Bidet Systems: An Essential Reno Project

Preliminary Research:

Most of the initial information is based on first-hand experiences after the 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 the 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 the t-connector, extension pipes, shower head, and holder, etc.

Parts Analysis

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 a cold water connection from the supply line already going into 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, the nozzle retracts back into the housing. Before 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 the left for cold water. The spray strength can also be adjusted in many bidet systems.

Dimensions

The actual bidet seats are usually half an inch thicker than regular toilet seats. So there is not much of a height difference when a user sits on a bidet-equipped toilet. The dimensions of these bidet seats are listed anywhere from 4” to 6.5”, but that is measuring the entire bidet unit's 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 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 with other types of flush systems 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.

Contrast

There are different types of bidet seats in the market. One can easily contrast between electronic and non-electric seats, tank and tankless 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 function as both a toilet and a bidet while Non-electric bidets will work with on any toilet, and offer thorough cleaning just like electric bidet models. Non-electric bidets cost around $50-$200. Although cold water only option 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 an internal reservoir/tank of stored water. “The bidet toilet seat stores the water to preferred temperature.  During the wash, the bidet seat will draw water from this location.  The warm water will last about 30 seconds before the wash gradually turns cooler until it reaches room temperature.  It will take roughly 5 minutes for the bidet seat's water tank to fully reheat. On the other hand, Electronic bidet seats with tankless water heating systems do store water in large volume.  Instead, the heating element instantly heats the water stream one activates the wash.  The water will stay warm at the desired temperature for as long as the user is washing.  During the wash, the bidet seat can heat the water "on-demand," allowing for temperature adjustments mid-wash.  Water heater stays idle when the seat is not in use. Bidet seats also differ as some are remote-controlled 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 a large, controlled panel attached to the side. On the other side, the one with the side panel controls never runs out of battery and has less to worry about losing a remote control. Bidets are a 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

1. Bidets are for women: Although a bidet is effective in maintaining feminine hygiene during menstruation and pregnancy, it is also hygienic for men to use instead of flushing toilet paper.

2. 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!

3. No room for bidets in toilets: Most bidets are installed directly onto toilet seats or replace them, whether single-piece or double-piece.

4. 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.

5. Bidet requires hot water connection: Most bidets don’t need a 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.

6. 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 paper 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.