Bidet toilet seats are designed for easy DIY (do it yourself) installation. However, not all users are physically able or handy enough to install one themselves. Also, not all bathrooms have electrical outlets near the toilet (or at all), making it necessary to hire a professional for some aspect of the installation process. So how much does it really cost to have a bidet toilet seat installed in your bathroom?
Bidet toilet seats are designed for easy DIY (do it yourself) installation. However, not all users are physically able or handy enough to install one themselves. Also, not all bathrooms have electrical outlets near the toilet (or at all), making it necessary to hire a professional for some aspect of the installation process. So how much does it really cost to have a bidet toilet seat installed in your bathroom?
DIY Installation
For folks handy enough to tackle the installation of a bidet seat themselves, the cost of installation is practically free. Bidet seats are mounted to the toilet bowl via a mounting plate held in place by two bolts. Every bidet will come supplied with its own mounting kit so there are no costs associated with it. Plumbing requirements are minimal as electronic bidets only require a cold water connection. This is accomplished with a t-valve and an extra hose or two, all of which will be included with the bidet toilet seat. No special tools are needed and it is recommended to hand tighten these plumbing connections to avoid over tightening. Plumbers / thread seal tape is recommended for all metal to metal threaded connections and can be purchased for about $1 at most hardware stores.
The electrical cord on most bidet toilet seats is about 4 ft long. If you have an electrical outlet near your toilet already, fantastic! You’re all set. If not, you have two options: either have a new outlet put in near the toilet, or simply use an extension cord if you can route it safely along your bathroom walls or through a cabinet. Heavy duty extension cords (rated at 1600W or more) can be purchased at most hardware and electronic stores for about $15. If you need an electrical outlet installed, keep reading below.
Professional Installation
Mounting / Plumbing
Having a bidet toilet seat professionally installed in your bathroom can be costly so it’s important to know what you need done before you call. The actual mounting and plumbing requirements for a bidet seat are relatively simple and any capable handyman or plumber will be able to finish in 30 minutes to an hour. This means that users who already have an electrical outlet nearby can expect to be charged:
Plumber (on average) - $45 show up fee + $90 for 1 hour = $135
Handyman (on average) - $50/hr with a 2 hour minimum = $100
To save money, call around and ask about the minimum number of hours required and if they charge by the hour or half hour. If other jobs are needed around the house, get a quote for all of the work combined to save on labor. Alternatively, ask that one handy neighbor down the street if he / she will work for a batch of freshly baked cookies.
Electrical Outlet
Electronic bidet toilet seats need to be plugged into an electrical outlet to operate (click here to read more about the electrical requirements). If no outlet is nearby, one can either use an extension cord, or have a new outlet installed. Unless the homeowner is particularly knowledgeable about household electrical systems, installing a new outlet is NOT a DIY project. It is strongly recommended to hire a professionally licensed electrician to do the job.
The average cost of having a new GFCI outlet installed under normal conditions is about $100. Tile walls, lack of existing / up-to-code wiring, or the need for a new circuit are some potential factors that could increase the cost. Depending on the severity of these factors, the cost of installing a new GFCI outlet next to the toilet could reach several hundred dollars.
Conclusion
Cost of installing a bidet toilet seat:
Best case scenario (DIY with an existing electrical outlet): $0 - $15
Average professional installation: $100-$200
Worst case scenario (electrical outlet issues): $300+
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