation
Installing a bidet requires just a few basic tools and materials:
Tools:
- Adjustable wrench
- Plumber’s tape
- Teflon tape
- Screwdriver
- Level
- Safety goggles
Materials:
- Bidet fixture
- Shutoff valve with T-connector (for add-on bidets)
- Additional connecting hoses
- Wrench for water supply lines
- Teflon plumber’s tape
- Silicone caulk
Other helpful items include a bowl wax ring, extra washers, emery cloth, a utility knife, and rag. Ensure you have all tools assembled before starting the installation.
How to Remove an Existing Toilet Seat and Lid
If you’re installing an add-on bidet model on your existing toilet, the first step is removing the toilet seat and lid. Here is a quick step-by-step guide:
- Turn off the water supply valve behind the toilet. This is the small round knob on the vertical pipe behind and below the tank. Turn it clockwise until it stops.
- Flush the toilet to empty the tank and bowl completely. Sponge out any remaining water in the bowl.
- Check that the toilet tank bolts are accessible. If not, use a screwdriver to remove any plastic caps covering them.
- Use your adjustable wrench to loosen the nuts on the tank bolts. Turn them counterclockwise until they spin freely.
- Remove the nuts, washers, and bolts. Carefully lift the tank lid and set it aside.
- Lift the seat and lid straight up from the toilet bowl to detach. Set them safely aside.
- Scrape away any leftover wax or debris from the bowl rim with a plastic putty knife.
- Clean the exposed mounting holes and bowl rim thoroughly with a rag.
The toilet is now ready for your bidet installation. Turn the water supply back on to check for any leaks before proceeding.
How to Install an Add-On Bidet on Your Toilet
Once your existing seat and lid are removed, installing an add-on bidet unit is a fairly straightforward process. Here are the key steps:
Step 1: Attach the T-Valve Connector
The T-valve connector hooks up your bidet to the toilet’s water supply line. To add it:
- Locate the supply line that runs from the bathroom wall to the toilet’s fill valve.
- Close the shut-off valve on the supply line. This stops water flow during installation.
- Disconnect the supply line from the fill valve. Make sure a bucket or towels are in place to catch any water.
- Dry fit the T-valve connector on the supply line to determine positioning.
- Slide the compression nut and ferrule from the T-valve onto the supply line.
- Apply plumber’s tape to the supply line threads and hand tighten the T-valve connector into place.
- Reconnect the supply line to the bottom of the T-valve. Tighten both ends with a wrench.
Step 2: Attach and Connect Bidet Hoses
- Place your bidet unit centered behind the toilet bowl, with hoses facing the T-valve.
- Hand tighten the hot water hose (red) to the bottom of the T-valve.
- Attach the cold water hose (blue) to the toilet fill valve. You may need an adapter.
- Attach the bidet’s electrical cord to a nearby outlet if your model is electric.
- Use wrenches to tighten all hose fittings. Do not over tighten.
Step 3: Adjust Bidet and Reinstall Toilet Seat
- Turn on the water supply and check for leaks at every connection. Tighten if needed.
- Use the leveling screws under the bidet to adjust it to sit flush on the bowl rim.
- Reinstall your toilet seat and lid over the bidet unit. Hand tighten only.
- Test the bidet (see tips below). Make any needed water pressure adjustments.
- Apply silicone caulk around the base of the bidet for extra stability and leak protection.
That’s it! Your add-on bidet should now be fully installed and ready for use.
How to Install an Integrated Bidet Toilet
Integrated bidet toilets require completely replacing your existing toilet with a new bidet model. Here are the key steps:
- Turn off water supply and empty the tank and bowl as outlined above.
- Use a utility knife to cut caulk around toilet base and disconnect supply line.
- Remove mounting nuts and bolts to detach toilet. Dispose at a dump.
- Thoroughly clean the floor flange of old wax, bolts, caulk. Check level.
- Apply plumber’s putty around the new bidet toilet drain opening.
- Lower the bidet toilet onto the flange aligning bolts to slots. Hand tighten nuts.
- Reconnect water supply line to fill valve. Turn on water and check for leaks.
- Use a level to ensure the toilet is stable. Add washers below to level if needed.
- Fully tighten floor mounting nuts and supply line with a wrench.
- Apply silicone caulk around the new toilet base. Allow to dry completely before use.
The process takes more time and labor than a standard add-on bidet. But integrated bidet toilets provide a seamless look and can better accommodate user mobility needs.
Tips for Testing and Using Your New Bidet
Once installation is complete, test out your bidet and get familiar with using the settings:
- Do a final leak check – Turn on the water supply and check hoses and fittings for any drips or leaks. Tighten as needed. Look for leaks again after 24 hours.
- Adjust the water pressure – Most bidets have a water pressure control knob. Turn up and down to find the ideal gentle stream for cleaning.
- Try the temperature settings – Run hot and cold water to find the right temperature for you.
- Experiment with spray positions – Try different nozzle angles and spray widths to target the perfect cleansing stream.
- Use gentle soap if desired – Some people use a mild or non-perfumed soap on intimate areas before rinsing with the bidet.
- Pat dry gently – Blot yourself dry with toilet paper or a towel after using the bidet. Don’t rub vigorously.
- Clean nozzles regularly – Check bidet nozzle tips for mineral deposits and clean as needed for optimal performance.
- Enjoy your new clean! – A bidet takes a little getting used to, but can leave you feeling refreshed and clean after the bathroom.
Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Bidets
Here are answers to some common questions about bidet installation:
How long does it take to install a bidet?
For experienced DIYers, an add-on bidet can be installed in 30-60 minutes. Integrated bidets take 1-3 hours for the full toilet replacement. Professional installers are fastest.
Do you need a plumber to install a bidet?
No, as long as you have basic DIY skills and plumbing knowledge. But a pro can ensure proper setup and compliance with local codes.
Do I need to turn off my water to install a bidet?
Yes, you must shut off the water supply line before connecting the bidet T-valve and hoses during installation.
Where does the bidet water come from?
Standalone add-on bidets use a split hot/cold water supply from connecting to the toilet fill valve and supply line. Integrated bidets have internal supply lines.
How do I hook up hot water to my bidet?
Extend the hot water supply line to reach the bidet location. Connect the hot water hose to the T-valve and cold to the toilet fill valve.
Can I install a bidet on any toilet?
Most add-on bidets are designed for standard two-piece toilets. Rare one-piece models require integrated bidets for compatibility.
How do I adjust water pressure on a bidet?
Most bidets have a water pressure control knob. Turn clockwise to increase and counterclockwise to decrease pressure.
Is it hard to install an integrated bidet toilet?
They take more time and effort than add-on models but install similarly to standard toilets. Watch for compatibility with existing plumbing.
Conclusion
We hope this guide gave you a helpful overview on how to install a bidet in your bathroom. The basic process entails removing your existing seat, connecting the bidet hoses to the water supply, attaching and adjusting the bidet in place, and testing the settings. Integrated bidet toilets require full toilet replacement but provide seamless operation.
While professional installers can certainly handle the job expertly, you now have the knowledge to decide whether DIY bidet installation is right for your skills and comfort level. With the right tools, patience, and this guide, you can save on labor costs and enjoy a new level of cleanliness and convenience that a bidet provides. Good luck with your bidet project! Let us know in the comments if you have any other bidet installation questions.