Bidet

A bidet is a plumbing fixture (or toilet seat attachment) that delivers a stream of water for personal hygiene after using the toilet. Standard in most of Europe, Asia, and South America for decades, bidets have surged in North American popularity — particularly after the toilet paper shortages of 2020 brought mainstream attention to alternatives. Modern bidet seat attachments install in 15 minutes, range from budget to premium prices, and require no new plumbing beyond a T-valve connection at the toilet's cold water supply.

What types of bidets are there?

• Standalone bidet (traditional): a separate porcelain fixture next to the toilet, with a basin and water jets. Requires its own cold (and often hot) water supply connection, drain, and floor space. Standard in European and South American bathrooms; rarely installed in new North American homes due to space requirements.
• Bidet toilet seat (washlet): replaces the standard toilet seat. Connects to the cold water supply at the fill valve T-connection. Non-electric models deliver only cold water. Electric models (the higher-priced tier) add heated water, heated seat, air dryer, and adjustable spray. The TOTO Washlet is the category-defining product.
• Bidet attachment (under-seat): installs between the existing seat and toilet bowl. Non-electric, cold water only. Cost: the lowest of the seat-style options. The most affordable entry point.
• Handheld bidet sprayer: a hand-held hose with a spray nozzle that connects to the toilet supply line via a T-valve. Manual, simple, inexpensive.

What plumbing considerations apply to bidets?

For non-electric attachments: no plumbing modification beyond the T-valve connection. For electric bidet seats: a 120V GFCI outlet is needed within 3 feet of the toilet — if none exists, an electrician must install one. For standalone bidets: a full rough-in with cold/hot supply and 1¼" drain required.