Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner install a tankless toilet-bidet combination unit. Richard first talks about non-electric bidet options. This bidet attachment uses the current toilet seat and connects to a water source. It has a t-valve installed at the water connection to the tank and utilizes dual nozzles.
What is a Bidet Retrofit?
Rather than a toilet-bidet combination, which is expensive and might only be practical during a remodel, there are bidet retrofit models. These are essentially toilet seats with bidet functions built in, and they attach directly to the toilet. They’re much less expensive than a full unit and they can be added to almost any toilet.
Two Types of Bidet Retrofit Seats
There are two types of bidet retrofit seats. The first is a non-electric model, which simply uses standard cold water for washing, but there aren’t any heated air or fan functions for drying. These are affordable, usually around $60 or so. The second is an electric model, which features water heaters, fans, and remotes.
How They Attach
Bidet retrofits are easy to attach, though they all have their own methods. In general, the user removes the toilet seat and attaches a bracket with adjustable adapters inside the toilet itself. Then, the seat attaches to the brackets and is held in place by the seat bolts.
There Are Levels of Luxury
Basic models don’t have hot water or fans. They simply attach to the seat and have a valve that can be turned on and off manually. The next step up would be an electric model which does heat the water (around $300). They may or may not come with remotes, but they have additional features like water heaters, front and back jets, seat warming, and warm air for drying. On the high-end (around $900), a bidet retrofit may have an automatic lid and seat, a remote control function, adjustable water and air temperatures, night lights, and separate jets.
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Richard places the wax ring on the flange. Once the toilet is aligned over the flange and bolts, Richard sets the wax ring by pressing down evenly on the toilet. Richard uses a wrench to install a washer and nut onto each bolt, making sure to tighten the nuts one quarter turn beyond hand tight.
Richard installed the Bio Bidet Bliss BB2000 which retails for about $500, manufactured by Bio Bidet.