What Is a Bidet Toilet Attachment?

Surely, youve heard of a bidet as it is now becoming increasingly popular in the United States. Though around for almost 300 years, bidets have only recently started gaining mass popularity from Japan to Europe and the United States.

A bidet is a tool primarily used to wash and clean the genitalia, buttocks, and anus after defecation and urination. Though there are a few models with varying specifications, the general mechanism of a bidet is simple: it delivers a spray of water toward the region needing cleaning much like a kitchen sink sprayer. Keep in mind, the bidet is not a replacement for toilet paper. Rather, it complements toilet paper. The anal region is wiped with toilet paper and washed using the bidet before being dried with a final toilet paper wipe.

Bidet Attachment

Traditionally, bidets were installed in the form of a stand-alone basin in addition to your toilet. As this traditional method is obviously an inefficient use of real-estate, the bidet shower became the effective replacement. The bidet shower is a hand-held device much like the kitchen sink sprayer. The cutting edge of bidet design, however, is the bidet toilet attachment.

Add-on bidets are attached between the toilet seat and the toilet which saves space and eliminates the need for extra plumbing. The bidet attachment features the same mechanism as the bidet shower and stand-alone bidet: a spray wand that showers water to clean the genitalia, buttocks, and anus.

Selecting a Bidet Attachment

Though the concept of a bidet is simple, the modifications available are plenty. When researching for the ideal bidet attachment installations, there are some questions Mr. Plumbing in Pittsburgh recommends asking:

Posterior, front, or both?

Bidets are commonly designed for posterior washing with self-adjusting required for any other spots. Other single nozzle models provide adjustable angles to alternate between posterior and front cleaning. However, there are also models with dual cleansing options; the model will house two nozzles one for the posterior and one for your front.

Warm Water?

If you are sensitive to cold water, there is the option of installing an extra water hookup for warm water especially during the cold of the winter. Ask your local expert at Mr. Plumbing of Pittsburgh about temperature adjustable bidet attachments as well.

Adjustable Water Pressure?

The water pressure from the bidet is an essential factor for some people for varying reasons. For some people who suffer from conditions such as hemorrhoids or have had a recent surgical procedure, water pressure can be a crucial element of the bidet. In addition to safety, adjustable water pressure provides varying levels of cleanliness.

Self-cleaning Nozzle?

It goes without saying that a bidet will need to be cleaned considering its proximity to feces and urine. You may want to opt out of manually cleaning the nozzle by selecting a bidet attachment that comes with a self-cleaning nozzle.

Installing Your Bidet Attachment

Installing a bidet attachment on your own can be a quick and fun experience especially if you have a knack for handywork and plumbing. There are many guides online to assist. If you prefer to save the hassle, then give Mr. Plumbing of Pittsburgh a call today to schedule an appointment to have one of our trained plumbers install your bidet attachment for you.