Bidets have been a staple in European bathrooms since the early 1700s and are quickly gaining popularity in high-end American homes. To install one in your bathroom, you only need some basic plumbing tools and skills.
Types of Bidets
Bidets tend to fall into three categories. Each offers improved hygiene and comfort, but some are more practical for specific personal needs. Here’s a little more on each type.
Traditional Stand-Alone Bidets
Traditional stand-alone bidets are separate fixtures resembling a low sink or toilet. They require dedicated space and plumbing, including hot and cold water supplies and a drain connection. Therefore, they work best in larger bathrooms or complete renovations. However, this also means they offer a very thorough cleaning experience.
To install a stand-alone bidet, you’ll need as much space as a toilet, a minimum of 30 inches in width, and considering the room in front of the fixture, nearly 4 feet deep.
Pro Tip: Richard Trethewey, This Old House’s plumbing and heating expert, explains why stand-alone bidets never caught on in the U.S.: “They weren’t that popular in the United States. They took up a lot more space. People weren’t used to them and you need to have a proper drain and vent and hot and cold water to them.” He adds that the space issue is compounded because “if you had a bidet, you also had to have a toilet too for all the solids to flush.”
As Richard Trethewey notes, bidets “were developed in France, mostly parts of Asia with good reason because it was a way to properly clean someone’s undercarriage.” While they remain standard in European and Asian bathrooms, the space and plumbing demands have historically made them a tough sell in American homes—which is why bidet toilet seats have emerged as a popular alternative for homeowners who want bidet functionality without the full-scale renovation.
Bidet Toilet Seats
Bidet toilet seats are an increasingly popular option for homeowners with limited bathroom space. They replace your existing toilet’s seat and connect to its water supply, so no dedicated plumbing is required. You’ll need at least a cold water connection, though you might need an electrical outlet for fancier features like adjustable water temperature and heated seats.
Installation is straightforward: Start by removing your existing toilet seat—it’s just a couple of basic screws. The bidet seat comes with a universal adapter plate that’s designed to fit virtually any toilet on the market. Secure the adapter to the bolt holes, making sure it’s square to the back of the bowl, then slide the bidet seat onto the adapter’s keyway until it clicks into place. From there, you’ll connect to your toilet’s water supply using a T-adapter at the shut-off valve.
Pro Tip: As This Old House’s plumber Richard points out, “The only thing you do have to add is electricity.” If your bathroom doesn’t have an outlet near the toilet—and many don’t—you’ll need to have an electrician install a GFCI-protected receptacle before you can enjoy heated seats, warm water, or air-dry features. Plan for that ahead of time, as it could be the one thing that makes the project more involved.
Handheld Bidet Sprayers
Handheld bidet sprayers are the simplest and most affordable bidet option. They resemble a small showerhead and attach to your toilet’s water supply for basic cleaning functionality.
Pro Tip: Richard notes that once you invest in a bidet attachment, “it’ll stay with you. You can take it from building to building when you move it, it becomes your permanent friend.” That portability makes handheld sprayers especially appealing for renters who want bidet functionality without permanent modifications.
Installing a Stand-Alone Bidet
Installing a stand-alone bidet is a more complex process that often requires a plumber’s help. They’ll install new drain and supply lines, including shut-off valves and vacuum breakers to prevent water from being siphoned back into the supply. From there, they’ll mount the fixture itself.
Installing a Bidet Toilet Seat
Installing a bidet toilet seat is far simpler, and you can handle it as a DIY project. Here’s how to do it:
- Remove your existing toilet seat: Start by turning off your toilet’s water supply and flushing to empty the tank. Remove the existing seat by unscrewing the bolts at the base.
- Connect the water supply: Next, you’ll hook up the water supply to the seat. Disconnect the water supply line from the toilet tank and install a T-valve adapter that splits the water flow in two. Reconnect the original water supply line to one outlet of the T-valve and the bidet’s water supply hose to the other outlet.
- Attach the bidet seat: Finally, you’ll need to attach the seat to your toilet. Place the mounting point for the bidet seat on the toilet bowl and align it with the bolt holes. Secure the mounting plate with the provided hardware, and slide the seat into the mounting plate until it clicks into place. If your bidet model needs electricity, plug it into a GFCI outlet.
Once installation is complete, turn the water supply back on and test the bidet seat for leaking and proper function.
Troubleshooting Common Bidet Installation Issues
Even with careful installation, you may encounter issues with your new bidet. Here are some common problems and solutions to solve them.
Dealing With Leaks
Leaks are one of the most common issues with bidet installations. If you notice water leaking, check all the connections to ensure they’re tight and properly sealed. Inspect the hoses and all rubber washers for cracks and damage as well. For persistent leaks, contact a plumbing company for the fix.
Pro Tip: Richard Trethewey, This Old House plumbing and heating expert, advises getting up close to diagnose the source: “Leaks can be tricky. You’ve just got to put your head down there and see what’s going on.” Dry everything off first, grab a flashlight, and get on your hands and knees to pinpoint exactly where the water is coming from before attempting a fix.
When checking supply line connections, run your finger underneath each fitting to feel for moisture, as even small drips can cause damage over time. As This Old House plumber Michael explains, with supply lines “there’s always water pressure in those lines,” so look for any moisture around the connections, bubbling water, or discoloration underneath—obvious signs that there has been a slow, ongoing leak.
Addressing Weak Water Pressure
Check the water supply first if your bidet’s water pressure seems weak. The valve should be fully open, and the water supply line should have no kinks or obstructions.
Sometimes, water pressure weakens due to mineral buildup in areas with hard water. You can prevent it by cleaning the nozzle and spray head regularly.
Pro Tip: Richard Trethewey, This Old House plumbing and heating expert, recommends checking your home’s overall water pressure before troubleshooting any individual fixture: “Buy a water-pressure gauge—they cost about nine bucks at home centers—and screw it to a hose bib, like the one on an outdoor faucet. The gauge should read between 40 and 60 psi when you open the bib’s valve.” If pressure is in that range, the issue is likely localized to the bidet’s supply line or nozzle.
Richard Trethewey has noted that restricted water flow in household fixtures is often caused by particles of sand, flakes of rust, and other contaminants that “slowly choke off the water flow.” Older homes and those supplied by wells are particularly prone to this problem. If regular cleaning doesn’t resolve the issue, disconnect the bidet’s supply hose and inspect the inline filter screen—that’s often where water is being blocked.
Our Conclusion
Installing a bidet can boost your comfort and add a touch of luxury to your bathroom. Whether you opt for a traditional stand-alone bidet, a modern bidet toilet seat, or a simple handheld sprayer, the installation process can be manageable with proper planning and care.
Pro Tip: Richard, the This Old House plumbing and heating expert, points out that bidet toilet seats are a practical retrofit option: “The same technology has existed for a while. Not in a one piece. It actually has been developed into toilet seats that could go on to your own existing toilet.” The installation adapter is designed to fit virtually any toilet on the market, making it a manageable weekend project for most homeowners.
