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Bidets and Electronic Bidets

There is more to the bathroom than just the toilet, shower, and sink.  Hugely popular in Europe and Asia, bidets are starting to make their presence known in Australia.  Find out what a bidet does and why they may be advantageous for you.

The Traditional Bidet

The bidet is intended for personal hygiene after using the toilet or for other washing up, such as washing the feet.  The word “bidet” is derived from the French word for pony, indicating the way that one sits astride the bowl.  The bidet is a sit-down wash basin that is usually made from vitreous china and designed to resemble the shape of the toilet.  It is placed next to the toilet in the bathroom, in order to encourage personal hygiene.  It is generally 15 – 15 ½ inches high.  A combination toilet/bidet is available if a higher seat is required.  There are four basic types of bidets:

• Over the rim – this is fitted with a standard tap and the bowl is filled with water in the same way that you fill a sink.  This is the cheapest and simplest type to install.
• Heated rim (flushing rim) – this has hot and cold handles on top but the water enters the bowl beneath the rim of the basin.
• Spray – the more popular types of bidets are equipped with a spray which provides a gentle shower.  The spray may be vertical or horizontal.  The vertical has a fountain jet in the centre of the bowl and the horizontal has a special over the rim spout that delivers a horizontal stream of water.
• Combination – some models combine the heated rim and a vertical spray option in the one unit.

Bidets come in a range of styles from the traditional to the contemporary.  They are designed to complement the toilet.  Be aware that a bidet with a wide, rounded ledge is generally the most comfortable.  It should be installed so that there is plenty of room at the sides for your legs, and at the back for the knees.  This may mean leaving a gap of at least four inches between the wall and the back of the bidet.  The bidet allows the user to control the water temperature.

Electronic Bidets

Electronic bidets fit on most toilets, taking the place of the ordinary toilet seat.  Once you have finished toileting, all you have to do is push a button to clean up and feel fresh.  Electronic bidets may have separate nozzles for men and women.  Electronic bidets feature posterior and feminine warm water washes, water and seat temperature settings, water pressure controls, heated seat, wall mountable wireless remote controls, warm air dryer, a quick release for easy seat removal, a gently closing seat and lid, a germ resistant seat, a power saving mode, and a warranty.

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