There are many reasons you may want to install a bidet toilet in your home as part of a bathroom remodel.
Suppose you experience discomfort or irritation from traditional toilet paper.
A bidet toilet is a gentler alternative.
It’s also helpful for those with mobility issues or limited flexibility, who may not perform the cleaning motions with ease.
A bidet offers a hands-free way to clean, reducing reliance on assistants.
This toilet type his also ideal for people with sensitive skin, hemorrhoids, or certain medical conditions who may need a softer cleaning method.
And finally, bidets minimize toilet paper usage, contributing to a more eco-friendly and cost-effective bathroom routine.
To experience these benefits, you must first install the bidet in the right way.
This article takes you through the installation procedures for the different types of bidet toilets.
Tools and Materials Needed
It’s important to have the right tools when tackling any home improvement project.
Embarking on a bidet installation job without the right plumbing tools can lead to significant delays or complications.
So, take time to gather everything you’ll need.
Obviously, you must first buy a bidet toilet.
Choose a renowned brand of premium quality to ensure it serves you for decades without getting damaged.
Below is an outline of essential tools to assemble:
- Basin wrench: This special tool is designed to tighten or loosen the water supply line connections. You’ll also need adjustable wrenches to tighten or loosen other fittings and connections.
- Plumber’s putty: This is a kneadable sealant used to create a watertight seal between the toilet and the floor.
- Teflon Tape: This is used to wrap the water supply line threads to stop leaks.
- Level: You’ll need this to check whether the bidet toilet is properly aligned and balanced on the floor.
- Screwdrivers: You may need both flathead and Phillips screwdrivers to drive screws into some hardware or accessories.
- Towel or bucket: You can use these to catch any water that may drain as you install the bidet.
- Toilet bolts: These are used to secure the bidet toilet to the floor.
- Wax ring: This is used to create a watertight seal between the toilet and the drain.
Any additional tools or hardware may be specified by the bidet toilet manufacturer.
Installing a Bidet Toilet
There are several types of bidet systems, including toilet seat attachment bidets, freestanding bidets, handheld sprayer bidets, and bidet toilet combos.
Each of these has specific installation basics, as outlined below.
Standalone Bidets
These are separate fixtures next to the toilet.
You must move from the toilet to the bidet for cleaning.
Follow these steps to install one:
- Choose the location: Your bathroom must have enough space to install a freestanding bidet. You’ll need a footprint of about 1.5 feet from the wall and 16 inches side-to-side. Also, leave a clearance of about 8 inches on both sides.
- Rough in the water supply lines and drainage: The next step is measuring and installing the plumbing. The lines should typically be 6.5 inches above the floor, but this may vary from one manufacturer to another. Install ⅜-inch shut-off valves and a drain outlet at the specified spots.
- Install the faucet and drain: Fix the faucet and drain on the bidet. Make sure to include the rubber washers to prevent plumbing leaks. Don’t over-tighten, as it may lead to cracking.
- Position the bidet: Place the bidet where you want it to stand. Mark the mounting holes with a pencil. Drill the two holes using the marks as guides. A 3/16-inch bit is ideal for this.
- Apply the sealant: Smear silicon sealant around the bidet’s base. Then, place the bidet over the floor bolts and rest it on the floor. Wipe off any excess sealant for a good-looking finish.
- Bolt down the bidet: Use a wrench to secure the bidet onto the floor. Don’t overtighten as this may crack the porcelain.
- Connect the water supply: Finally, connect the water supply lines to the bidet, ensuring they’re tight enough with no leaks. Test all the bidet controls to make sure all are functioning as desired. Make the necessary adjustments if anything isn’t working properly.
Given that standalone bidets are separate from the toilet, you can have a dedicated space for cleaning, which may feel more hygienic and comfortable.
You may want to engage a plumber if the installation feels a bit too complex for you.
Bidet Toilet Seats
These basically add bidet functionality to an existing toilet.
They replace the regular toilet seat with a fixture that allows cleaning of the nether regions using a water spray.
Unlike freestanding bidets, the seat system doesn’t require any additional space.
Thus, it’s ideal for small toilets with little space. Below are the steps to follow:
- Remove the old toilet seat: Some bidet toilet seat models can replace the existing toilet seat completely. Others are fixed, then the old toilet seat returned. Whatever the case, you’ll have to remove the toilet seat first. You only need a screwdriver or adjustable pliers to remove the toilet seat bolts.
- Install the T-valve: After shutting off the water supply using the water shutoff valve, install the T-valve. This fixture switches the water supply between the toilet and the bidet toilet seat. It’s usually installed directly at the bottom of the toilet tank. It connects both the toilet and the bidet toilet seat to the same water supply hose. First, unscrew the supply hose from the toilet tank. Then, screw the T-valve in its place. Finally, attach the water supply hose and bidet hose to the T-valve
- Fix the mounting plate: Toilet seat bidets come with a mounting plate. Align this over the screw holes on the toilet rim and then attach the brackets. Use a wrench to tighten the mounting bolts to the right firmness.
- Mount the bidet seat: With the mounting plate in place, you can now slide the new bidet seat into position. If you have an electronic model, you’ll need to connect it to an electrical outlet. Heated seats release warm water for a more comfortable wash.
Once installed, test it out to ensure it functions properly.
Handheld Bidet Sprayers
These are the most budget-friendly bidet systems.
They’re easy to install.
Also, they offer greater control of the water stream, allowing more thorough cleaning.
Here’s a brief outline on how to install them:
- Install the T-valve: As is the case with the toilet seat bidet, you’ll need a T-valve for the handheld bidet sprayer. Install it at the base of the toilet tank, ensuring the lever is accessible.
- Connect the sprayer hose: Next, attach the sprayer hose to the T-valve and screw the sprayer head to the hose.
- Install the sprayer holder: The sprayer holder allows you to reach the sprayer head conveniently after you’re done using the toilet, and you want to clean up. Fix it where your hands can easily reach without waking up from the toilet seat.
As usual, test out the bidet sprayer once installed.
Press the trigger to see how water flows out.
Also, test the different water pressure levels and decide on what’s most comfortable.
Conclusion
Bidet toilets are a more hygienic and comfortable alternative to traditional tissue paper.
Installing them isn’t hard.
You can indeed do it as a DIY project. However, don’t hesitate to engage professional plumbers if you’re short on time or would simply prefer someone skilled to do it.
