Ever wondered why the rest of the world seems to be ahead of America when it comes to bathroom hygiene? Enter the bidet toilet seat – your bathroom’s missing upgrade that’s finally catching on in North American homes.
Whether you’re tired of endless toilet paper runs or just curious about a more hygienic bathroom routine, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about bidet toilet seats.
Why Consider a Bidet Toilet Seat?
Let’s be honest – we all want a cleaner, more comfortable bathroom experience. Bidet toilet seats offer exactly that, and they’re more practical than you might think. Here’s why they make sense:
Better Personal Hygiene
Think about it – if you got something messy on your hands, would you just wipe it off with paper? Of course not! You’d wash with water. The same logic applies to bidets, which use a gentle stream of clean water to leave you feeling genuinely clean.
Goodbye Paper Waste
The average American family goes through 409 rolls of toilet paper annually. By switching to a bidet, you’ll still use a small amount of paper for drying (unless your model has an air dryer), but you’ll cut your toilet paper use by about 75-80%. That’s both good for the planet and your wallet.
Budget-Friendly
While the upfront cost might make you pause, consider this: a family of four typically spends $250-300 per year on toilet paper. Most basic bidet seats pay for themselves within a year through reduced paper usage.
Different Types of Bidets: Finding Your Perfect Match
Non-Electric Bidets: The Simple Solution
If you’re new to bidets, a non-electric model is a great place to start. These mechanical bidets are:
- Affordable (typically $30-100)
- Easy to install with basic tools
- Powered by water pressure alone
- Perfect for renters (easy to remove when moving)
Electric Bidet Seats: The Luxury Experience
While pricier, electric models offer comfort features like:
- Heated seats (perfect for cold mornings)
- Adjustable water temperature
- Multiple spray patterns
- Warm air dryers
Starting around $200-300 for basic models
The Big Question: Do Bidets Use Toilet Water?
This is probably the most common concern we hear, and we’re happy to put this myth to rest: No, bidets do not use toilet water! Your bidet connects directly to the same clean water line that feeds your toilet tank. It’s the same water that comes out of your sink faucet.
Here’s how the bidet plumbing works:
- The bidet seat connects to your toilet’s water supply line using a simple T-valve
- Clean, fresh water flows through a dedicated nozzle system
- The nozzles are self-cleaning on most models
- The water pressure is adjustable for comfort
How to Choose the Right Bidet for Your Bathroom
Shopping for your first bidet doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s what to consider:
Toilet Compatibility
First, check your toilet bowl shape:
- Round bowls are typically 16.5 inches long
- Elongated bowls are usually 18.5 inches long
Measure from the mounting holes to the front of your bowl to determine which you have.
Essential Features vs. Nice-to-Haves
For beginners, focus on these key features:
- Self-cleaning nozzles for hygiene
- Adjustable water pressure (trust us, you’ll want this)
- Good warranty coverage (look for at least one year)
- Easy installation design
Budget Considerations
You can find quality options in these ranges:
- Basic mechanical bidets: $30-60
- Entry-level electric bidets: $200-300
- Mid-range electric bidets: $300-500
Bidet Installation Guide: Easier Than You Think
Don’t let installation concerns hold you back – most bidet seats can be installed in under 30 minutes with basic tools.
What You’ll Need:
- Adjustable wrench
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Towel (for any water spills)
- Plumber’s tape (included with most bidets)
Basic Installation Steps:
- Turn off water supply and flush toilet
- Remove existing toilet seat
- Install mounting bracket for new bidet seat
- Connect T-valve to water supply
- Attach water supply line to bidet
- Test all connections for leaks
- For electric models: plug into GFCI outlet
Pro tip: Take a photo of your existing toilet setup before starting – it’ll help if you need to reference anything later.
Top Affordable Bidet Picks for 2025
Best Non-Electric Option: Luxe Bidet Neo 120
- Price: Around $35
- Features: Dual nozzles, self-cleaning spray
- Pros: Excellent water pressure control, easy installation
- Cons: Cold water only, no dryer
Best Basic Electric: Bio Bidet Slim Zero
- Price: Around $250
- Features: Heated seat, warm water
- Pros: Good feature set for price, reliable brand
- Cons: No air dryer, basic water pressure settings
Best Value Electric: TOTO Washlet C2
- Price: Around $300
- Features: Heated seat, warm water, air dryer
- Pros: Reliable brand, good warranty
- Cons: Premium features excluded to keep price down
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a bidet sanitary?
Actually, bidets are more hygienic than toilet paper alone. The nozzles are self-cleaning and remain protected when not in use. Plus, you’re using clean water to wash rather than just wiping with paper. Many users report fewer UTIs and less irritation after switching to bidets.
Will it increase my water bill?
The water usage is minimal – typically about 1/8 gallon per wash. For perspective, it takes about 37 gallons of water to manufacture a single roll of toilet paper!
Your minor increase in water usage is far outweighed by the environmental impact of reduced toilet paper consumption.
What about electricity costs for electric models?
Electric bidets are surprisingly efficient. Most models use about 15-25 cents of electricity per month when in active use, or up to $1-2 per month if you keep the seat heating feature on continuously.
Do I still need toilet paper?
You’ll need much less, but most people use a small amount to dry off (unless your model has an air dryer). Expect to reduce your toilet paper use by 75-80%.
What if I’m renting?
Non-electric bidets are perfect for renters! They install easily without permanent modifications and can be removed in minutes when you move. Just save your original toilet seat.
Will it spray water everywhere?
No – modern bidets are precisely engineered to direct water exactly where it needs to go. The stream od water is contained and controlled, so there’s no mess or splash.
Can I connect it to hot water?
For non-electric bidets, you could technically connect to your sink’s hot water line, but this isn’t recommended. The connection can be complicated, and you’d risk uncomfortably hot water.
Electric bidets solve this problem by heating the water internally – they connect to your regular cold water line and warm it to a comfortable temperature that you can adjust.
Living the Bidet Life: Final Thoughts
Making the switch to a bidet toilet seat isn’t just about joining a growing trend – it’s about upgrading your daily routine with a more hygienic, environmentally conscious, and comfortable solution. Whether you start with a basic mechanical model or jump right into an electric seat, you’ll likely wonder how you ever lived without one.
Things to Remember:
- Start with your toilet measurements and budget
- Consider your must-have features
- Don’t be intimidated by installation
- Give yourself a week to adjust to the new routine
Ready to make the switch? Your future self will thank you for making this simple but significant bathroom upgrade. Plus, you’ll join the millions of people worldwide who’ve already discovered that water does a better job than paper alone.
Care and Maintenance Tips
- To keep your bidet performing optimally:
- Wipe the seat and nozzles with a gentle cleaner monthly
- Replace batteries in remote controls yearly (if applicable)
- Check connections annually for any loose fittings
- Clean nozzles according to manufacturer instructions
Looking to buy? Always check current prices, as they can fluctuate throughout the year. The best deals typically appear during major shopping holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
