Bidets

FAQs

What is a bidet used for?

A bidet is a bathroom fixture used to wash and clean the genitalia, perineum, and anus after using the toilet. It uses a targeted stream of water to provide a more hygienic, gentle, and eco-friendly alternative to wiping with dry toilet paper. 

Core Purposes and Uses

• Post-Toilet Cleansing: It washes away leftover waste using clean tap water instead of smearing it with paper. 

• Feminine Hygiene: Many models feature a dedicated front-wash nozzle. This assists women during menstruation, pregnancy, or postpartum recovery. 

• Medical Relief: The gentle water flow reduces skin irritation and friction. It is highly recommended by doctors for people dealing with haemorrhoids, constipation, or recovering from surgery. 

• Mobility Assistance: It helps elderly individuals or anyone with limited mobility clean themselves independently without needing to bend or twist. 

What is the difference between a bidet and a toilet?

The main difference is their purpose: a toilet is used to dispose of bodily waste, while a bidet is used to wash and clean your body after you use the toilet. 

Key Differences

• Primary Function: Toilets flush away urine and feces. Bidets spray clean water to wash your skin. 

• Plumbing Setup: Toilets use a large amount of water to flush waste into the sewage system. Bidets use a small, targeted stream of clean tap water. 

• Paper Usage: Toilets require dry paper to wipe. Bidets eliminate or reduce paper use to a quick pat-dry. 

• Plumbing Design: Toilets have a wide bowl with a large trapway to prevent clogs. Traditional bidets look similar but have a water faucet, a drain plug, and no flushing mechanism. 

• Modern Integration: Many modern toilets combine both functions into one unit, featuring built-in electric bidet nozzles. 

Are bidets hygienic?

Yes, bidets are highly hygienic and generally offer a much cleaner, more effective wash than wiping with dry toilet paper. Because water dissolves and washes away waste rather than smearing it, it significantly reduces bacteria on the skin. However, maintaining proper hygiene depends entirely on using them correctly and keeping the fixture clean.

Do bidets require special plumbing?

No, most modern bidets do not require special plumbing and can be hooked up directly to your existing toilet's water supply. Only traditional, standalone porcelain bidets require dedicated professional plumbing.

What is the difference between a wall-hung and floor-standing bidet?

The main difference is how they are mounted and where they occupy space. A wall-hung bidet floats above the floor and anchors to a frame inside the wall, while a floor-standing bidet sits directly on the bathroom floor like a traditional toilet. 

Key Differences

• Mounting Style: Wall-hung models attach to a concealed metal frame behind the drywall. Floor-standing models bolt directly into the floor. 

• Space Saving: Wall-hung bidets leave the floor underneath completely clear, making small bathrooms feel larger. Floor-standing models have a wider base that takes up physical floor footprint. 

• Cleaning and Maintenance: Wall-hung options make cleaning incredibly easy because you can mop directly underneath the fixture. Floor-standing units have crevices around the base where dust and grime can accumulate. 

• Installation Complexity: Wall-hung bidets are much harder to install. They require opening up the wall to fit a heavy-duty support frame (called an in-wall carrier). Floor-standing units simply bolt down and align with standard floor plumbing. 

• Weight Capacity: Floor-standing units transfer weight directly to the floor. Wall-hung units rely entirely on the in-wall frame, though high-quality frames are safely rated to hold up to 400 kg (approx. 900 lbs). 

• Cost: Wall-hung bidets are more expensive because you must buy both the ceramic bowl and the hidden structural frame, plus pay higher labor costs for installation. 

Can a bidet be installed in a small bathroom?

Yes, a bidet can absolutely be installed in a small bathroom. You do not need to squeeze in a separate porcelain bowl. Modern space-saving alternatives can add bidet functionality to even the tightest layouts without taking up any extra floor space.

What tap is used with a bidet?

Traditional standalone ceramic bidets use a specialized fixture called a bidet mixer tap. While they look very similar to standard bathroom basin taps, they feature one critical design difference: a ball-pivot directional nozzle at the tip of the spout. This allows you to manually angle and aim the water stream precisely where you need it. 

Key Types of Bidet Taps

• Mono Bidet Mixers: The most common modern style. They feature a single tap body with one lever that controls both the water temperature and the flow rate with a single hand movement. Examples include the Hansgrohe Vernis Shape Single Lever Bidet Mixer or the VitrA Solid S Chrome Effect Bidet Mixer Tap.

• Twin-Handle Mixers: A more traditional style featuring two separate controls—one for hot and one for cold water. These are often styled with classic cross-head or Victorian levers to match traditional bathroom aesthetics. 

• Wall-Mounted / Concealed Valves: A minimalist alternative where the tap pipework is hidden inside the wall, leaving only the directional spout and control handle visible above the ceramic bidet bowl. 

Are bidets easy to clean?

Yes, bidets are very easy to clean, and modern models actually require less scrubbing than a standard toilet. Because they only handle clean water and light rinse-off, they do not suffer from the heavy stains or mineral scaling common in toilet bowls.