Bidet Toilet Seats for Newbies
This article at a glance:
- Canadians are just catching on to the concept of bidets and bidet toilet seats.
- A bidet toilet seat (also known as a shower-toilet or Washlet®) adds bidet functionality to a bathroom without additional floor space requirements.
- Bidet seats improve your bathroom experience and cleanliness using a clever water spray design.
- You can drastically reduce your toilet paper use with a bidet seat.
- Most bidet seats require a nearby electrical outlet, although some are powered by water pressure.
The advance of technology can be seen everywhere, even with toilets.
First came covered sewers, then indoor plumbing and flush toilets. Now, Canadians are just becoming acquainted with a new toilet technology that is commonplace in other parts of the world.
A major advance in toilet technology is the Washlet, introduced by TOTO in 1989 in Japan. Since then, the concept has caught on in Japan and has started to become more popular elsewhere.
Other manufacturers have also caught on to the trend. Companies like American Standard, Bemis, Duravit, Kohler, Moen, and DXV have all contributed their designs to the bidet marketplace.
But how do Canadians feel about bidets? Truth is, the bidet concept has been slow to catch on in North America.
In this article, let's look closer at the bidet seat from the point of view of your average Canadian who is less than familiar with bidets.
Why Would I Want One?
Cleaning with water during your bathroom routine might take some getting used to, but once you do, most folks prefer bidet washing.
Not to mention that if you have a family member who has some dexterity challenges that make personal hygiene difficult, bidet washing can make a huge difference in feeling clean. Problem is, most North American bathrooms don't usually include a bidet as part of the plan. There generally isn't extra floor space for a floor-standing fixture that needs space all around it.
A freestanding bidet, like this American Standard Cadet bidet, can occupy a large amount of space in a bathroom
The answer is the bidet toilet seat, which provides bidet functionality without taking up floorspace as a separate fixture.
A bidet seat, like this TOTO Washlet C5, added to an existing toilet takes up minimal space
A bidet toilet seat is a high-tech toilet seat that not only offers bidet toilet washing, but also many other features. Its key feature is a retractable spritzing wand that automatically emerges from a hidden compartment with the touch of a button.
If you haven't encountered a spritzing wand before and the idea makes you a bit squeamish, there are a few things to know that will remove any reluctance you may have.
- Heated water. No one likes those "Oh my God, that's cold!" moments. Many bidet toilet seats offer heated water that can be adjusted for temperature, eliminating those reactions. Some bidet toilet seats offer on-demand heating, while others use a small water tank water heater that keeps the water warm and ready for use.
- Adjustable pressure and pattern of water spray. After all, no two bodies are alike. You can tailor the cleansing preferences to your liking. Front spray, back spray, wide spray, pulsing and oscillating sprays are all on the menu. You can also control water pressure with a range of personalized settings.
- Air-rich water droplets. Aerated water produces a more comfortable washing sensation with less water consumption.
With a bidet toilet seat, all these functions are controllable using a set of buttons mounted either on a panel that's attached to the bidet seat itself, or a wireless remote control that can be mounted on a nearby wall or held in the hand.
The controls on a TOTO Washlet A2 bidet seat
Goodbye to Toilet Paper?
Although the washing feature of the bidet toilet seat performs exceptionally well, it's important to note that you may still need a small amount of toilet paper.
Water alone may not be sufficient to complete the job. This is particularly relevant when considering individuals lacking the dexterity required for self-cleaning.
However, you'll need much less toilet paper. If a roll used to last you two days, with a bidet seat, it might last you two weeks or so. Toilet paper, known for its costliness and environmental impact, can be easily reduced, helping reduce toilet paper expenses and providing an eco-friendly alternative.
Bonus Creature Comforts
Besides offering the bidet water washing function, many bidet seats provide creature comforts that go far beyond a regular toilet:
- Post-washing warm air dryers to finish the job.
- Heated seats are a welcome addition on those chilly mornings.
- Nightlights to guide your way in the dark.
- Self-cleaning mechanism to reduce maintenance and make all-round hygiene easier.
- Automatic motion sensors and buttons to raise and lower the lid.
- Automatic pre-misting of the bowl to reduce bowl cleaning requirements.
- Deodorizer spritzers and even on-demand music to mask any unpleasantness.
- Programmable personal preferences. Once you find what works for you, it is a simple push of a button to get to your programmed preferences. Different users, different programs.
Can I Install a Bidet Seat on My Toilet?
Installing a bidet seat on an existing toilet is a relatively straightforward process. The bidet seat is typically attached to the toilet bowl using a supplied mounting bracket and is secured with bolts. You'll need a wrench and a couple of screwdrivers, that's all.
Whether you have a round-front, elongated, or compact-sized toilet, chances are high that a bidet seat model will fit your existing toilet.
For example, TOTO offers a variety of bidet seat models with different shapes and sizes to accommodate diverse toilet designs, ensuring a seamless fit and functionality.
If you are choosing a toilet for a new installation and are planning for a bidet seat addition, try to pair a bidet seat and a toilet from the same manufacturer.
Powering Up a Bidet Seat
Many bidet seats require a nearby power outlet. Although a dedicated outlet for a bidet is a rare commodity in most North American bathrooms, the extra steps to install one is well worth the effort. Without electrical power, you can't have the warming goodness that a bidet seat can provide.
Since the electrical cords on bidet seats are four feet long, new outlets should be installed on the wall behind the toilet. To plan ahead and keep things tidy, consider that bidet seats made by TOTO, Moen and American Standard generally have cords that extend from the left side.
The bidet seat's outlet circuit can be shared with other bathroom appliances, provided that there are no major appliances drawing power simultaneously with the bidet seat. Typically, the bidet seat remains inactive most of the day, with minimal power usage.
A consideration for Canadians is that the Canadian electrical code requires a GFCI circuit to power bathroom fixtures like the bidet seat.
The TOTO Washlet electrical cord plugs in on the left-hand side
Which Bidet Seat is For Me?
Most high-tech seats with important features such as a retractable wand and a drier cost between $500 and $1,800. Bidet seats that are non-electric can cost as little as $127.
Here are a few bidet seat models to consider that span these price ranges.
TOTO Washlet A2
The Washlet A2 is the least expensive of the Washlet line, but it still has all the core features that make a Washlet great - all the spray features, heated seat and a convenient side panel with illuminated buttons. A TOTO Washlet requires an electrical connection.
American Standard Aquawash™ 1.0 Manual SpaLet™
American Standard makes a range of bidet seats, from fully electronic models to the manual Aquawash 1.0 model that operates by water pressure only - no electrical outlet needed. Despite being a relatively inexpensive bidet seat, it features independent self-cleaning dual nozzles and a slow-close seat and lid.
Kohler Puretide™ Manual
Another option for those who don't have an electrical outlet near their toilet is the Kohler Puretide Manual. This Kohler bidet seat is a water-pressure powered bidet seat that has adjustable spray positions.
Duravit SensoWash™ Starck C
At the other end of the price scale is the Duravit SensoWash Starck C, designed by Phillippe Starck, the notable industrial designer and architect. The SensoWash bidet seat is designed to be paired with a Duravit Starck 3 Wall Mount toilet bowl that reinforces its minimalist, sleek design. It's a bidet seat that's loaded with top-end features, such as a programmable remote control interface and power-actuated lid.
TOTO Washlet S7A
Like the Duravit SensoWash, the TOTO Washlet S7A is a premium model, with all the features of the TOTO Washlet A2, plus an on-demand water heater, air purification system, multi-function remote control, and an auto open/close lid. The S7A also has a different look - a lower profile for a more contemporary, streamlined presentation that gives the impression of an integrated system, much like TOTO's higher-end toilet and Washlet combinations.
Key Takeaways
Many people say that once they try a bidet seat, they'd never go back to using toilet paper alone. With modern amenities such as adjustable water temperature, pressure, and spray patterns, along with warm air dryers and heated seats, once you experience it, going back to a conventional toilet might seem like going back to the Dark Ages of toilets.
To truly appreciate its value, consider trying it out firsthand. For example, TOTO offers a list of locations, including hotels and restaurants in Western Canada, equipped with Washlet bidet seats, allowing you to plan a special visit and experience its functionality in person.
Explore our selection of bathroom accessories and discover the perfect pieces that will help you bring your small space dreams to life. Or book your free consultation today, and let us know how we can help. Our team is here to guide you in selecting the right solutions that cater to your space and vision.
