Back when only basin-type bidets were on the market, bathrooms would need to have enough space to accommodate a separate fixture.  With the advancement of modern technology, bidets can now be installed in most residential toilets.

Back when only basin-type bidets were on the market, bathrooms would need to have enough space to accommodate a separate fixture. With the advancement of modern technology, bidets can now be installed in most residential toilets.

Finding the Right Toilet for Your Bathroom

While most modern bidet seats fit residential toilets, some may fit better than others.

Toilets come in two basic forms: the standard two-piece with separate tank and bowl, or the more modern one-piece sculpted unit.

If you have a two-piece toilet, bidet seats are almost guaranteed to fit. Because two-piece toilets usually have an ample amount of space, installation will be easy and there should not be any problems.

If you have a one-piece toilet, your selection may be a bit more limited. If the surface of the bowl remains relatively flat and meets the toilet tank at close to a 90 degree angle, a bidet seat should fit.

However, some one-piece toilets have a slope where the tank meets the bowl. Because of this “French curve,” larger, bulkier, bidets would not work. The Kohler Rialto is a great example of a toilet with extreme “French curves.” Therefore, you would have to find a bidet that is slim in design or one that is made specifically for these types of toilets. The INAX Luscence is a great example of a bidet seat made for these type of toilets.

Measurements

The next step is to determine whether your toilet bowl shape is round or elongated. To do this, grab a measuring tape, put your existing toilet seat and lid down, and find the bolt holes (where the seat attaches to the toilet bowl).

Line A: Bidet seats need a minimum of 1.5 inches of clearance from the center of the toilet seat bolt holes to the front of the toilet tank.

Line B: The distance between the centers of the bolt holes should be between 5 – 7.5 inches.

Line C: For the elongated size, the bowls have a measurement greater than 18 inches from the center of the bolt holes to the front of the bowl. Round bowls have a shorter measurement, usually between 16 – 17.5 inches.

Mounting the Bidet Seat

First and foremost, shut off toilet’s water supply using the external shut-off valve located on the wall behind the left side of the toilet.

Find the two bolt holes and remove the existing toilet seat and lid.

Next, place the mounting bracket onto the bowl and position it over the two mounting holes.

After attaching the mounting bracket to the bowl with the included bolts, slide the bidet seat into the mounting bracket until it locks on.

Connecting the Water Supply
Next, disconnect the supply hose currently connected to your toilet tank from the shutoff valve.

Most bidet seats are supplied with one of two different types of t-valves:

(1) A 7/8 inch t-valve which connects directly to the bottom of the toilet tank or
(2) A ½ inch t-valve which connects directly onto the shut-off valve (a 3/8 inch adapter is also provided if your connection is not ½ inch.)

After installing the t-valve, connect the hoses back to the bidet. Plumber’s tape should be used on the threads to prevent leaks.

After hooking everything up, turn the shut-off valve back on slowly and check for leaks.

Water Filters

Inline water filters, although optional, can help prolong the life of the bidet. Sediment filters help with preventing sand or any other small particles in the water from reaching the bidet. Ion filters add ion particles to the water stream to help discourage bacteria growth. Iodine filters lightly treat the water stream with iodine to improve sterilization.

The filters are “inline water filters that can be easily screwed on to either the t-valve or the bidet seat itself. Filters have a lifespan of 4-6 months. They must be removed or replaced after 6 months.

A filter can be installed in-between the t-valve and the bidet hose.

Connecting to the Electrical Outlet

Next, connect the bidet’s electrical cord to your nearest outlet. Electronic bidet seats need a GFCI outlet near the toilet. The bidet’s electrical cord is usually 4 ft. but you may also use an extension cord if the outlet is further away.

Electric Requirements:
• GFCI Outlet
• 110/120 Volts for the US & 220/240V for most of Europe, Asia, and Australia
• 15 Amps

The whole installation process should take around 30-45 minutes and usually does not require a plumber.

Now sit back, relax, and enjoy!

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