How to Install a Bidet

Installing a bidet toilet seat or bidet sprayer is one of the easiest ways to add the cleaning function of a bidet to a bathroom of limited size or a home with a limited budget for plumbing renovations.

• Determine whether you prefer a bidet seat or sprayer and choose one that suits your bathroom and fits your toilet bowl.
• Before bidet installation, use the shut-off valve to turn off the water to the toilet.
• Flush the toilet until the tank is empty.

Tip: Installing a bidet product involves detaching the water supply hose, so have a towel or small bucket ready to catch any water remaining in the tank or hose.

A bidet seat contains the equipment built in and will replace your current toilet seat. The following steps show you how to install a bidet toilet seat:

• Using a wrench if needed, remove the existing seat from your toilet. Recycle the old seat and any parts if this is an option in your area. Clean the rim with a bristled scrubbing brush and toilet bowl cleaner.
• Attach the bidet seat mounting plate (also called the catch plate) by aligning it over the bolt holes and attaching the brackets. Insert and tighten the mounting bolts.
• Slide the bidet seat onto the mounting plate, adjusting the placement as needed. The seat should have a release button you can press to remove it from the mounting plate.

• Detach the toilet’s flexible water supply hose from the base of the toilet tank.
• Attach the bidet T-valve to the base of the tank.
• Attach the water supply hose to the lower connection of the T-valve.
• Attach one end of the bidet’s supply hose to the upper connection of the T-valve.
• Attach the free end of the bidet hose to the bidet seat. Make sure all connections are secure.
• Use the shutoff valve to turn on the water. Check for leaks and test the bidet.

Tip: Some bidets seats have fittings for separate cold and hot water lines if you’d like the option of warm water.

There are two options for having warm water with your new bidet seat.

The first is to use a “T” or “Y” valve to bring hot water from the sink’s supply line. This works for non-electric models.

If an electric model with features like instant warm water and a night light is preferred, an electric outlet needs to be close to the toilet.

All electrical outlets in wet locations like bathrooms must be protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). If your home was constructed or remodeled after 1975, the electrical circuit coming into it should be GFCI protected but will need to be verified. Look for an outlet with buttons marked "test" and "reset." There should also be a label that says "GFCI Protected."

While adding an outlet can be a DIY project, if you are unsure about connecting it properly it is a job for a professional electrician.

If you are confident that you can complete this, either replace the breaker to the bathroom with a GFCI breaker or be sure to connect the new outlet to the “load” side of the existing GFCI outlet. If you connect to the “line” side, the new outlet will not be protected.

The electrical code states that GFCI outlets are to be located in easy-to-reach areas and that they can’t be blocked by furniture or fixtures. Take this into account when determining the location of your new outlet. Place it near the toilet but not behind it. Check your local electrical code for other specific requirements.

A hand-held bidet sprayer provides a supplement to your toilet and can be attached to the tank itself or on a nearby wall. Many of the steps showing you how to install a bidet sprayer are similar to installing a bidet seat.

• Before installation, determine which side of the toilet is most convenient for the sprayer.
• Detach the toilet’s flexible water supply hose from the base of the toilet tank.
• Attach the bidet T-valve to the base of the tank.
• Attach the water supply hose to the lower connection of the T-valve.
• Attach one end of the sprayer hose to the upper connection of the T-valve.
• Screw the sprayer head and any necessary extensions to the free end of the sprayer hose.
• Place the holster clip on the edge of the tank or screw the holster mount onto the wall.
• Turn on the water and test the bidet sprayer.

Tip: Hand-held sprayers usually have separate switches for turning on the water and activating the sprayer. Make sure both are in the “Off” position when first activating the unit to avoid uncontrolled bidet spray.

Freestanding bidets are about the size of a toilet and may not fit as additions to bathrooms or water closets if space is limited. Do not plan to add one unless your bathroom already has a bidet trap and other appropriate plumbing. If you want to add a standard bidet as part of a renovation, professional installation is highly recommended.

If your bathroom is equipped with correct plumbing, installing a bidet is comparable to replacing a toilet.

• Begin assembling the bidet by attaching the drain fittings and the faucet. Follow all instructions in the owner's manual.
• Align the bidet over the drain and water supply lines. Use a pencil or tape to trace the shape of the bidet and mark the placement of the hold-down bolts.
• Drill pilot holes for the hold-down bolts with a power drill.
• Reposition the bidet and attach the bolts. Place caps over the heads of the bolts.
• Place caps over the heads of the bolts.
• Use a measuring level to confirm that the bidet is not at an angle.
• Apply silicone sealant around the base of the bidet, as you would do when installing a toilet.
• Connect the water supply, shut-off valve and drain.
• Open the valve to turn on the water and test the bidet for proper function and leaks.