The Ultimate Bidet Toilet Seat Guide

Everything You Need To Know About Bidet Toilet Seats

The bidet toilet seat has only grown in popularity as recent advances in technology have made this convenient device easy to attach and more affordable to own than ever before.

Bidets vs. Bidet Toilet Seats

Bidets vs. Bidet Toilet Seats

A bidet is a bathroom basin fixture that is typically located next to the toilet. This basin is intended for use as a means for cleaning yourself after going to the bathroom. While the bidet is more common in Europe and Asia, you can still enjoy the hygienic benefits that come with this user-friendly appliance in your home as well, but without the extra cost and inconvenience of purchasing and installing an entire basin.

A bidet toilet seat allows you to combine both the bidet and the toilet into one easy to use fixture. A bidet toilet seat replaces your existing toilet seat, and goes right on top of your existing toilet. This way - you don’t need any additional space in your bathroom. Moreover, an internal water heater is built into the bidet toilet seat so all you need is the existing cold water supply behind your toilet. No additional plumbing is necessary! Having a bidet toilet seat also removes the extra step of transferring yourself from the toilet to the bidet. Use the toilet as you normally would and then activate the wash function of your bidet toilet seat in order to clean yourself with a warm stream of water.

When choosing the right bidet for you and your family, a bidet toilet seat is best due to its easier-to-use design and all the additional features which come included, such as a warm air dryer and heated toilet seat. We’ll touch more on these and other features in a bit.

Bidet Toilet Seats are more Hygienic and Comfortable vs. Toilet Paper

You've probably lived most of your life relying on dry toilet paper to clean yourself after using the bathroom. But if you really think about it, does this make sense? You wouldn't wash your face by rubbing it with dry paper and expect your skin to be clean and fresh. Why would you expect those results when you're wiping your bum?

Cleaning yourself after you've used the bathroom is imperative for eliminating germs and odor associated with going to the bathroom. Now which would you rather use, a ball of thin paper or a stream of refreshing water, temperature controlled for your comfort? With a bidet toilet seat, you can rely on the latter to properly and completely clean yourself. It's a much healthier and more effective way to get the job done!

Wiping with dry paper is just not an effective way to clean yourself. It also gets abrasive to wipe two, three or more times with dry scratchy paper across one of the most sensitive parts of your body. Not only is using more hygienic, it’s a lot more comfortable too.

The Eco-friendly Nature of a Bidet Toilet Seat

Because bidet toilet seats use water to wash you, toilet paper becomes used more for drying purposes to dry residual moisture from your wash. This will lower your toilet paper consumption by 75% or more. And if you’re patient enough to use the warm air dry function (it takes 2 - 3 minutes), you can completely free yourself from toilet paper altogether!

When you use a bidet toilet seat to clean yourself after using the bathroom, you're not just saving your delicate areas from abrasive discomfort but you're also doing your part to save the planet. Have you ever thought about how much toilet paper you use in a week? A year?

The Eco-friendly Nature Of A Bidet Toilet Seat

Consider the environmental impact we have as a country just from the use of toilet paper on an annual basis. Americans go through more than 7 billion rolls of toilet paper in that time, which accounts for roughly 9 million trees being cut down every year. With the use of a bidet toilet seat in your home, you can do your part to prevent the decimation of our forests and natural resources.

Those are huge numbers, so let's make them more relatable in figures that apply to your household. Putting in a bidet toilet seat could reduce your family's use of toilet paper by 80 rolls which translates to a monetary savings of around $100 a year. You are literally flushing this money down the toilet every year.

In addition - you’re reducing paper waste as well. Less paper waste results in less strain on our septic and sewer systems. Having a bidet toilet seat helps us all be a little more resourceful.

The Great Toilet Paper Shortage Of 2020

The pandemic shone a spotlight on the advantages of bidet toilet seats as the COVID-related shortage of bath tissue had people searching for an alternative during this unprecedented time in our history. We can all remember what it was like to go to the local supermarket or department store to replenish your supply of toilet paper for you and your family, only to find the shelves empty with signs limiting purchases to one pack per customer.

The great toilet paper shortage of 2020 greatly increased awareness of bidet toilet seats in America. More people became aware of bidet toilet seats and how they are virtually toilet paper substitutes. And more people realized how much cleaner and hygienic and more comfortable bidet toilet seats are.

Read the thousands of reviews, bidet users have left on our site. Whether you’re black, white, asian, latin, male or female - humans have universal love for their bidets. It is remarkable.

Features To Look For In A Bidet Toilet Seat

If a bidet toilet seat sounds like something you should have in your home, here are some of the basic features you want. These are the essential items that every bidet seat should offer, at the very least.

  • Posterior wash
    Without it, you don't have a bidet. This feature is intended to clean your posterior region after using the bathroom.
  • Feminine wash
    This feature offers an anterior option for women. Typically installed as a function that expels a wider angle (and therefore gentler) spray mode than what is equipped for the posterior nozzle.
  • Adjustable water temperature
    Using water to clean yourself should never leave you with a chilly feeling. That's why you want to get a bidet toilet seat that offers you the ability to control the temperature of the stream. You don't need to install a hot water line either, since bidet toilet seats have a built-in water heater inside the seat.
  • Adjustable water pressure
    As you would expect from any other water spigot in the bathroom, your bidet toilet seat allows you to adjust the water pressure of the nozzle. Open it up for a more powerful stream or turn the handle slightly to slow it down for a lighter touch.
  • Adjustable nozzle position
    Positioning the nozzle in the direction you want it to spray can make it a whole lot easier to clean where you need it most.
  • Nozzle (Spray) Oscillation
    When your nozzle has an oscillating function, it automatically moves the spray back and forth providing a greater coverage area. You can wash a wider area to ensure you are properly and fully clean after using the restroom. A stationary nozzle forces you to maneuver yourself around in order to get the water where you need it.

Extra Features (available on most bidet seats):

  • Warm air dryer
    After cleaning yourself with a spray of water, most people reach for a few sheets of toilet paper to dry off. But with a warm air dryer, you can finish the job hands-free. Some bidet toilet seats even offer air temperature adjustment.
  • On-demand water heating vs. Reservoir tank water heating
    These are the two most common methods of heating the water through your bidet toilet seat. There is no need to connect a hot water line, which makes installation easier and less expensive. Which you choose is up to you - on-demand heating allows for heated water at any time you wish, while a reservoir tank relies on a storage of warm water inside a tank. Each offers definite pros and cons with respect to size of the seat, convenience of use, and cost, among other factors.
  • Heated toilet seat
    Those cold mornings can be tougher when your bare skin touches the seat. But with a temperature controlled, heated seat, you never have to wake up to a freezing seat again.
  • Slow closing seat and lid
    The days of hearing that toilet seat lid slam against the basin are over. Many bidet toilet seats come equipped with a slow closing mechanism that prevents the seat and lid crashing down after use.

Advanced Features (available on higher-end models)

  • Stainless steel nozzles
    Bidet toilet seat nozzles are typically made from two materials: stainless steel or plastic. The former is often found on a higher-quality bidet seats because they last longer and are considered more hygienic than their plastic counterparts.
  • Automatic air deodorizer
    Some bidet toilet seats come with a feature that helps to make the air more pleasant in and around the toilet basin. It works by using a fan unit to move air through a carbon filter that eliminates odors. This feature works very well for bathrooms without ventilation.
  • User presets
    This feature is particularly useful for homes with multiple occupants all using the bidet toilet seat. Presets allow each user to program the settings they prefer including water pressure and temperature, spray nozzle position, and more.
  • Nozzle sterilization
    More advanced bidet toilet seats will have a nozzle sterilization feature. How that sterilization process is performed can vary from one seat to the next. The most common methods are the use of a silver oxide solution, UV sterilization, and electrolyzed water (eWater) which is used in the restaurant industry to sterilize cleaning utensils and prep surfaces exposed to contamination.
  • Automatic open/close seat and lid
    Another fancy feature on higher-end bidet seats offers a sensor that detects a user approaching the toilet. Upon detection, the lid opens automatically. If you are a male who needs to use the toilet, simply tap a button on the accompanying remote control to have the seat rise as well. When you're finished, the seat and lid will close on their own.
  • A lid you can sit on
    Most bidet toilet seat lids are not designed to support the body weight of an average adult (although you can sit on the seat of course). Some higher end models have a sturdier lid which you can sit on.

Bidet Toilet Seat Warranties

When buying your bidet toilet seat, warranties matter. They typically range from one to five years with some offering complete coverage throughout the life of the warranty while others might provide declining coverage in the outer years. For example - some bidet seats may have 100% coverage in the first year, 75% coverage in the second year, and 50% coverage in the third year. Some bidets may have 100% coverage for all three years. So you should pay attention to how the warranty is structured.

You can also find extended warranty options offered by some bidet toilet seat manufacturers that provide additional levels of coverage based on the type of plan you select. For a reasonable fee, most manufacturers let you add 2 – 3 years to the end of the standard warranty period which can double your warranty coverage. This provides peace of mind that you’re fully covered for 5 – 6 years should anything happen to your bidet.

The Eco-friendly Nature Of A Bidet Toilet Seat

Bidet Toilet Seat Installation

These devices are easy to install. Here are some FAQ's to help you better understand what you need (and don't):

  • Does a bidet toilet seat require additional space in my bathroom?
    No. A bidet toilet seat is designed to installation on top of your existing toilet. You do not need to make additional space to accommodate a bidet seat. Simply replace your toilet seat with a bidet seat.
  • Will a bidet seat fit my toilet?
    Most likely yes. There are many different bidet toilet seats on the market capable of fitting a range of toilet makes and models. You just need to take some measurements of your toilet to see which bidet seats work best with your type of toilet. See our toilet measuring guide 
  • Do I need a plumber to install my bidet toilet seat?
    No. A bidet toilet seat is easy to install all on your own. It doesn't take very long to do the work either, with an average installation time of about 20 minutes but there are 3 things you need to know when installing a bidet seat. There is no need for additional plumbing either, you just tap into the existing cold water line located at the back of your toilet. The bidet heats the water so you don't need a hot water line to enjoy a temperature adjusted spray. You will need an electrical source to power your bidet seat, so make sure you have a wall socket nearby.

How To Install A Bidet Toilet Seat

You can replace your current seat with a bidet toilet seat in five easy steps:

 

1. Measure your toilet

You should take a couple measurements of your toilet to ensure a proper fit. First - measure the distance from the front of the water tank, to the mounting holes. If you have 1.75 inches of clearance behind the mounting holes (or more), then all of the bidets in our store will fit your toilet. Second - measure the distance from the mounting holes, to the very front outside edge of the toilet. If this measurement is 17 inches or less, you should order a ROUND size bidet seat. If your measurement is 17.5 inches or more, you should order an ELONGATED size bidet seat.

 

2. Removing your toilet seat

Find those two caps at the back of the seat and flip the covers open. Inside are two bolts. You'll need a screwdriver to remove them. Once you've unscrewed them, the seat can be lifted from the toilet.

 

3. Mounting the bidet seat

Using those same mounting holes where the seat was installed, attach the mounting bracket for the bidet seat to the toilet. Do this by attaching the rectangular guide rails into either side of the bracket and then place the bolts through the rails and the mounting holes. Secure in place with the nuts from underneath the holes.

Once the bracket is secured you can then attach the bidet seat to the bracket. You will know it's properly installed when you hear the device click into place.

 

4. Connecting the water line

Turn off the water supply by turning off the angle stop located behind the toilet. Then, flush your toilet to drain the water tank. Detach the supply line from the bottom of your toilet tank and install the T-Connection (water splitter) directly to the bottom of the toilet tank. Re-attach your supply line to the bottom of the T-Connection.

A bidet hose also comes included with your bidet seat. Attach the bidet hose to the side opening of the T-Connection, and secure the other end of the hose to the inlet on your bidet seat. Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks.

 

5. Plug into a nearby electrical outlet

The final step is to plug the power cord into a nearby by outlet. We recommend a GFCI outlet which has the “Test” and “Reset” buttons on the outlet, which are commonly found in bathrooms. Once plugged in, you're ready to use your new bidet toilet seat.

What Are The Best Bidet Seats?

You like what you've read so far, now you want to know more about specific products on the market. We have some recommendations as to which toilet bidet seats to check out first.

  • Bio Bidet BB 2000

    Owners of the BB 2000 will enjoy some advanced features with its on-demand hybrid heating system and built-in automatic air deodorizer. It also features a stainless steel nozzle. But what sets the BB 2000 apart is its exceptional washing performance. With a maximum water output of 0.7 liters per minute, the BB 2000 outputs the most water of any bidet seat. It’s nozzle oscillation is more rapid as well. When you combine its increased water output with its faster oscillation rate you get an incredibly efficient wash.

    Bio Bidet BB 2000
  • TOTO Washlet S550e

    TOTO is the first company to mass-produce bidet toilet seats, starting with the Washlet G series back in the 1980s. The TOTO S550e is their current flagship model, and comes loaded with advanced features such as an automatic open/close seat and lid, and eWater functionality which mists the sides of the toilet bowl with electrolyzed water when you first sit down. Similar to the Swash 1400, the TOTO S550e also has two user-presets and a convenient adjustable spray-width feature as well.

    TOTO Washlet S550e
  • Brondell Swash 1400

    The crown jewel in the Brondell line, the Swash 1400 is an award-winning bidet seat that features two self-rinsing stainless steel nozzles, silver-oxide sterilization, and adjustable spray width which allows you to adjust the stream as focused or as wide as you prefer. Dual user presets and one of the best air deodorizers in the business makes the Swash 1400 one of our favorites. Along with all of those advantages, this bidet seat is built to keep all of the cords and wires hidden from view for a cleaner and neater aesthetic.

    Brondell Swash 1400
  • Bio Bidet DIB Special Edition

    The DIB Special Edition has all the standard essentials, but what makes this bidet seat worth a look is the ability to enter preset settings for two separate users. That means two individuals can have the water pressure, temperature, and nozzle position at completely different settings at the touch of a button. Even more of a selling point on the DIB Special Edition is that it's ideal for small families because of its “Child Mode”, a cleaning mode designed with small children in mind.

    Bio Bidet DIB Special Edition
  • Brondell Swash DS725

    Despite being moderately priced, the Brondell offers a range of features and capabilities that you would expect from a bidet seat at a much higher cost. All of the essentials are there, including posterior and feminine wash functionality, adjustable water pressure and temperature, and adjustable nozzles. The Swash DS725 also offers a heated seat, air dryer, and an oscillating nozzle for wider coverage.

    Brondell Swash DS725

Why You Should Trust bidetsPLUS

Established in 2010, bidetsPLUS sells only one thing – bidet toilet seats. Simply put, we have the experience, knowledge, and customer satisfaction to make us the undisputed leader in the bidet toilet seat space. We make it our business to know everything about this industry and after selling over 50,000 bidet seats we have thousands of satisfied customers.

Some of our other notable achievements and awards:

We’ve been in business long enough where the bidet knowledge and experience is easy.

But in truth - customer service is the most important part of our job. We will maintain a long-term view of the relationship we have with our customers. Always.