Decide if a Bidet is Right for Your Home
The United States is starting to join many other regions of the world in using a bidet. A bidet is a plumbing appliance that sprays a stream of water to help you clean yourself after using the restroom. It’s been commonly used in Europe, South America and Asia for many years.
These toilet-adjacent tools can come as a standalone item, bidet-toilet combination, toilet lid, toilet attachment or even a travel bottle. Most people choose a toilet lid or a standalone option.
Bidets can make your life just a little cleaner and easier. They can even bring a level of classiness to your bathroom that isn’t achieved with just a toilet.
Adding a bidet to your home isn’t essential so it’s good to weigh your pros and cons before making a decision.
The Benefits of Bidets
Better Hygiene
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a bidet is much better at removing fecal matter than toilet paper is. This helps keep you healthier and feeling cleaner. It’s also considered gentler on your skin.
Reduce Spread of Germs
Wiping greatly contaminates your hands. Even if you wash your hands immediately afterwards you will have to touch the flush handle, the toilet paper roll, the sink and the soap beforehand.
Saving Money on Toilet Paper
Say goodbye to the infinity wipe with a bidet. Your bidet will greatly cut down on your need for toilet paper. You’ll still need some toilet paper but not nearly as much.
Reducing Toilet Paper Clogs
By using less toilet paper you can lessen the potential for clogging your toilet. Oftentimes it’s toilet paper and wipes that cause clogs. Let your plunger gather dust in the corner for a change.
Lessening Environmental Impact
By limiting your toilet paper use you are doing your part to reduce the amount of trees, chemicals, water and electricity used to manufacture TP.
The Downsides to Bidets
Bidets Take Up Space
If you opt for the standalone bidet you have to have enough room in your bathroom for another appliance that’s similar in size to your toilet. Most people do not have bathrooms large enough for any new additions.
Higher Water Usage
Obviously you’re cutting down on toilet paper but you’re increasing your water usage. This could cause a slight increase in your water bill each month.
Learning Curve to Use
It can take a few tries before you break in your bidet. It may seem uncomfortable or just be tricky to use when you first get your bidet.
High Costs
Your new bidet won’t necessarily be cheap. A standalone bidet costs around $150-$400. When you start looking to replace your toilet with a bidet combo that’s when prices can rise to over $2,000.
You’ll Need Installation Help
Not all bidet options are DIY-friendly. You may be able to handle the toilet seat attachment bidets with a few YouTube videos. But when it comes to a new full-size appliance you will need to call a plumber for help.
Call a Plumber for Your Bidet Needs
If you decide a bidet is exactly what you need to elevate and expand your bathroom, Mike Wilson Plumbing can help. Our team expertly renovates the plumbing in bathrooms in Richmond and Chesterfield.
Avoid messing up your water lines in your bathroom by taking a DIY project too far. Give us a call for help with your bidet installation.