How Does a Bidet Work?

How Exactly Does a Bidet Work?

There’s been plenty of curiosity around the bidet – a longtime fixture in bathrooms across Europe and Asia, but one that’s only now starting to grow in popularity here in the United States.

Whether consumers are looking for a solution that leaves them feeling cleaner or they want to cut down on their use of toilet paper, the bidet is an excellent option – and one that’s more affordable than ever.

What Is a Bidet and How Does It Work?

A bidet is a fixture that cleans the inner buttocks, anus, and female genitalia after you go to the bathroom by spraying a controlled stream of water from a nozzle that’s activated by turning a knob or pressing a button.

Modern bidets may include high-tech features, like heated seats and massaging water streams, for an even cleaner and more luxurious experience.

Bidets started as standalone washers in 17th-century France. They were typically found in the bedroom before plumbing advancements moved them to the bathroom, next to a toilet. As toilets and plumbing improved, the bidet made its way to the toilet for an all-in-one solution.

Today, there’s a wide range of bidet options at all price points spread out across three types: bidet toilets, bidet toilet seats, and bidet attachments. We’ve addressed each one below.

If you’re interested in buying a bidet but aren’t sure where to start, check out our buyer’s guide.

How Does a Bidet Toilet Work?

A bidet toilet is an all-in-one solution that combines the cleaning luxuries of a bidet with a new, modern electric toilet.

Basic mechanics: At the touch of a button, it activates a water-spraying posterior- or feminine-washing nozzle. After the wash, which lasts for about 20 seconds, it automatically rinses off the nozzle and retreats into the unit.

Features: Bidet toilets like the Prodigy Smart Toilet tend to be packed with high-tech features, which also means they’re more expensive. Some of those features include …

  • Warm-air dryer for after your wash
  • Touchless flush
  • Motion-detecting lid that opens and closes automatically
  • Heated seat

These features do require an electrical hookup.

How Does a Bidet Toilet Seat Work?

A bidet toilet seat replaces the seat of your existing toilet with one that includes a range of backside-cleaning technology.

Basic mechanics: The most basic bidet toilet seats don’t require electricity. Instead, the bidet is powered by water pressure from the bathroom’s water supply. It activates when a knob is turned, releasing the water into the bidet. As the water travels through the system, a nozzle protrudes from the bidet and sprays a controlled water stream on your posterior. Once the water is cut off via the knob, the nozzle recedes back into the bidet, hidden from sight.

Features: More advanced bidet toilet seats include high-tech features found on the more expensive bidet toilets.

The electric-powered BB-1000 Supreme, for example, is a bidet seat activated via a remote that includes controls for water and seat temperature, water pressure, and a dryer. That bidet toilet seat, which requires an electrical hookup, also includes Bio Bidet’s patented Vortex wash, an enema wash that doubles as a natural way to assist with bowel movements.

The more affordable Slim Zero bidet toilet seat doesn’t require an electrical hookup but does feature a battery-powered night-light to illuminate those late-night bathroom visits.

How Does a Bidet Attachment Work?

The bidet attachment is the most affordable and tends to be the perfect option for someone who is curious if a bidet is right for them.

Basic mechanics: A bidet attachment installs between the existing toilet and toilet seat. It’s powered by water pressure and not electricity, making it an easy solution for DIYers to install. Like the water-powered bidet toilet seats, a bidet attachment activates when a knob is turned, releasing the water through the system. A nozzle pops out to spray water on your backside and retreats back in when the knob is turned to the off position. Some bidet attachments like the Duo BB-270 include two knobs – one for a posterior wash and one up front for a feminine wash.

Features: While basic, bidet attachments can come with knobs for water pressure and temperature control. 

Bidet vs. a Normal Toilet

The biggest argument in favor of a bidet comes down to cleanliness: If a bird poops on your shoulder, you’re going to wash it off with water. So, why not do the same after you go No. 2?

Obviously, the biggest difference between a bidet and a normal toilet is a bidet includes a water-spraying nozzle that leaves your derriere sparkling clean.

There are also other benefits of going with a bidet:

  • You’ll save money on toilet paper since a bidet drastically cuts down on the need for it.
  • You’ll have better overall hygiene.
  • Your toilet won’t clog as often because you’re using less toilet paper.

Install a Bidet Today

Convinced? The professionals at Bio Bidet are available to answer your questions and help you find the right bidet for you and your budget. Use the chat feature on our website or send us a message on social media. We’re on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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