In the event that you run out of toilet paper and the only alternative you have is a few ragged napkins stacked together that you are aware have the potential to impede the flow of water, you can consider purchasing a bidet as the solution to all of your problems. However, the majority of restrooms are not big enough to fit both a regular toilet and a full-sized bidet at the same time. Additionally, the installation of full-size bidets typically requires the services of a plumber, which adds a significant amount of cost to the project.

Even though having a bidet in your home could make it easier to maintain a clean environment, these common misconceptions prevent many people from installing one. Alternatives like bidet toilet seats and other bidet attachments have gained popularity as a means of bridging the gap between the demand for a bidet and the unwillingness to purchase one due to the high cost of installation and the limited space available in the bathroom.

Because these devices are installed directly to the toilet and connect to the toilet supply line through a T-valve, there is no need for additional space in the bathroom as a result of their installation. In addition, if the necessary connections are already in place, a fundamental do-it-yourself installation of a bidet toilet seat may be carried out by nearly anyone. This means that you might not need to employ a knowledgeable plumber to carry out the operation.

This article will teach you how to install a bidet toilet seat so that when you exit the bathroom, you can have the feeling that you have been thoroughly cleaned.

A word of caution: if removing the previous toilet seat is problematic or if the alterations to the plumbing or outlet are possible, this project might easily become more involved (and is not beginner-friendly). Before you begin, check that the necessary connections are there and that the bidet toilet seat of your choice can be installed on your toilet while also fitting into the space you have available.

Take out the Existing Toilet Seat

In order to successfully replace the existing toilet seat with the new one, the old toilet seat will first need to be removed. Examine the bolts and nuts that are securing the rusty toilet seat to the bowl of the toilet. Certain toilet seat fasteners can be unscrewed manually; however, in the event that the nuts become jammed, you may want the assistance of a lubricant such as WD40.

Many of the bolts used for the toilet seat have a slotted top that provides a spot for a screwdriver to be held in order to stop the bolts from simply rotating in place. A complete set of channel locks is another useful tool for keeping the nuts in place.

After you have loosened the bolts that are holding the toilet seat to the toilet, you should be able to remove the toilet seat from the toilet completely. Invest some time in cleaning the toilet, giving special attention to the areas that surround the bolt holes. This will ensure that the new bidet toilet seat can be mounted on a surface that is spotless and free of debris, lubrication, and any other obstacles.

Before you get rid of your current toilet seat and purchase a new bidet toilet seat, it is a good idea to read the instructions provided by the manufacturer first. Some bidet toilet seats are compatible with standard toilet seats.

Cut Off the Toilet’s Water Supply

After removing the old toilet seat and throwing it away, you must then turn off the water supply that is connected to the toilet. Behind the toilet is the typical location for an isolation valve in most homes.

If you are confused as to whether or not you are looking at the appropriate valve, just follow the supply hose that runs from the bottom of the toilet tank to the water supply pipe that is located in the wall. These two components of the water line that is being brought in are connected to the valve that is responsible for turning off the water supply.

Make sure the isolation valve is turned off before you attempt to turn off the water supply to the toilet. After that, flush the toilet to remove any water that may still be present in the tank. After each flush, the water tank of the toilet should be checked to ensure that it is either filling with water or remaining empty.

If water continues to enter the toilet even after the valve has been turned off, the problem is most likely a faulty valve. If this is the case, you will need to turn off the main water supply valve for the house and flush the toilet one more time to get rid of any water that may be remaining in the tank.

Put the T-Valve in Place on the Supply Line

Because there is most likely still some water in the container that the waste water is stored in, you should position a bucket beneath the toilet at the point where the water supply hose is connected and lay a towel on the ground nearby. To install the bidet toilet seat, you must first remove the supply hose from the toilet and then place a T-valve in the space on the toilet that was occupied by the supply line. After that, you may proceed with the installation of the bidet toilet seat.

A T-Valve: What Is It?

A T-valve is a plumbing component that is shaped like a T and is used to divide the incoming water supply into two separate streams. This allows water to be sent to both the bidet toilet seat and the toilet tank. This product typically comes with a bidet toilet seat kit in its packaging. 

After the T-valve has been attached to the toilet, the supply hose of the toilet needs to be linked to it using the T-connector. In order to avoid leaks from occurring after the water supply has been turned back on, the fittings should be tightened and the connections should be checked to ensure they are secure. The T-valve and the bidet toilet seat shouldn’t be linked to one other just yet.

Set up the Toilet Seat Bidet

In order to move further with the process, the bidet toilet seat must first be attached to the toilet. Make sure that your bidet toilet seat is compatible with the toilet before continuing (many bidet toilet seats are not compatible with round-front toilets, for example). This is something you should have verified earlier.

In addition to the necessary bolts, the vast majority of bidet toilet seat kit purchases include a mounting plate that is designed to keep the bidet toilet seat securely attached to the toilet. When you attach the mounting plate to the back of the toilet bowl, you need to pay careful attention to how the bolt holes align with each other. A flat plastic mounting plate ought to be included with your bidet seat purchase.

Insert the provided bolts into the bolt holes on the mounting plate, and then manually tighten the nuts on the bolts. This will ensure that the mounting plate is firmly attached to the toilet bowl. If you believe that the fasteners do not provide sufficient security, you can tighten the connections by using a set of channel locks.

Move the bidet onto the mounting plate and then push it toward the rear of the toilet until you hear a click that indicates it is securely fastened in place. This will complete the installation.

Install the Water Supply to the Bidet Toilet Seat

After you have successfully attached the T-valve to the toilet, you can proceed to connect the water supply hose that comes from the bidet toilet seat to the open end of the T-valve. In addition to this, check to see that the bidet toilet seat has been correctly connected to the opposite end of the water supply line for the bidet.

Perform a second round of quality assurance checks on each connection, and if necessary, utilize your channel locks to further secure it. If you retain the bucket and towel in the same places as before when you turn on the water, you can reduce the likelihood of making a significant mess.

Verify Any Leaks

Try turning off the water at the main shut-off instead of the isolation valve if you are having difficulties turning off the water there. Alternately, you can activate the water by opening the isolation valve that is situated on the water supply line to the toilet. Check each connection for any signs that it might have a leak.

If your bidet has any features that are powered by electricity, such as heated water or a drying mode, you need to ensure that it is connected to a grounded GFCI outlet. If there isn’t an outlet that’s convenient to use in the bathroom, you shouldn’t have to resort to utilizing an extension cord. Selecting a bidet that does not require electricity or working with an experienced electrician to set up a new electrical outlet are both superior choices.

Make Sure the Features are Operating

The final step of the process entails putting the features of the newly installed bidet toilet seat to the test. Bidet toilet seats can range in price anywhere from $170 to over $2,000 for high-end models due to the fact that each individual product will have its own distinctive collection of features.

It is important to keep in mind that the vast majority of bidet toilet seats are only operational when someone sits on them or activates the sensor, which tricks the seat into thinking that it is being used. By utilizing this feature, you may prevent the bidet toilet seat from spraying water accidentally when it is not being used.

FAQ’s About Bidet Seat Installation

Can a bidet be added to an existing toilet?

Despite their higher initial cost, they can yield long-term savings on water, electricity, and toilet paper. Bidet toilet seats offer a cost-effective upgrading solution as they are more affordable than whole bidet toilets and can be easily installed on your current toilet.

How much does it cost to install a bidet?

A regular stand-alone bidet typically costs $500 to $1,500, with an additional cost of roughly $220 for installation and plumbing components, according to HomeAdvisor. A separate plumbing line from the toilet is also required for a standalone bidet. The cost of adding these lines can be fairly high.

Is it necessary to hire a plumber or an electrician to install a bidet?

When it comes to electric bidet toilet seats, your bathroom should already have an outlet near the toilet. If it doesn’t, or if the outlet isn’t a ground fault interrupter (GFI), you’ll need to call an electrician.

Is special plumbing required for a bidet toilet?

In the United States, bidets are becoming more popular as wash basins for cleansing your body after using the toilet. A freestanding bidet requires specialized plumbing connections in your home, but hand-held bidet sprayers and bidet toilet seats are simple to install and take up very little space in your bathroom.

Conclusion

Don’t dismiss it until you’ve given it a shot! Electronic bidet seats, such as the popular WASHLET series invented by TOTO engineers, may seem unfamiliar to you. Nonetheless, they increase hygiene, and many users enjoy the experience. TOTO is not the only company that manufactures electric bidet seats. Brondell is one of our favorite brands, but ProStock is the best bang for your dollars.