What Is a Bidet Toilet Attachment?

Wondering what a bidet toilet attachment is? You’ve likely heard the buzz about them, as bidets have been popular in Europe for years and are now rising in popularity in Canada. Although bidets come in a variety of shapes and sizes, they all have the same purpose: to clean yourself after using the toilet or when you want to freshen up your nether regions.

While many times installing a bidet means installing a second toilet basin in addition to your standard toilet, the bidet attachment provides a way to enjoy the versatility of the bathroom appliance without committing to a more expensive addition.

How Does a Bidet Attachment Work?

Bidet attachments are installed between the toilet seat and the toilet and include the same spray wand and controls featured in stand-alone bidets or bidet toilet seats. The user controls the spray from the nozzle by turning a dial located on the attachment arm. The stream of water from the wand washes away urine and feces without the need for toilet paper, although some people prefer to use both toilet paper and the bidet.

In order to have a successful bidet experience for your bathroom, it’s important to determine the right bidet attachment for your toilet and understand the basic steps for proper installation.

How to Select the Right Bidet Attachment

When shopping for the best bidet attachment for your toilet, there are a few things to look for in a high-quality model:

• Metal connections
• Internal brass valves
• Braided PVC housing
• Antibacterial nozzle with warm and cold nozzle options

Basic Steps to Install a Bidet Attachment

1. Make sure the installation holes match up with the toilet seat to ensure a proper fit.
2. Gather a few tools: a screwdriver and an adjustable wrench.
3. Remove the toilet seat by taking out the nuts underneath the rim of the toilet with the wrench.
4. Place the bidet attachment, adjusting the brackets until they are in line with the toilet holes.
5. Reattach the toilet seat with the wrench or screwdriver, making sure to tighten the bolts securely.
6. Shut off the toilet’s water supply momentarily by turning off the valve near the toilet’s base by the wall; in some cases, the shut-off valve may be located under the sink. Then, flush the toilet to drain water, and disconnect the water hose from the toilet tank.
7. Ensure the rubber washers in the T-adapter that come with the bidet attachment are in position; check the manual for details if you aren’t sure. Then, connect the T-adapter to the fill valve in the toilet tank and the water hose to the T-adapter.
8. Finally, you will need to connect the bidet hose that came with your new attachment to the bidet inlet and T-adapter; turn on the water supply, flush the toilet, and you are ready to go!

Some bidet attachment models require a slightly different installation process. Always be sure to read the manual for proper installation.

Save the Hassle, Call the Professionals for Bidet Installation

Let’s face it, the process to choose the right bidet attachment and then follow through with the correct installation can be a little daunting. Or perhaps you are interested in installing a full bidet or need another bathroom plumbing upgrade. One call to your local Mr. Rooter can save you significant time and hassle. Go ahead and call to learn more about bidet toilet attachments or to schedule your installation appointment today.

If you can install a bidet attachment, you can install a toilet seat lock. Mr. Electric recommends installing a toilet seat lock in homes with children, in addition to other child-proofing measures. Like Mr. Rooter, Mr. Electric is part of Neighbourly’s network of home service providers. Go to GetNeighbourly.ca to learn more!