How to Buy a Bidet

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Although bidets have only more recently gained popularity in the United States, they have been used for hundreds of years in European and Asian homes. A bidet is a sink-like basin that looks like a toilet and functions like a sink. They are used for personal cleansing and hygiene. Here are some guidelines for buying a bidet for your bathroom.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

Establish a budget. Bidets run between $30 and $3,000. If you have decided to install a bidet in your bathroom, it will probably be used often. Purchase something in the mid-to-high range if you can afford it.
Step 2

Determine the placement. Most bidets are stand-alone units that are installed near the toilet and use the same plumbing. Some bidets are simply composed of nozzles that can be hooked right on to your toilet. Purchase a hook-up bidet if you have little space in your bathroom or don't anticipate using it often. Otherwise, the better option is to buy a stand-alone bidet.
Step 3

Choose your main faucet fixture design. Most bidets are designed with a main faucet that allows you to fill the basin with water and drain it later, just like a bathtub.
Step 4

Pick your nozzles. Bidets have one or two nozzles, unless they are custom-made. On a one-nozzle basin, there is a single short spout that jets warm water for all your cleansing needs. This nozzle is used for washing genitals, the anus and other body parts, such as the feet. Many people prefer to buy a two-nozzle bidet for their bathroom. The first is a shorter general nozzle, which jets water for everyone's needs, while the second nozzle is a longer nozzle that jets water in an arc for feminine hygiene purposes.
Step 5

Select your special features. Bidets offer electric dryers and heated seats, deodorizers, automatic nozzles and massage functions. The more features, the more expensive your bidet will be. Ask for advice from bidet owners before deciding on features, and you will save on unnecessary expenses. For example, many bidet owners will tell you that they never use the dryer, but they can't live without the massage function.
Step 6

Spend time doing the research and watching showroom demonstrations before you buy. A bidet is an expensive purchase. You will be much happier with your selection if you feel confident about your bidet expertise.

Comments

germslearn said

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on 10/30/2009 yes, bidet toilet seats are much easier to use and more convenient. it's especially true for persons with limited mobility.

http://www.bidetking.com

woot said

on 6/15/2009 Not to be too graphic, but I find bidets installed right with the toilet to be much better to use than ones installed beside the toilet. Consider the fact that you are not planning to use toilet paper and you must stand up and move from one recepticle to the other.