Bidet Installation 101: How to Upgrade Your Bathroom

A bidet installation in Australia is an investment in personal hygiene. If there was a cleaner, no touch way, would you adopt it?

Australian custom doesn’t include a bidet and we traditionally use toilet paper, but that has changed in some respect due to the COVID pandemic. The younger generation are showing signs of adopting the use of a bidet.

Many cultures have adopted the use of bidets for centuries. Yes, that is correct. The use of bidets is widely popular in many countries around the world, particularly in Europe, Asia, and South America. The history of bidets can be traced back to France in the late 17th century, where they were originally designed as a more hygienic alternative to using a basin of water for washing. Over time, the use of bidets has spread to other countries and cultures, and they are now widely used as a standard fixture in many bathrooms. The popularity of bidets is attributed to their convenience, cleanliness, and ability to provide a more thorough clean after using the toilet.

If you’re in the market for a bidet, your choices are endless. From a simple tap that provides the refreshed feeling you’re after or to a smart toilet. Even a bidet seat that can be installed in place of your existing seat, that converts your toilet to a bidet.

If you’re feeling a little confused, that’s understandable!

Bidet installations are certainly an investment, and not just from a price perspective – we all spend, on average, 92 days of our lives on the toilet, so how we clean ourselves afterwards can considerably affect our happiness down there, and overall!

So, if you’re looking to buy a bidet, here are the answers to burning questions you’re likely asking yourselves:

Cheap bathroom ideas for small bathrooms.

You can get the look and feel of a new bathroom with a few fast DIYs. While a full bathroom renovation can be up to or over $30,000, homeowners can achieve dramatic before-and-after results in as little as a day. So, what can do to get that WOW factor.

• Install new tapware. Good tapware can vary in cost, but even cheaper models look and work fantastic.
• Install a modern rain shower head. Maybe even a dual shower that also incorporates a handheld shower head.
• A fresh coat of paint on the ceiling, walls, and doors. A fresh coat of paint can instantly transform a small bathroom and give it a new look. Choose light colours to make the space feel bigger.
• Lighting, adding proper lighting can make a big impact in a small bathroom. Consider installing a dimmer switch, adding wall sconces, or replacing an outdated light fixture.
• A new vanity cabinet. Generally, the old can be ripped out and replaced with a new modern version.
• Mirrors: A large mirror can make a small bathroom appear larger and brighter. If you can’t replace the mirror, try adding a framed one or a new medicine cabinet with a mirror door.
• Refinishing or replacing the shower or tub
• Re-tiling the floors and walls. I don’t mean ripping out the old, just tile over them.
• Paint your existing tiles with specially formulated tile paint.
• New shower screen or maybe a frame-less version. That’s very modern.
• Add new fixtures. New exhaust fan, new door, and window hardware.
• Easy bidet installation is to install a bidet seat in the place of your old seat.

Remember, small changes can make a big impact in a small bathroom. Consider which elements are most important to you and allocate your budget accordingly.

How do you fit a bidet in a small bathroom?

Fitting a bidet in a small bathroom can be challenging due to limited space, but it can be done with the right planning. Here are some tips to help you:

1. Choose a compact bidet: Look for a bidet with a smaller size and a simple design that will take up less space in your bathroom.
2. Install it near the toilet: This will also minimise the need for additional plumbing and also make it easy to access.
3. Utilize wall-mounted models: Wall-mounted bidets can be a great option for small bathrooms, as they free up floor space and can be installed at the right height for easy access.
4. Consider a combination unit or Smart Toilet: A toilet-bidet combination unit can save even more space in a small bathroom, as it combines both fixtures into one compact unit.
5. Install a bidet seat onto your existing toilet. These replace your existing seat and come with a host of extras, like a light, deodoriser, dryer, warm water and various water sprays
6. Hire a professional: Installing a bidet, especially in a small bathroom, may require professional help to ensure it is done correctly and to comply with local plumbing regulations and Australian Standards. EZI Plumbing have the knowledge and experience to help you make the right decisions. Contact us today.

It’s important to remember that while a bidet can be a great addition to a small bathroom, it’s also important to ensure that there is enough space to comfortably use the bidet and move around the bathroom. Plan carefully and take the time to measure and consider the available space before making a final decision.

What types of bidets are there?

There are several types of bidets available, each with their own features and benefits. Here are some of the most common types:

1. Stand-alone bidet: A separate fixture that is placed next to the toilet, with its own water supply and drain.
2. Bidet attachment: A small unit that attaches to the existing toilet and provides a stream of water for washing.
3. Toilet-bidet combination: A single unit that combines a toilet and a bidet into one compact design, saving space in the bathroom.
4. Wall-mounted bidet: A bidet that is installed directly on the wall, providing a more permanent and stylish option for your bathroom.
5. Electric bidet: A bidet that uses electricity to provide a continuous stream of warm water for cleaning.
6. Smart bidet: A high-tech bidet that uses advanced features such as heated seats, adjustable water temperature and pressure, and remote control.

Each type of bidet offers different features and benefits, and the right choice will depend on your needs and preferences. It’s important to consider factors such as the size of your bathroom, your budget, and any accessibility needs when choosing the right type of bidet for you.

Bidet toilet seat

As most Australian toilets, bathrooms, or powder rooms were not designed to incorporate a standalone bidet. A bidet seat is the perfect choice to be able to add a bidet to your existing space.

A bidet toilet seat is a type of bidet that replaces the traditional toilet seat with a special seat that includes a built-in bidet. The seat has a water nozzle or sprayer that can be adjusted to provide a stream of water for washing. Some bidet toilet seats also have additional features such as adjustable water temperature and pressure, heated seats, and air dryers.

Bidet toilet seats are easy to install, as they simply replace the existing toilet seat. They are a convenient and cost-effective way to add a bidet to your bathroom without the need for major renovations. They are also a good option for people with limited mobility who may find it difficult to use a stand-alone bidet.

When choosing a bidet toilet seat, consider factors such as the size of your bathroom, your budget, and any accessibility needs. It’s also important to choose a seat that is compatible with your toilet, as not all bidet toilet seats will fit all toilets.

You will need a power point to make use of the all the functions. You could make use of an existing power point of an electrician could easily install one adjacent to the bidet toilet seat.

Freestanding Bidet

A bidet toilet is a type of toilet that has a built-in bidet function and is a freestanding bidet. It typically consists of a toilet bowl, seat, and a water nozzle or sprayer that can be adjusted to provide a stream of water for washing. Some bidet toilets also have additional features such as adjustable water temperature and pressure, heated seats, and air dryers.

Bidet toilets are a convenient and hygienic way to wash after using the bathroom and are widely used in many countries. They are also a good option for people with limited mobility who may find it difficult to use a stand-alone bidet.

When choosing a bidet toilet, consider factors such as the size of your bathroom, your budget, and any accessibility needs. It’s also important to choose a model that is compatible with your plumbing and electrical systems, and to ensure that it complies with local codes and regulations.

Installing a bidet toilet may require professional help, especially if it involves making changes to your plumbing and electrical systems. Before installing a bidet toilet, it’s important to plan carefully and take the time to measure and consider the available space in your bathroom.

Handheld bidet sprayer: non-electric bidet

A hand-held bidet sprayer is a device used for personal hygiene that consists of a water container and a nozzle that is attached to a flexible hose. The user can control the water pressure and direction by holding the sprayer. Hand-held bidet sprays are often used as an alternative to traditional bidets, as they are more portable and easier to install. These hand-held bidet sprayers are a non-electric bidet. Top of Form.

Can a bidet have warm water?

Can you imagine a cold jet of water washing your bum in the middle of winter? I think I would hit the roof, not to mention the anticipation of the arrival of cold water. Warm water is one of the most highly sought-after features of bidet seats and bidet attachments. Warm water makes the clean and refreshing feeling of the bidet spray feel even more luxurious and if you haven’t had the experience yet, you are missing out! Both electric and non-electric bidets devices offer warm water.

Do you need a plumber to install a bidet?

It depends on the complexity of the installation. Installing a simple bidet toilet seat can often be done by a DIY’er with basic plumbing skills, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. However, in saying that all bidet seats in Australia require a Reduced Pressure Zone Device (RPZD) which is a high hazard back flow prevention device. EZI Plumbing can provide valuable advice and further information can be found here.

Don’t fall in the trap, that just because the box says that no further back flow is required it is not true. More on this below, it is a must read.

Some bidet toilet seats may require more complex installations, such as those that require electrical connections or changes to the plumbing. In these cases, it’s recommended to hire a professional plumber to ensure that the installation is done correctly and to comply with local plumbing codes.

Before installing a bidet toilet seat, it’s important to check the manufacturer’s instructions and any local plumbing codes to ensure that you have the necessary skills and tools for the job. If you’re unsure about your ability to install the bidet toilet seat yourself, it’s best to consult a professional plumber for advice.

Just a point that is buried in the fine print. In order to maintain the warranty on the product, bidet toilet seats are to be installed by a licensed plumber. Just putting it out there.

Do you need extra plumbing for a bidet seat?

Yes, all bidets require connection to the water supply. Your warranty will be voided if you attempt the install yourself. Remember the only people that can legally work on your water supply is a plumber.

Plumbing water supply requirements for a bidet

A bidet seat with a douche outlet is considered a high hazard:

• High Hazard: Any condition, device or practice that, in connection with the water supply system, has the potential to cause death.

A douche is an arm that the water is sprayed from. The douche extends from the bidet below your bottom. The douche is therefore below the overflow level of the pan which is a high hazard and has the potential for bidet water to back flow into the drinking water supply.

To eliminate the hazard, the bidet’s outlet requires an air gap (25mm above the overflow level of the pan) or a Reduced Pressure Zone Device (RPZD) valve installed to prevent the likelihood of a cross-contamination occurring.​

In NSW, the regulatory body is NSW Fair Trading and their advisory note for the installation of toilet seat bidet douche outlets is explained here.

​EZI Plumbing will supply you with a certification certificate guaranteeing that the installation complies with Plumbing Code of Australia, AS/NZS 2845.1 or AS 2845.2 and AS3500.1:2018 Clause 12.2.3.

High hazard backflow prevention device

A high hazard backflow prevention device is a type of back flow prevention device that is designed to protect the public water supply from contamination by hazardous materials. This type of device is typically used in applications where the potential consequences of backflow are high, such as bidets, bidet toilet seats, douche sprays, industrial, commercial, and medical facilities.

Back flow prevention devices are designed to prevent water from flowing back into the public water supply, which can cause contamination and pose a risk to public health. High hazard back flow prevention devices are typically installed in situations where hazardous materials such as human bodily waste (faeces), chemicals, fuels, or toxic substances are present.

Examples of high hazard back flow prevention devices include reduced pressure zone device assemblies (RPZD), and air gaps. The type of device used will depend on the specific application and the regulations in your area.

In Australia, the installation of back flow prevention devices, including high hazard devices, is regulated by the National Plumbing and Drainage Regulation, which requires that all devices be installed and maintained by a licensed plumber.

How much does it cost for a bidet installation?

The cost of installing a bidet varies depending on several factors, such as the type of bidet, the complexity of the installation, and the location. Here are some rough estimates to give you an idea:

1. Bidet toilet seat: Installing a simple bidet toilet seat can cost anywhere from $300 to $5000. The higher end is where back flow prevention is required.
2. Bidet attachment: Installing a bidet attachment that attaches to your existing toilet can cost between $200 and $5000. The higher end is where back flow prevention is required.
3. Stand-alone bidet: Installing a stand-alone bidet can cost anywhere from $800 to $5000, depending on the type and features of the bidet.
4. Bidet toilet: Installing a bidet toilet can cost between $1500 and $5000, depending on the brand, features, and complexity of the installation.

These estimates do not include any additional plumbing or electrical work that may be required. The actual cost of installing a bidet will depend on the specific circumstances of your installation, including the complexity of the installation, the materials and equipment needed.

It’s recommended to get quotes from several plumbers or contractors to compare costs and find the best option for your budget and needs.

Can a bidet toilet seat be installed on a regular toilet?

Yes, you can install a bidet toilet seat on a regular toilet. Bidet toilet seats are designed to be compatible with most standard toilets and can be installed in place of your existing toilet seat.

Installing a bidet toilet seat is a relatively straightforward process and can usually be done by a DIYer with basic plumbing skills. The installation process usually involves removing your existing toilet seat and replacing it with the bidet toilet seat, connecting the water supply, and plugging in the power if the bidet seat is electric.

It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when installing a bidet toilet seat, and to check local plumbing codes and regulations to ensure that the installation is done correctly. If you’re unsure about your ability to install a bidet toilet seat yourself, it’s best to consult a professional plumber for advice.

Is a bidet illegal in Australia?

To be legally installed in Australia, certain plumbing and drainage products, including bidet products, must be certified through the WaterMark Certification Scheme, which is administered by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB).

Do you need an electrician to install a bidet?

It depends on the type of bidet you want to install. If you are installing an electronic bidet seat that requires electrical connections, you may need the services of an electrician. It is recommended to consult the manufacturer’s instructions and consult with a professional if you are unsure of your ability to safely install the bidet.