All Your Bidet FAQs, Answered

You have questions, and we have answers. These FAQs address a whole host of bidet questions we hear all the time from prospective and current bidet owners.

Below, you’ll find answers to your Bio Bidet-specific queries as well as general bidet questions about how to choose, install, and use a bidet. And we’ll demystify many of the features that make modern bidet attachments and seats so great.

We want to ensure that you have all the information you need to use a bidet safely and comfortably. If you have more specific questions about compatibility, features, or installation, please get in touch with us!

Universal Bidet Questions

How do you pronounce bidet?

It’s easy to talk about bidets when you know how to pronounce “bidet” confidently. The word is rooted in French and is pronounced “buh-day,” or {bəˈdeɪ} in US English phonetic spelling.

What countries use bidets?

Bidets are used in many countries worldwide, with notable high adoption in Japan, Southeast Asia, Western Europe, South America, and other regions. The bidet has a long and fascinating history dating back to the 17th century!

Where can I buy a bidet?

You found the right place! In addition to selling bidet toilet seats, bidet attachments, and bidet toilets online, Bio Bidet by Bemis also offers products at Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Costco, and other major retailers. For more information on where to buy a bidet in person, check your favorite hardware or home improvement retailer.

Bidet Installation Questions

Do you need a plumber to install a bidet?

No. All Bio Bidet products are designed for DIY (Do-It-Yourself) installation!

Need assistance? We’ll walk you through your installation over the phone. Call us at (847) 458-2334 for help. P.S. We consider the SlimEdge to be one of the easiest-to-install bidets, but they are all simple DIY jobs!

For step-by-step installation instructions, check out our comprehensive resource hub!

How do I know if my toilet bowl is round or elongated

Older toilet bowls are round. The inside of a round toilet bowl is usually about 11 inches in diameter, measuring from side to side.
Most modern toilets have an elongated bowl that’s about two inches longer than it is wide. It's a noticeable difference.

If you want to be completely sure, measure from the two mounting bolts at the seat hinge to the very front of the toilet bowl. That measurement will be about 16 1/2 inches for a round bowl and 18 1/2 inches for an elongated bowl.

Check out our compatibility guide for more details, or dive into the dimensions in this handy guide.

Does a bidet need electricity?

Some bidet toilet seats require electricity to operate, while basic models don't. We offer a full line of products from basic bidet attachments to highly advanced electric bidet toilet seats. All our bidet toilet seats are compatible with any standard 120-volt GFCI outlet.

Does a bidet need a dedicated circuit?

We do recommend it, though it isn’t required. You just want to make sure that the load on the existing circuit will support the bidet; otherwise, you may experience flickering lights or trip the breaker. We advise against installing a bidet on the same circuit as a high-power-draw appliance, like a washing machine.

How long is the power cord on an electric bidet seat?

Based on the electrical requirements set by UL (a nationally recognized product safety testing company), the power cord for all advanced bidet toilet seats is four feet long. The power cord extends from the center or right side of the seat if you are facing the toilet.

How much electricity does a bidet seat use?

The average annual consumption will be about 211.70 kWh. That amount of power adds up to roughly $16.94 per year on average, though your cost might vary depending on the electricity prices in your area.

Will my Bio Bidet work with a seat riser?

No, electronic bidets will not function with anything on top of the seat other than a person. Due to the digital safety sensor, direct contact between the seat and the user is required. Also, with three to four inches added to the bidet, the user will not be able to achieve the maximum performance of the water stream.

If you need a higher toilet, we suggest a comfort-height toilet or a device that raises the toilet from the base instead of adding anything to the top. Raising the toilet from the base will not affect the bidet’s functionality in any way. For more bathroom safety solutions, check out the Assurance® line from Bemis.

Using a Bidet

Do bidets really clean you?

Yes! When used correctly, bidets do a better job of cleaning you than toilet paper.

Our engineers have been perfecting Bio Bidet products for more than ten years, conducting extensive research on what it takes to achieve a refreshing clean. If you have any doubts, try pressing the cleanse button again or checking with toilet paper.

Here’s our comprehensive guide to using a bidet confidently.

How do I know how long to use a bidet?

It will vary depending on personal preference, but the average person will need to use a bidet for about 15 to 25 seconds for a thorough clean.

Do I need to use soap when I use a bidet?

No, Bio Bidets have superior water pressure, which is highly efficient at cleaning thoroughly and fast. You don’t need to use soap, and you don’t need to touch your rear at all unless you want to wipe or pat dry. (A bidet with an air-dryer feature can mitigate the need for toilet paper.)

Can I flush the toilet “normally” with a bidet installed?

Yes, although the water supply line for the Bio Bidet and the toilet tank is the same, there is plenty of water for both. You can use the Bio Bidet and flush the toilet at the same time, or consecutively, without any problem whatsoever.

Note that the water for your bidet spray does not come from the toilet tank; it is diverted at the T-valve, well before it reaches the toilet tank.

What should I do if I leave home for more than a few days?

If you own one of our bidet toilet seat models and won’t be using it for a few days, we recommend draining the water. If you have a water tank-type model, shut off the water supply line, and then unplug the power cord.

If you own non-electric models, turn off the water supply at the shut-off valve.

Does a bidet hurt?

No, a bidet should never hurt. Only with serious inflammation or irritation should the water pressure feel a little too intense. In that case, the pressure is easily adjustable from the remote or integrated dial. Many models have a "soft" cleanse button.

Is there a weight limit for using your bidets?

Yes, bidet seats can hold up to 400 pounds while sittable lids can support up to 200 pounds. Our bidets are stress-tested during production to ensure they can handle the weight of most average users. Bidet attachments can hold the same amount as the seat installed over them.

Can it cure hemorrhoids or constipation?

No. However, a bidet may ease hemorrhoid pain and improve bowel movements if used properly. Using water instead of toilet paper can also reduce irritation caused by wiping.

Does a bidet help with a UTI?

Yes, regularly using a bidet’s front wash setting can help prevent urinary tract infections by flushing out bacteria that would normally remain after using the restroom. If you already have a UTI, it may help soothe some of the irritation.

How do I clean a Bio Bidet?

A bidet seat is easier to clean than a regular toilet seat because a Bio Bidet is easy to detach. Seats can be removed from the toilet using small, secure latches. Attachments can be removed by removing your toilet seat first, or you can clean without moving them by using a toilet brush or cleaning cloth.

Check out our guide to cleaning your bidet to see just how easy it is!

All About Bidet Features

Does bidet water come from the toilet tank?

No. Bidets rely on fresh water tapped from your home’s water supply.

How warm will a heated seat be?

The seat temperature is adjustable from 86°F to about 104°F. This makes the toilet seat temperature about the same as your body temperature. You'll appreciate a warm BB-2000 seat on those chilly winter nights!

How warm is the warm air dryer?

The air produced by bidets with an Air-Dryer or Air-Dry feature is warmed to between 104°F and 140°F. For reference, this is a much lower temperature than a hairdryer.

Why does a bidet have two nozzles?

Some bidet models have two nozzles to provide a dedicated, targeted wash for both posterior and anterior needs.

The rear-facing nozzle is positioned to clean your bottom after a bowel movement. This nozzle has a stronger spray.
The front-facing nozzle provides a gentle, feminine wash.

What is the Vortex Wash water stream, and how does it benefit me?

The Vortex Wash water stream is a bidet feature that provides an extra-concentrated stream of water. It’s designed to help loosen hardened stool and ease compacted bowel movements.

Troubleshooting

Check out our comprehensive Bidet Troubleshooting page for more information.

Why is my bidet not spraying water?

There are several reasons your bidet may not be spraying.

Low water pressure: Your bidet may be indicating an issue with household water pressure! If water pressure is low throughout the house, you likely need to call a plumber.
Sediment buildup: If you have hard water, your bidet may suffer from sediment buildup. Run the self-cleaning option, or gently clean the nozzle with a damp cloth to clear sediment buildup
Leaking: Check for puddles of water around your toilet that could indicate a leaking hose that needs to be tightened or replaced.
Electrical malfunction: Check that other electricity-based features on the bidet are functional, such as the heated seat. If they don’t work either, your bidet may have an electrical problem.

If none of these resolve the issue or your bidet has an electrical problem, contact us for more information at (847) 458-2334 or support@biobidet.com.

What do I do if my bidet nozzle isn’t extending?

Double-check that everything is plugged in and that you’re not sitting in an odd position on the toilet (which could cause the sensor not to recognize you). Gently clean away any hard water buildup that might interfere with extending or retracting the nozzle.

What do I do if my bidet is leaking from the nozzle or hose?

Check all fastenings to ensure they’re properly tightened and secure. If you notice any damage to the nozzle or hose, you may need to replace it to stop the leak.

How do I change the night light’s light bulb?

The light bulb in our night light should last the life of the bidet, even with constant use, so you shouldn’t need to know how to change the toilet light. If the bulb does burn out early, contact customer service for assistance.

Customer Service

How long does it take to deliver a Bio Bidet?

We process and ship most orders within one business day. Orders should arrive in 2-5 days.

What’s your return policy?

Unused products may be returned for a refund. View our return policy for details.

I see Bio Bidet offers multiple-year warranties. What’s covered under warranty?

The Bio Bidet warranty covers parts, labor, and return shipping. Depending on the product, our customers enjoy a three-year limited warranty or a full warranty.

Learn more about Bio Bidet by Bemis’ industry-leading warranty policy.

Confirm your age

Come back when you're older