Bidet Installation: DIY Options for a Refreshing Bathroom Addition

Adding a bidet to your bathroom can greatly improve your personal hygiene and reduce your environmental impact. Bidets are growing in popularity in the US as an eco-friendly alternative to toilet paper. Installing a bidet is a relatively easy DIY project that can be completed in just a few hours. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire bidet installation process step-by-step.

Overview of Installing a Bidet

Installing a bidet involves just a few key steps:

• Choose the right bidet option
• Gather the necessary tools
• Turn off the water supply
• Install the bidet fixture
• Connect the water supply
• Check for leaks
• Test the bidet

The main types of bidets available are bidet attachments, bidet seats, and standalone bidets. Bidet attachments and seats are the easiest DIY options.

This guide covers installing three main types of bidets:

1. Bidet attachments
2. Bidet toilet seats
3. Standalone bidets

We’ll go through the full bidet installation process for each type, along with tips and recommendations. Let’s start by looking at the different bidet options in more detail.

Choosing the Right Bidet

The first step is deciding which type of bidet is right for your bathroom and budget. Here are the pros and cons of each option:

Bidet Attachments

Pros:

• Inexpensive ($40-$170 range)
• Easy to install
• No need to replace the toilet

Cons:

• Less features than electric models
• Attached under the toilet seat

Best For: Renters or price-conscious homeowners looking for an affordable bidet

Bidet Seats

Pros:

• All-in-one unit replaces the existing seat
• Heated seats and water
• More customization and settings

Cons:

• More expensive ($200-$700 range)
• Requires electric outlet nearby

Best For: Homeowners seeking a high-end bidet with more options and comfort

Standalone Bidets

Pros:

• Looks like a second toilet
• Same features as bidet toilet seats

Cons:

• Takes up more space
• Most expensive option

Best For: Bathroom remodeling projects with space for a luxury standalone unit

As you can see, bidet attachments provide an easy upgrade, while bidet seats and standalone bidets offer more advanced options. Keep reading for recommendations on which might work best in your bathroom.

Gathering the Necessary Installation Tools and Materials

Installing a bidet is generally a straightforward DIY project but does require some common plumbing tools along with parts included with your bidet.

Here’s everything you’ll need:

Tools

• Adjustable wrench
• Pipe wrench
• Teflon tape
• Screwdriver
• Power drill (for bidet seats)
• Utility knife
• Silicone sealant
• Safety gear: eye protection, work gloves

Materials

• Bidet fixture and parts like hoses, fittings, brackets etc.
• T-adapter valve to connect bidet attachment
• For bidet seats: electrical outlet or extension cord

Make sure you read the full installation instructions for your particular bidet model to see if any specialty tools or additional parts are required. Check that your water supply lines are compatible as well.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Follow these key installation steps for each type of bidet:

Bidet Attachment

1. Turn off the water supply valve
2. Drain toilet tank
3. Disconnect the water supply line at the shutoff valve
4. Install T-valve adapter
5. Reconnect toilet supply line to T-valve
6. Attach bidet fixture
7. Connect bidet hoses to T-valve
8. Turn on the water and check for leaks
9. Run bidet self-cleaning cycle

Bidet Toilet Seat

1. Turn off the water supply
2. Disconnect and remove the existing toilet seat
3. Install bidet seat using provided bolts/screws
4. Connect seat adapters to supply valves
5. Run the electrical cord to the outlet
6. Turn on the water supply and check for leaks
7. Test seat functions

Standalone Bidet

1. Turn off the water supply
2. Remove existing toilet or install in a new location
3. Connect bidet waste outlet to sewer line
4. Connect hot and cold water supply lines
5. Make electrical connections
6. Seal base with silicone caulk
7. Turn on the water and check for leaks
8. Test bidet functions

Be sure to thoroughly read the installation guide specific to your bidet model before getting started. The following sections go into more detail on key steps like working with supply lines, making watertight connections, and testing for leaks and proper operation.

Working with the Toilet Water Supply

When installing bidet fixtures, you’ll need to disconnect the existing toilet water supply line and add fittings to connect your bidet while still supplying water to the toilet tank.

Here are some tips:

• Locate the shutoff valve for the toilet water supply line. It will either be on the wall behind the toilet or down by the floor on the supply line.
• Before disconnecting any supply lines, turn off the shutoff valve first.
• Drain and disconnect the supply line from the valve using a utility knife or pipe cutter, not a hacksaw. This will allow you to easily reconnect the line later.
• For bidet attachments, install a T-valve adapter fitting to divert the water line to both the toilet and bidet fixture. Hand tighten first then use a wrench for a watertight connection.
• Wrap all adapter fittings with 2-3 layers of Teflon tape to prevent leaks.
• Check local plumbing codes for requirements on supply line types and connection methods. Use metal braided lines for durability.

Following manufacturer instructions for your specific bidet model, connect the supply lines from the bidet to the adapted toilet water supply or plumbing shut-off valves.

Making Watertight Connections

Creating watertight seals is crucial when installing bathroom plumbing fixtures. Here are some best practices:

• Teflon tape: Always wrap threaded fittings with 2-3 layers of Teflon tape. Wind it clockwise as you look at the threads so tightening the connection doesn’t undo the tape seal.
• Wrenches: Use proper wrenches to tighten fittings. Avoid pliers that can strip fasteners. Don’t over tighten.
• Sealants: Apply clear silicone sealant on seating surfaces between fixtures and floor/wall. Smooth with wet finger before securing fixture.

Tip: Rub a bit of soap on fittings and gaskets to lubricate before tightening. This allows you to tighten connections properly without damaging parts.

Checking for Leaks

Before using your newly installed bidet, it’s critical to thoroughly check for leaks, especially on any adapted or added water supply line connections.

Here is the proper process to test for leaks:

1. With the bidet fixture fully secured, turn back on the main water supply.
2. Examine all connections for immediate leaks. Tighten if necessary but do NOT overtighten.
3. Fill the toilet tank and allow it to refill a couple of times, flushing in between. Check the water level in the tank for proper fill height after flushes.
4. Run the bidet self-cleaning cycle according to manufacturer instructions. Check for leaks again during operation.
5. Let the bidet run for at least 10 minutes, testing all functions. Closely examine ALL water connections for seepage or dripping.
6. Wipe dry all connection points and wait 5 minutes before rechecking for any delayed, small leaks that may not appear immediately.

Catching leaks now will prevent possible water damage down the line. Small drips can slowly ruin flooring or framing if not addressed early.

If leaks persist at fittings that pass water like supply line adapters, detach, re-apply Teflon tape, and reinstall carefully. Use sealants sparingly as needed. Call a plumber for chronic large leaks.

Testing Proper Bidet Operation

Once installation is complete, verify full and proper functionality using the manufacturer provided instructions. Here is an overview:

For basic bidet attachments:

• Test cold water stream pressure and aiming adjustment knobs
• Check that the water inlet filter/screen is clear of debris
• Confirm the bidet hose doesn’t interfere with lowering the toilet seat

For electric bidet seats/standalone bidets:

• Install batteries in the remote
• Check that all electric functions activate: heated seats, warm water flow, fan dryer
• Slowly adjust water temperature, stream position, spray width to preferences
• Ensure water heating elements don’t exceed safe temps to prevent scalding
• Troubleshoot as described in user manual for any error codes

Take note of any quirks, small leaks, or irregular performance right away rather than after months of use where problems originating from installation are harder to pinpoint.

Maintaining Your Bidet

Like any complex bathroom appliance, bidets will require occasional maintenance. Follow these tips to keep your bidet running properly for years:

Daily:

• Wipe down exterior surfaces with soft cloth
• Ensure water filters and inlet screens are gunk-free
• Check for leaks on supply lines

Monthly:

• De-scale interior water paths and spray nozzles with cleaning vinegar if mineral buildup present
• Clean jets and deodorizing filters with brush and mild detergent

Yearly:

• Inspect T-adapter and supply valves for flow issues
• Check seat mounting hardware is properly torqued
• Test water temperature regulation and thermal safety

Replacing fuses, adjusting water pressure, and updating firmware can also ensure optimal performance. Consult manufacturer maintenance quick cards or videos for your specific bidet model.

Catching small issues before they become big headaches keeps your bidet working great and extends its lifespan. Proper installation is the first step!

Troubleshooting Common Bidet Installation Issues

If you encounter problems getting your bidet up and running, here are solutions to a few of the most common installation headaches DIYers face:

Water leaks:

• Check Teflon tape; rewrap and tighten fittings
• Adjust supply line connections with wrenches
• Examine fixtures/hoses for cracks requiring replacement

Water spray misaligned:

• Check angles and positioning of nozzles
• Readjust aim controls and mounting as needed

Features not activating:

• Ensure electrical outlet works and provides needed wattage
• Check fuse, try replacing batteries in remote
• Examine all control connections to fixture

Toilet running constantly:

• Verify bidet T-adapter not blocking toilet tank fill valve
• Adjust toilet tank water level as needed

Carefully compare your setup to installation diagrams for your model to identify issues. Follow troubleshooting advice in owner’s manuals as well. Call manufacturer tech support or a plumber for problems persisting after systematic checks.

Enjoying Your New Bidet

Once properly installed your bidet provides a more refreshing, eco-friendly bathroom experience daily. Here are a few quick tips on getting the most out your bidet:

• Keep remote nearby but avoid dropping in toilet!
• Start slow on pressure; high-powered stream can be a surprise
• Adjust stream position and water heating to your preferences
• Experiment with pulsating/massaging spray modes
• Use rear wash cycles for optimal cleaning; women can use front as well
• Wipe thoroughly after wash cycles then dry off

Bidets take a little getting used to but make your bathroom routine cleaner and more sustainable. Installing one yourself using this DIY guide saves hundreds of dollars.

So relish your new bidet and let the family battles commence over customizing the perfect wash modes!