Bidets have come quite a long way since they were first introduced in Europe in the 1700’s. The use of a bidet in one’s home is not uncommon for most other countries around the globe.
However, only recently have they become a more common item in homes around the United States. There are many styles and different functions that a bidet can provide.
The question you may be asking yourself is whether or not you need a power outlet for a bidet?
Most bidets now have functions that require that a power outlet be located near the toilet in order for it to operate properly. Modern-day electric bidet toilet seats are customizable to the user. They allow for better hygiene and can aid with some medical conditions that affect the nether regions.
Suppose you are considering the option of installing a luxurious electric bidet toilet seat in your home.
If that is the case, the following guide will review the many options available and explain why a power outlet is necessary to operate it.
Are Power Outlets Needed For A Bidets Custom Functions To Run?
Let us start by discussing whether or not you truly need a power outlet in your bathroom in order to use a bidet. The short answer is no. The actual bidet function can be run off of the water pressure in your home.
That having been said, if you are in the market for a more sophisticated way of washing your private areas, then you will have to have an electrical outlet within four feet of the toilet. This is because the average electric bidet toilet seat has a four-foot-long cord, and it can be located on either side of the seat, depending on the brand and style.
What Is The Proper Power Outlet For An Electric Bidet Toilet Seat?
Electricity and water do not mix, so you must be sure that a licensed electrician properly runs your electric wiring and that you have the necessary outlet to operate the bidet safely.
It is recommended that a 15 amp three-prong GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet is installed within four feet of the toilet. (Link)
The purpose of a GFCI outlet is to immediately shut the power off to the outlet in the instance that there is an imbalance in the electrical current or if water seeped its way into the device that is plugged into the power outlet.
This type of outlet reduces the risk of anyone getting shocked or having a fire start inside of the walls.
Does a bidet require a dedicated circuit?
Below are some more things that are helpful to understand about electricity and why it is necessary to have a outlet for the electric bidet toilet seat:
- An important thing to consider is how old the wiring is in your home. If you have an older home, it may be necessary to add a separate dedicated circuit for the bidet toilet seat.
- In the majority of cases, the electric bidet toilet seat remains on low power. It does not require its own dedicated electrical circuit unless other appliances are also running off the same circuit.
- In the United States, most of the electric bidet toilet seats run off 110 volts of electricity, whereas, in other countries, they require 220 volts to operate.
- Most bidet toilet seats typically use about 600 watts of electricity while sitting idle or when in general use. During a heavy wash cycle, when temperatures are set to max for a few minutes per day, they can peak at 1400 watts of electricity.
Electric Bidet Seats Versus Manual Bidet Seats
Aside from the obvious fact that one version requires an electrical outlet within four feet of the toilet and the other does not, below we will discuss some other good reasons to use an electric bidet commode seat versus a manually operated version.
Electric bidet toilet seats offer many luxurious features that make your visit to the restroom much more pleasurable. They are also designed to be more accessible for those with disabilities or children. Electric bidet toilet seats are customizable and can be used for multiple functions.
What Are The Popular Features Available On Electric Bidet Toilet Seats?
Electric bidet toilet seats can be very simple or as luxurious as your budget will allow. There are many functions and features available for you to choose from today.
Below are common features that are popular for electric bidet toilet seats:
- Adjustable nozzle position for more accurate spray
- Adjustable water pressure
- Adjustable water temperature
- Aerated wash spray
- Anterior and posterior washing options
- Attached side controls
- Child wash settings
- Cloth diaper wash settings
- Deodorizers and built-in carbon filters
- Enema feature
- Ergonomic design
- Feminine wash
- Heated seats with adjustable temperatures
- Hybrid water heating systems
- In-line water filters
- LED night lights
- Nozzle oscillation and pulse spray modes
- Occupied seat safety sensor
- Power saving mode
- Programmable user presets
- Quick-release lid for easy cleaning
- Self-cleaning nozzles
- Slow closing seat and lid
- Space-saving designs
- Stainless steel retractable nozzles
- Warm air dry with adjustable temperatures
- Wireless remote controls with LED lights and touch screens
Top 13 Brands Of Electric Bidet Toilet Seats
Below are 13 of the top-selling brands and styles of electric bidet toilet seats with their different functions and features:
Alpha™ iX Hybrid Bidet Toilet Seat (Affiliate Link)
- Endless warm water supply
- LED night light
- Low profile look
- Remote control
- Stainless steel nozzle
- Costs under $300.00
- Warm air dryer
Alpha GX Wave Bidet Toilet Seat (Affiliate Link)
- Adjustable nozzle position
- Adjustable spray pressure
- Adjustable water temperature
- Attached side control
- Child wash cycle
- Costs under $300
- Front feminine wash
- Heated seat
- Hybrid heating system
- Nozzle oscillation and pulsation modes
- Occupied seat sensor
- Power-saving Eco-Mode
- Sittable lid that holds up to 200 pounds
- Slow close seat and lid
- Stainless steel nozzle
- Warm air drier with adjustable temperature
- White LED night light
Alpha JX Bidet Toilet Seat (Affiliate Link)
- Costs around $500.00
- Easy to use shortcut buttons on remote
- Endless warm water supply
- Fits one-piece toilets
- Great for all ages and disabilities
- Great spray pressure
- LED night light
- Quiet during use
- Sittable lid
- Slim design
Bio Bidet™ A8 Serenity Bidet Toilet Seat (Affiliate Link)
- Adjustable heated seat
- Adjustable spray pressure
- Adjustable warm air dryer with two fan speeds
- Adjustable water temperature
- Anterior and posterior cleansing
- Costs around $600.00
- Dual-sided wireless remote with wall mount
- Eco-mode
- Hybrid water heating system for endless warm water supply
- LED night light
- Nozzle oscillation and pulsation
- Quick-release toilet seat for easy cleaning
- Self-cleaning nozzle with slim nozzle sleeve
- Slow close seat and lid
- Stainless steel nozzle
- Two programmable user-presets
Bio Bidet BB-2000 Bliss Bidet Toilet Seat (Affiliate Link)
- Best spray pressure
- Costs around $500.00
- Deodorizer
- Designed for people up to 400 pounds
- Endless warm water supply
- Enema function
- Heated air dryer
- Stainless steel nozzle
Bio Bidet BB-1000 Supreme Bidet Seat with Remote Control (Affiliate Link)
- Auto smart power-saving mode
- Built-in filter
- Convenient wireless remote control
- Dual-action nozzle
- External water filter included
- Extra protections on electronic parts
- A gentle aerated water system
- Heated seat
- Hydraulic seat and cover
- Massage cleaning
- Patented one-pocket, three-nozzle system
- Powerful deodorizer with carbon filter
- Quality approved by UL, CE, and TUV
- Quick-release lid for easy cleaning
- Safety sensor
- Self-diagnosis
- Warm air dry
- Wide cleaning range
Bio Bidet BB-800 Prestige Bidet Toilet Seat (Affiliate Link)
- Auto smart power-saving mode
- Built-in filter
- Costs about $450.00
- Dual-action nozzle
- External water filter
- Extra protections on electronic parts
- Gentle aerated water stream
- Heated seat
- Hydraulic seat and cover
- Massage cleaning
- Patented one-pocket three-nozzle system
- Quick-release lid for easy cleaning
- Safety sensor
- Self-diagnosis
- Warm air drier
- Wide cleaning
Brondell Swash™ 1400 Bidet Toilet Seat (Affiliate Link)
- Costs around $650.00
- LED nightlight
- Longer reaching nozzles
- Removable deodorizer
- Sittable lid
- Slim design
- Wide spray adjustments
Brondell S1000 Bidet Toilet Seat with Remote Control (Affiliate Link)
- Adjustable water pressure control
- Adjustable water temperature
- Aerated wash spray
- Costs around $600.00
- Dual stainless steel wash nozzles
- Eco-mode
- Elegant space-saving design
- Ergonomically contoured heated seat
- Gentle close lid
- Quick-release lid for easy cleaning
- Sittable lid
- Wide spray feature
- Wireless remote control
Clean Sense™ DIB 1500-R Bidet Toilet Seat with Remote Control (Affiliate Link)
- Adjustable nozzle position
- Bubble wash
- Child settings
- Deodorizer
- A Detachable main body for easy cleaning
- Energy-saving mode
- Massage wash
- Pulse wash
- Quiet during use
- Remote control with wide LCD screen
- Seat sensor
- Seat warmer
- Self- cleaning option
- Self-diagnosis
- User presets
Kohler™ C3 230 Elongated Electric Bidet Toilet Seat (Link)
- Adjustable water pressure
- Adjustable water temperature
- Anterior and posterior nozzles
- Costs around $900.00
- Ergonomically designed for comfort
- Grip-tight bumpers for stability
- Heated seat with five temperature settings
- In-line heater for endless warm water supply
- LED night light
- Oscillation or pulsating spray
- Quick-release™ hinges for easy cleaning
- Quiet-close™ lid
- Stainless steel wand with UV light self-cleaning
- Touch screen remote
- Two programmable user presets
- Warm air drier with adjustable speed and temperature
Kohler Novita BN-330 Bidet Toilet Seats (Affiliate Link)
- Deodorizer
- Endless warm water supply
- Fully loaded
- LED night light
- Metallic chrome finish
- Motorized seat and lid
- Remote control with a back-light
- Solid spray
Toto™ S550e Washlet SW3056 Bidet Toilet Seat (Affiliate Link)
- Comfortable seat design
- Costs around $1,300.00
- EWater system
- Great spray pressure
- Motorized seat and lid
- One of the most advanced on the market
- One year warranty
How Do I Install An Electric Bidet Toilet Seat?
Below are some basic instructions on how to install an electric bidet toilet seat in your home.
Step 1: Connect to the water supply from the toilet tank.
Step 2: To do this, you must first turn off the water supply that runs to the tank and unscrew the hose that runs to the toilet.
Step 3: Screw on a “T”-valve and hook the bidet into the valve. This process usually takes approximately 10 minutes to complete, provided there are no complications with your electricity or plumbing.
Here is a video to illustrate the entire installation process. (Link)
If you are not comfortable or physically unable to do this on your own, there are professionals in your local area available that will be willing to assist you in installing your electric bidet toilet seat and make sure it is fitted correctly to your toilet.
Just be sure to consider the price of a professional into the cost of your bidet budget.
What Are Things To Consider Before Purchasing An Electric Bidet Seat?
There are many things to consider before purchasing an electric bidet toilet seat. It is important to take the time to research the different models and with what functions and features they come equipped.
Ask Yourself The Following Questions:
- Do I have an outlet within four feet of the toilet?
- Do I need a continuous warm water supply?
- Do I need a nozzle that retracts?
- Do I need adjustable water pressure?
- Do I need adjustable water temperatures?
- Do I need customizable presets for individual users?
- Do I need features for people with disabilities?
- Do I need features for washing children or cloth diapers?
- Do I need to install a separate circuit for the outlet, or can I run it off an existing circuit?
- Do I want a heated seat?
- Do I want a power-saving model?
- Do I want an ergonomic design?
- Does the model I am looking at include a “T”-valve and water supply hose?
- What is my budget?
- What type of tank system do I need?
- What type of water system do I need?
Answering these questions before you start shopping for an electric bidet toilet seat will eliminate the options that are not the best for you and, in turn, help make the decision process easier.
This will ensure that you find the best seat for your budget, available space, and personal needs.
What Are The Things To Avoid When Purchasing An Electric Toilet Seat Bidet?
To avoid making a hasty decision and regretting your purchase try to avoid these common mistakes:
- Buying less when you actually want more
- Buying the wrong type of water system for your needs
- Not having an outlet near your toilet
- Not purchasing the right bidet for your physical needs; for example, if you have a medical condition requiring that you wash your entire bottom after using the bathroom, then it is recommended that you try using a handheld bidet sprayer.
- Purchasing the wrong sized seat for your toilet; always check to see if the seat you want is compatible with the toilet you currently have.
What Are The Benefits Of Using An Electric Bidet Toilet Seat?
As previously mentioned, the use of a bidet in the United States is still a fairly new concept. Most people are generally uncomfortable with discussing the subject of cleaning “down there.”
As the benefits of using a bidet have been proven, Americans are slowly coming around to the idea of having these systems in our homes.
Below are a few reasons why you should have an electric bidet in your home:
- Convenient for use in homes with minimal available space in the bathroom.
- They are easy to use for people of any age and ability.
- They are a more hygienic option than using toilet paper and better for your septic system.
- They add an element of luxury to any bathroom.
There are two main cons to an electric bidet toilet seat:
- Not having an electrical outlet near the toilet will require more cost and time to install.
- They are more expensive to purchase and operate than their manually operated counterparts.
Are There More Reasons To Own A Bidet Toilet Seat?
Besides the fact that you will be maintaining better hygiene in your nether regions, there are a few other benefits of having an electric bidet toilet seat in your home:
- Adds an element of class to your bathroom
- Cloth diaper wash
- The comfort of heated seats and warm water rinse
- Enema functions
- Environmentally friendly, because you are using less toilet paper
- Gives senior citizens the independence to use the bathroom by themselves
- Handicap accessible options
- Less clogged toilets and wasted toilet paper
Tank Versus No Tank (Which One Do I Choose?)
There are two different options that you need to consider when purchasing an electric bidet toilet seat.
Which should you choose, tank or tank-less? The answer to that question depends entirely on your needs and what type of toilet you have.
An electric bidet toilet seat has a tank that stores the warm water and is refilled and warmed up again. Once you run out of the warm water in the tank, you have to wait for it to fill and warm back up again. Most tank systems hold enough warm water to run continuously for 30 seconds before running out.
A tank-less design is a sleeker design and takes up less space. It also allows for endless warm water. The water may take a moment to warm up in the beginning, but after that, it will remain warm for the entire duration of the washing process.
What Is A Hybrid Heating System?
A hybrid water system is basically a combination of a tank and tank-less system. The hybrid water system is not as energy efficient as some of the other options.
Hybrid systems contain a small reservoir that stores warm water so that you are not greeted with a blast of cold water when you start spraying.
Once started, they will continuously supply warm water for the duration of the washing process, so you are sure to avoid any surprising splashes of cold water in unwanted areas.
Can I Fit An Electric Bidet Toilet Seat If I Have A One-Piece Toilet?
In most cases, a one-piece toilet will accommodate an electric bidet toilet seat with no issues. There are some instances, though, when they do not fit.
When an electric bidet seat does not fit a one-piece toilet, the design of the toilet does not allow room for the seat to be installed.
Some one-piece toilets have a tank with a curve that protrudes toward the front, which will prohibit certain brands of electric bidet toilet seats from fitting.
If you own a one-piece toilet, be sure to check the specifications for the seat you are interested in to ensure that it will be compatible with your version of the toilet.
There Are Five Different Types Of Bidets Available
Bidets have come a long way since their introduction in the 1700’s. There are five different types of bidets available on the market today, all with different uses, functions, and features.
Which type should you choose for your personal situation?
Things to consider when making your decision:
- Budget – How much can you afford to spend on your bidet?
- Available space – How much space do you have in your bathroom will greatly affect the decision-making process.
- Plumbing and electricity – Depending on the style you choose, you may have to hire a professional to install an additional outlet and plumbing for your bidet. This must also be considered in your budget when making your decision.
- Personal needs and preferences – Deciding your personal wants and needs will help you narrow down the options and make the best decision for your personal situation.
The five different types of bidets are:
- Bidet attachments for the toilet – The first option to consider is a bidet that fits underneath the existing toilet seat. They are good for basic cleansing functions, inexpensive, and easy to use.
- Handheld spray bidets – Fits directly onto your existing water supply hose attached to your toilet. They are good for people recovering from an injury that limits their range of motion and for older people who wish to gain their bathroom independence back.
- Portable bidets – These are about the size of a bottle of water with a small spray nozzle on the end of it. This is ideal for people who travel a lot or who have hemorrhoids and cannot use toilet paper.
- Stand-alone bidets – The original style of the bidet. Completely separate from the toilet. They are used solely for cleansing your private areas. They can add a bit of luxury to larger bathrooms; however, they are not ideal for most households due to space issues and the fact that they require their own separate plumbing. Stand-alone types have become much less expensive since the introduction of the more modern electric bidet toilet seats and handheld options.
- Toilet seat bidets – Introduced by the Japanese around 1980, this bidet is built directly into the toilet seat with many functions and features that create a feeling of luxury and superior cleanliness. Toilet seat bidets are also typically the most expensive way to go due to the extra features that are included.
General Instructions For How To Use A Bidet
If you have never tried to use a bidet, they may seem a little intimidating and awkward to use. Once you have overcome your initial fears and have tried washing with one, you will be greatly pleased with how easy it is to use and how fresh you feel afterward.
The following are basic instructions on how to use a bidet:
Step 1: Select the start wash button on your bidet.
Step 2: Make any necessary adjustments to suit your personal preferences and needs.
Step 3: Aim the sprayer toward the desired area that needs to be washed.
Step 4: Once you are done washing, press the warm air dry button, if available, and then use a towel to dry any excess water.
Step 5: Many bidets offer a self-cleaning option for when you are done using them.
Three Popular Non-Electric Bidet Toilet Seats
Sometimes you may find yourself in a situation where an electric bidet toilet seat is not a feasible option.
Many people have chosen to use non-electric bidet seat attachments instead of the electric options we’ve discussed above. There are many reasons that people opt for the non-electric version.
Some choose to go in this direction simply to save electricity and be more eco-friendly. Others have space requirements that do not allow for such a bulky outfit.
Whichever situation you may be in, the following list may help you to fulfill your needs:
Hibbent Non-Electric Bidet Attachment (Affiliate Link)
- Anterior and Posterior wash options
- Costs around $60.00
- Dual nozzle
- User-controlled nozzle selection
- Warm, soft water wash for feminine wash
Butt Buddy Duo Bidet Seat Attachment (Affiliate Link)
- Anterior and Posterior wash options
- Easy to install
- Fits most seats
- includes a T-valve adapter
- flexible steel hose
- Costs around $80.00
GoBidet™ 2003C Chrome Bidet Attachment (Affiliate Link)
- Anterior and Posterior wash options
- Costs around $127.00
- Easy to install
- Fits one-piece or two-piece toilets
- A great option for areas too small for other models of bidets
- Optional hot water kit available
Making The Best Choice For Your Personal Situation
Whether you are using a bidet for better personal hygiene or special medical reasons, choosing the seat that works best for you and your individual needs are important.
There are many styles and types of electric bidet toilet seats available for different budgets, space allocations, and personal needs.
Following the recommendations in this guide will allow you to make the decision that is best for your personal situation.