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, cost $25–$2,000, and require no new plumbing beyond a T-valve connection at the toilet's cold water supply.

Types of bidets

• 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 ($150–$2,000+) 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: $25–$80. 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 ($15–$50).

Plumbing considerations

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.