San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
BEAT THE TP BLUES
Bidet toilet or attachment is hygienic, eco-friendly alternative to consider
Here’s a bottom-line bathroom truism: A visit to the lavatory throne isn’t always a royal experience. And before long, you need to make another run to the store for toilet paper, which never seems to be in ample supply these days.
For these and other reasons, many homeowners are turning to an increasingly popular alternative — a bidet toilet or bidet seat attachment that uses jets of clean water instead of TP to tidy up your rearmost affairs. Experts agree that the bidet approach is more hygienic, efficient, comfortable, inexpensive and eco-friendly.
“A bidet is not only a good substitute for the ongoing toilet paper shortage, but it’s also a very functional personal hygiene device with multiple benefits,” said Elizabeth Kennedy, a home health physical therapist and certified aging in place specialist at agefearlessacademy.com. “Once people try a bidet, their bathroom habits are usually transformed permanently.”
Per a Business Insider report, the average person uses 27 rolls of toilet tissue a year, equating to 384 trees over their lifetime. Switching to a bidet can reduce your dependence on TP (although a little may still be needed for drying, if your bidet toilet or device does not include a built-in dryer).
“Estimates are that you’ll use up to 75 percent less toilet paper with a bidet, which is great for your wallet but also the environment,” said Lisa M. Cini, founder of Columbus, Ohio-based Mosaic Design Studio.
Other plusses are plentiful: Using a bidet can improve skin care and avoid irritation, produce a cleaner and fresher result, and increase toileting comfort and confidence. Additionally, bidets help to reduce toilet clogs and plumbing issues because less toilet paper will be flushed.
“Many people suffering from certain
health conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease or hemorrhoids, report relief after using a bidet. And women in both latestage pregnancy and postpartum with limited mobility find that using a bidet with a remote reduces stress and strain,” said Christine Tingen, showroom manager for Ferguson Bath Kitchen & Lighting Gallery in Newport News, Virginia.
A bidet is also ideal for people with age or mobility limitations as well as homeowners seeking to age in place with universal design elements incorporated in their bathroom.
“The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the home for slips, trips, and falls. Many homeowners integrate bidet functionality to increase independence and hygiene by removing the struggle associated with cleaning private parts,” Tingen added.
Entry-level bidet attachments that connect to your existing toilet and water line start around $40.
Higher-end attachment models that typically start around $300 may include upgrades like a warming toilet seat, self-cleaning mode, deodorizer, and remote control that can adjust the water jet pressure, temperature, and directionality.
A standalone bidet toilet — intended to replace your existing toilet — may boast several other snazzy features, such as a dryer, self-closing lid, nightlight, handsfree or voice technology controls, surround sound speakers, ambient mood lighting, and foot warmer (expect to pay over $1,000 for a standalone unit, on average, installation included, according to Homeadvisor).
Bidet toilet attachments are relatively simple to install for a handy do-it-yourselfer.
“The most common models attach to your water supply hose and valve and then plug into a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlet,” explained Cini.
“But if you want a standalone bidet toilet, it’s best to enlist a plumber or general contractor for the job.”
John Dima, a master plumber in Markham, Ontario, Canada, said installing a bidet toilet requires abiding by your local plumbing and electrical codes.
“Improper installation can cause a lot of problems down the road, including water damage to your floors and walls,” Dima cautioned. “Proper toilet seating and sealing and electrical safety are also important, which a professional can ensure.”
As with any new device, expect a brief learning curve after installing a bidet.
“Don’t be surprised if your kids, relatives, and guests flock to your bathroom to try it,” Cini said. “I’ve used a bidet since my trip to Japan in 2007 — where bidets have been in use for many years — and I quickly learned after installing one in my home that it’s a popular and worthwhile investment.”