Hello everyone, Today’s topic deals with how electric bidets work. Today, we’re diving into how electric bidets function. This is one of the most frequently asked questions I get, and it makes sense—electrical models come with many of the modern features people associate with high-tech bidets.
Electric bidets operate using a home’s power supply but also rely on water pressure for basic tasks like spraying water. The electricity is used for features like heating water, drying, and deodorizing the air.
Electric bidets come in two main designs: complete toilet-bidet combos and seats that can be attached to an existing toilet.
This article will explain the two main types of electric bidets and break down their electrical features, such as temperature and pressure control, warm air-drying, and deodorizing functions.
Before we get into the details, let’s clarify the different forms these bidets come in.
The Two Types of Electric Bidets: Seats vs. Toilet-Bidet Combos
An electric bidet seat represents an upgrade from a bidet attachment. Both seats and attachments are installed on your existing toilet. They don’t require any permanent alterations to your current setup, making them ideal for rental properties.
Attachments, however, are non-electric. They operate purely on mechanical principles, relying solely on water pressure. Like seats, attachments have retractable wands that extend when needed, making them more convenient than handheld sprayers (another type of non-electric bidet), which require manual cleansing.
However, attachments lack many features found in electric bidets—most only spray cold water, and you’ll need to use toilet paper or a dedicated towel to dry off.
Bidet seats, on the other hand, use an electric motor to propel water through a nozzle instead of relying on your home’s water pressure. This is necessary because they first need to heat the water, usually in a small reservoir.
Toilet-bidet combinations operate in a similar way. Rather than being a seat attached to an existing toilet, these advanced toilets come with an integrated bidet from the start.
Electric bidet seats and toilet combinations offer nearly the same features, but the seats are far more affordable. While a good electric seat typically costs around $300, I’ve seen bidet toilets priced as high as $6,000 (with $2,000 being a common range).
This distinction is crucial because many potential bidet users, especially those new to the topic, may perform a quick online search for electric bidets only to find the first page filled with $2,000 toilet models.
The main additional benefit of purchasing a full toilet is largely the aesthetic appeal. The seat and toilet structure (bowl and tank) are designed to complement each other, ensuring they always look cohesive.
In my opinion, this advantage doesn’t justify the cost, as most electric seats are universal and designed to work well with most standard toilets.
How Are Electric Bidet Seats Powered?
Another frequent question, which is a bit more specific, is how bidet toilet seats are powered. While bidet attachments (non-electric devices) are installed onto toilet seats, all bidet seats are electric.
Where attachments rely on water pressure for power, electric bidet seats draw their power from a nearby electrical outlet. Most power cords are about 4 feet (1.2 meters) long, allowing them to connect to a bathroom’s wall socket. The electricity powers various parts within the seat’s lid, such as the water heater and dryer.
As we’ll discuss later in the article, the presence of electric components explains why bidet seats have sloped lids (lids that start higher at the back and slope downward). This is especially true for bidets that use a tank-type water heater. Seats with instant water heaters do not have this sloped design.
Since toilet-bidet combos are built with the bidet integrated from the start, some of their electrical components can be housed in other parts of the toilet’s structure, resulting in a more streamlined look. Not always, but in some cases.
Bidet Features That Run on Electricity
This list covers most of the features on offer by bidet seats and toilets. Models vary, but the below should give you a good idea of the features available these days.
Warm Water Heate
With electric bidets, the warm water cleansing function is made possible by a small water heater built into the bidet seat.
The water heating systems in electric bidets come in two main types: a heated reservoir type or an instantaneous type.
With the more budget-friendly options, water is heated in a small reservoir, so it’s ready for use when needed. It works similarly to commercial coffee machines that provide instant brew by keeping warm water readily available.
One limitation of this system is that the heated water can run out. However, this is rarely an issue for most users. I own the TOTO C100, which heats water this way, and I’ve never experienced the water running out.
Even if it did run out, the unit will still spray cool water, just like bidet attachments and handheld sprayers do. So, you won’t be left in the middle of a wash with the task half finished.
The more premium models often come with an instantaneous water heater, which delivers a continuous stream of warm water that doesn’t run out. These models use advanced technology to heat the water as it’s needed.
Warm water is one of the key benefits provided by electric bidets. While it’s not essential for effective cleansing, most people who have used both warm and cold water say that the former offers a superior clean, all other factors being equal.
Additionally, many describe a warm water cleansing experience as very enjoyable. It has a massage-like effect and boosts blood circulation, which is believed to be why bidets feel so pleasant.
As mentioned earlier, most of the more affordable bidet seats maintain heated water in a warm reservoir.
However, mechanical bidets (the non-electric variety) can also provide warm water through the nozzle. One way to do this is by using a warm water adapter, which connects to a faucet, typically from your bathroom sink or showerhead.
Because it takes a moment for warm water to flow from a faucet, many find that waiting for the warm water to arrive is more trouble than it’s worth. The water usually starts to warm up just as you’re finishing your cleansing.
Another method is to connect the water supply hose of your non-electric bidet directly to your plumbing. This requires some plumbing skills and may involve making modifications to your property—something most people, especially renters, are reluctant to do.
So, if warm water is a priority, an electric bidet is the best option.
Air Dryer
Illustration of a Warm Air Outlet on a Modern Bidet Seat
That’s correct, some electric bidets can dry you. For more details on how this works, check out the article. This means you can stop using toilet paper entirely.
Non-electric bidets require you to use toilet paper or a designated bidet towel every time you use the toilet—otherwise, you’ll be walking around wet all day.
This applies to attachments, handheld sprayers, and even old-fashioned European bidets—the small washbasins located next to regular toilets.
Depending on your reason for purchasing a bidet, this could be a deal-breaker. For instance, if you’re an environmentally conscious consumer wanting to eliminate toilet paper usage.
Don’t misunderstand me, even non-electric bidets significantly reduce toilet paper use, especially when considered over a lifetime.
In contrast, bidet seats and toilet-bidet combinations come equipped with built-in dryers. From my experience in researching and shopping around, this holds true even for the most basic (least expensive) models on the market.
Using your home’s electricity, electric bidets can provide airflow with temperatures ranging between 95-140°F (35-60°C).
You’ll notice that most bidet seats have a sloped lid (don’t worry, the seat itself remains flat). Rather than placing the technology in a bulky control arm, the mechanisms responsible for drying and other features are housed in the rear of the toilet lid.
As for the dryer, it consists of a small fan and heated components (coils, etc.).
Remote Control
This may not be a big deal for most readers. Modern bidets come with either a remote control or a control arm positioned next to the toilet. All attachments (non-electric bidets) and some budget-friendly seats come with control arms.
The more expensive seats and almost all toilet-bidet combos come with remote controls.
For bidet seats, this is just a general observation—models with remote controls can still be quite affordable. It’s simply a pattern I’ve noticed.
For example, the TOTO C100 comes with a control arm, while the TOTO C200 comes with a remote control, with the C200 being slightly more expensive.
Recommended Reading: TOTO C5 Review: Every Feature Tested Practically
Anyway, I mention this feature because some people like the idea of a bidet but don’t want to alter the appearance of their bathroom or toilet too much.
One drawback of non-electric bidets is that they’re always visible. If you opt for a handheld sprayer, there will be one next to your toilet.
The sprayers resemble those you find in kitchen sinks, used to rinse dishes. Although they usually have a sleek design, not everyone will like the look.
Likewise, attachments (non-electric) always come with a control arm. While some of them are aesthetically pleasing, they tend to be somewhat bulky.
Electric bidets, on the other hand, have their own distinct look—most have sloped lids—but the design is generally considered stylish.
Retractable Wand
One of the main questions people ask when first learning about bidets is, “Do bidets get poop on them?”
Modern bidets (even the non-electric ones) generally do not get poop on them, thanks to retractable wands.
An Extended Bidet Wand That Retracts Into its Housing Once Spraying is Complete
By adjusting the controls, the nozzles extend and retract as needed. So, they stay out of the way while you’re using the toilet.
The operation of the wand differs with electric bidets. Non-electric bidets are mechanical, using water pressure to extend and retract the nozzle.
With electric bidets, a button press extends or retracts the wand, and most models allow you to adjust the wand’s angle.
Electric bidets use electricity to operate the wand, giving you more precise control.
For instance, many models have an electric motor that lets you adjust the nozzle’s angle, reducing backsplash and further minimizing the chance of the unit being contaminated with feces or urine.
Self-Cleaning Wand
The best self-cleaning bidets feature antimicrobial wands that clean and sanitize themselves (they rinse with an antimicrobial solution).
And even if your wand does get soiled with urine or poop, it’s no big deal. That’s because most electric bidets, even the more affordable ones, come with a self-cleaning wand.
As previously mentioned, the wands extend and retract during use. When retracted, self-cleaning wands are pulled back into their housing while simultaneously being rinsed with water that contains a non-corrosive cleaning agent.
Self-cleaning wands can also be a feature on non-electric bidets, though it’s much less common.
Oscillating and Pulsing Features
Common features on remote controls or control arms of electric bidets include:
- Wand position adjustment
- Water pressure adjustment
- Temperature adjustment
- Pulsating cleanse
- Oscillating cleanse
- Personal setting*
*The personal setting lets you store your preferred settings for temperature, pressure, and wand position.
Temperature and pressure adjustments are standard in any electric bidet. However, pulsating and oscillating features are quite common but not necessarily standard.
The pulsating cleanse feature creates a cleaning cycle where the water pressure alternates between soft and strong.
Oscillating means moving back and forth at a steady rate, so the oscillating cleanse function moves the wand in a back-and-forth motion (similar to a garden sprinkler). This allows for a more comprehensive clean.
If you want these features, be sure to check the product description.
Self-Cleaning Bowl
Even the most basic electric bidets often come with some level of self-cleaning for the toilet bowl.
Bidet seats are programmed to mist the bowl with a cleaning solution that prevents waste from sticking to the toilet. This misting occurs each time a sensor detects you’re about to sit down.
Slightly more advanced models will mist both before and after use, while higher-end models are programmed to mist at intervals throughout the day when not in use.
The model I own, the TOTO C100, has a pre-mist function. It doesn’t mist after use or at set intervals, but I’ve found that the pre-mist alone has kept my toilet spotless. Since switching to an electric bidet, I haven’t noticed any brown rings forming in the bowl.
Heated Seat
Like many modern cars, electric bidets allow you to warm the seat. I initially laughed at this feature and didn’t expect to use it much.
Although I can’t say it’s a must-have feature, I’ve grown to appreciate the heated seat, especially during the colder months.
Additionally, as mentioned in the article on bidet use for constipation, relaxation is key to having regular bowel movements.
On the rare occasions I’ve been constipated since getting my bidet, I’ve found that the combination of the heated seat, warm water cleanse, and oscillating feature has helped me relax the right muscles and get things moving again.
Deodorization
Almost all-electric bidets come with a built-in deodorizer. You don’t need an electric model to keep your bathroom smelling fresh—a candle or a good plug-in air freshener can do wonders.
However, the deodorizers in electric bidets are unique because they don’t mask odors with scents. Instead, they use an electric fan to draw air through a carbon filter.
This process breaks down odor molecules, keeping both the bidet and bathroom smelling clean.
Self-Opening and Self-Closing Seats and Lids
Some higher-end electric bidets come with self-opening and self-closing seats and lids.
Slow-close lids are more common in entry-level electric bidets, but that feature is typically mechanical or hydraulic (like a screen door). Here, I’m referring to lids that open and close automatically. In my experience, this feature is mostly found on luxury models.
One question newcomers to bidets often have is whether bidets spray poop everywhere. It’s a valid concern.
In certain situations, especially with softer stool, you might imagine that a water stream could create a bigger mess.
As covered in the article linked earlier, this rarely happens if the bidet is used correctly. However, it’s true that most toilets, in general, cause a form of spray known as “toilet plume.”
Each time you flush with the lid up, tiny droplets containing fecal matter are released into the air. These droplets can be inhaled or land on surfaces around the toilet.
A self-closing lid prevents this from happening. As the saying goes, artificial intelligence beats genuine forgetfulness. I used to always forget to close the lid, but since getting my electric bidet, it’s no longer an issue.
That wraps it up for now. Thanks for reading. For more information on how other types of bidets work, be sure to check out the articles on non-electric units and portable/travel bidets.