Preliminary Research:
Most of the initial information is based on first-hand experiences after installation of the bidets in a residential setting. Websites used for parts analysis and bidet type contrast are bidet manufacturers and distributors. Bidet King, a popular website even contains an FAQ and answer section where questions related to bidets are briefly answered.
Analysis:
The bidet installed at the residential location lacked temperature control on the seats. So the slight movement of the water spray knob would spray either extremely hot or cold water without moderation.
Early Concept:
To solve the issue of water temperature control, a thermostatic valve is to be installed as part of innovation in bidet installation. The cold water connection from the toilet tank and the hot water connection from the sink would merge in a thermostatic valve which will eventually control water temperature.
Final Concept:
As presumed the final concept turned out to be the same as early concept.
Cost Analysis:
Depending on whether the bidet seats are electronic or non-electronic, they will include an installation cost. Though, this installation cost would vary between a plumber and a handyman, the average cost of bidets with installation is around $250-300. This includes all the attachments like t-connector, extension pipes, shower head, and holder etc.
Bidet parts are readily available in case of part replacement or damage. Bidets are composed of the bidet seat, shower head unit, thermostatic valve (innovation), t-connector (used for the thermostatic valve), bidet wiring, circuit boards and mechanical components (rear of the bidet seats), seat sensors and spacers (rear of the seat). Most of the seat bulk is located at the rear of the bidet seat and it is where it is much taller than the regular toilet seat.
Installation
Bidet systems are relatively simple to install. They attach to the top of the existing toilet bowl in place of the current toilet seat. They need cold water connection from the supply line already going in the toilet tank. However, a separate connection from the sink can be drawn for warm water through tubes and a T-connector. Also, a thermostatic valve is to be installed which separates both the warm and the cold water connections and regulates temperature.
Operating Principles
Bidets work differently with different toilet models but the operating mechanism remains the same. When one presses a button, a wash nozzle the size of the marker extends out and sprays a stream of aerated warm water towards the rear. When the stop button is pressed, nozzle retracts back into the housing. Before each and every wash, the bidet seats automatically rinse the nozzle so only freshwater touches the rear. Some bidet systems work by turning knobs to the right for warm water and to the left for cold water. The spray strength can also be adjusted in many bidet systems.
Dimensions
The actual bidet seats are usually half to an inch thicker than regular toilet seats. So there is not much of a height difference when a user sits on a bidet seat equipped toilet. The dimensions of these bidet seats are listed anywhere from 4”-6.5” but that is measuring the entire bidet units highest point which is at the rear of the unit.
To install the right bidet, one needs to install the right toilet first. This is the toilet rough- in distance. It is the distance from the wall to the waste outlet hole… This distance is about 3.81 cm and is meant for both round (to conserve space) and oval (less space but fewer clogs and overflows) bowls. The toilet height a is 41.9 cm (two to three inches higher) compared to a regular height toilet which is 36.8 cm. There are two types of toilets – one piece and two piece toilets to which bidet seats can be installed. However, two-piece toilets where the toilet and the bowl are separate offer tons of space for bidets to fit in and are less expensive. Dual flush toilets are also preferred over toilets over other types of flush system to conserve water. For all the toilet types, bidet seats replace the standard toilet seat to serve as a toilet seat and a bidet seat both.
Contrast
There are different types of bidet seats in the market. One can easily contrast between electronic and non-electric seats, tank and tank less water heating bidets and wireless remote control bidets vs side panel control bidets.
“Electronic bidet seats rely on electricity to heat water and to control the desired spray pattern. Because of the convenience of electric heating, these units do not need to be placed near a hot-water line. Bidet seats replace standard toilet seats, allowing the toilet to serve as both a toilet and bidet” (1) while “Non electric bidets will usually fit on any toilet..attach to the toilet underneath the toilet seat...offer thorough cleaning just like electric bidet models....." (2). Non-electric bidets cost around $50-$200. Although cold water only options are available, some may also have hot water connections. The non-electric bidets that have both hot and cold water hookups allow users to experience warm water cleansing without electricity. Bidet seats also have different water heating systems. Bidet seats with tank-type heaters have internal reservoir/tank of stored water. “The bidet toilet seat keeps the stored water heated to whatever temperature setting the user desires. During the wash, the bidet seat will draw water from this heated reservoir. The warm water will last about 30 seconds before the wash gradually turns cooler until it reaches room temperature. It usually takes about 5 minutes for the bidet seat's water tank to fully re-heat” (3). On the other hand, “Electronic bidet seats with tank less water heating systems do not keep a large reservoir of stored water. Instead, the heating element instantly heats the water stream when the wash is activated. The water will stay warm at the desired temperature for as long as the user is washing. During the wash, the bidet seat is able to heat the water "on-demand" allowing for temperature adjustments mid-wash. Water heater stays idle when the seat is not in use” (4). Bidet seats also differ as some are remote controlled while others have side panel controls. Wireless remote controlled bidets are upscale and have more features. They also have a much cleaner appearance on the toilet without large controlled panel attached to the side. On the other side, the one with side panel controls never runs out of battery and has less to worry about losing a remote control. Bidets are major investment at the price of a minor, considering the amount of money and trouble, the homeowner saves himself from in the long run.
General Misconceptions
Some general misconceptions about bidets include
Bidets are for women: Although bidet is effective in maintaining feminine hygiene during menstruation and pregnancy, it also is hygienic for men to use instead of flushing toilet paper.
Bidets are unsanitary: Bidets do not get your hands dirty. In fact, some bidets will even dry the washed area and the nozzles automatically self-clean on all bidet models!
No room for bidets in toilets: Most bidets install directly on to toilet seats or replace them whether single piece toilet or double piece.
Need soap in bidet water for thorough cleanliness: Regular soap is harsh on the genitals, leading to increased risk of infection, anal fissures, lichen sclerosis, and inflammation. Since the medically recommended way to clean the genitals is with warm water, bidet seats are an excellent choice.
Bidet requires hot water connection: Most bidets don’t need hot water connection as they only need to be connected to the existing water connection to the tank and the bidet seat automatically provides warm water. However, to avoid accidents through extreme water temperatures when using the bidet seat knobs, bidets can have connection originating from the sink in to a thermostatic valve that regulates temperature by mixing water from sink (hot) and toilet tank (cold) to avoid extremely hot or extremely cold water being flushed from the bidet seat spray.
Remote controlled bidets can be exploited: Most bidet remote signals don’t pass through the washroom walls, hence cannot be operated from outside the washroom.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the toilet bidet systems are cost-effective solutions compared to flushing tissue papers and wipes in toilets. Through Bidets, consumers save money on toilet tissues that are flushed down the toilet and end up clogging drain pipes and city sewage systems. Not to mention, it saves the city thousands of dollars due to clogs.
References
(1) - "BATHROOM RENOVATIONS INFOGRAPHIC." Bidet King. https://bidetking.com/bathroom-renovations-infographic
(2) - “Choosing the Right Toilet and Bidet Combination.” Bidet King, May 17, 2013. https://bidetking.com/blog/choosing-the-right-toilet-and-bidet-combination/
(3) - "Non Electric Bidet Advantages." https://www.bidet.org/pages/electric-vs-non-electric-bidets
(4) -“BIDET TOILET SEAT WATER HEATING: TANK VS TANKLESS VS HYBRID.” Bidet King. https://bidetking.com/bidet-seat-tank-vs-tankless-water-heater
(5) - "Bidet Seats with Tank less Water Heaters.” Bidet King. https://bidetking.com/bidet-seat-tank-vs-tankless-water-heater