Bidet Buying Guide: Types & Plumbing Explained

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Incorporating a bidet into a modern bathroom can improve personal hygiene while helping to reduce daily toilet paper use. There are several distinct styles available to suit different bathroom layouts and plumbing capabilities.

History of the Bidet

The bidet originated in 17th-century France as a fixture designed for personal washing. Over time, it became a common feature in many European bathrooms. During the mid-20th century, some English-speaking countries developed misconceptions about its purpose, but the bidet's primary function has always been personal hygiene. In the late 20th century, Japan transformed the concept by developing electronic bidet technology, integrating warm-water washing and comfort features directly into the toilet seat.

The Toilet Paper Problem

The production and transportation of toilet paper requires significant natural resources, including water, energy, and raw materials. Many homeowners choose bidets as a way to reduce their overall toilet paper consumption and lower the environmental impact associated with disposable paper products. Replacing dry paper with a targeted water wash offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach. Many users find that a targeted water wash provides a more thorough and comfortable cleaning experience than dry toilet paper alone.

Main Bidet Types

  • Floor Standing Bidets: These solid ceramic units are bolted directly to the bathroom floor. They are cast as a single, continuous piece of sanitaryware and do not feature pedestals.
  • Back-to-Wall Bidets: Designed to sit completely flush against a tiled or panelled wall, this style maximises floor space. The pipework is typically concealed within the wall cavity or adjacent furniture unit.
  • Wall Hung Bidets: Supported by a steel frame mounted within the wall, the ceramic pan hovers above the floor. This creates an illusion of space and allows the floor surface to be cleaned easily.

Electronic Bidet Seats

These smart attachments are fitted onto a standard toilet pan in place of a regular seat. Integrated nozzles provide a warm water wash, often accompanied by heated seats and air-drying functions.

Plumbing and Electrical Requirements

Technical specifications vary depending on whether a traditional or electronic model is selected. Traditional ceramic bidets require both hot and cold water feeds to supply a standard mixer tap. Most electronic smart seats only require a cold water feed, as the internal heating system warms the water before use. An appropriate mains electrical connection is also required to power an electronic bidet.

Bidet Taps and Wastes

Brassware for a ceramic bidet differs slightly from a standard basin tap. Bidet taps feature adjustable directional nozzles, allowing the water flow angle to be altered for optimal use. A slotted waste is required if the ceramic pan features a built-in overflow hole, whereas an unslotted waste is necessary for designs without an overflow.

Ready to upgrade? 

Reduce your household's toilet paper footprint and improve your daily routine. Explore our extensive range of bidets to find the ideal solution for your bathroom layout.

Ant Langston | Author Image

Ant Langston

Digital Marketing Manager | Pioneer Bathrooms

Ant is a digital marketing and SEO expert with over a decade of experience in the bathroom industry. Ant has written on wide-ranging topics within the heating and plumbing sectors with hundreds of published articles for leading online retailers.

Read more articles by Ant Langston

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