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Bidets are common fixtures in bathrooms throughout Europe and Asia. However, for some reason, they did not achieve the same level of popularity in the United States.
Even today, most Americans prefer using toilet paper over a bidet (Link). Although, there is a gradual shift happening, and more people are becoming interested in bidets.
If you are thinking about purchasing this device, here’s how much a bidet will cost you.
The price of a bidet can range anywhere between $400 and $1500. Various factors influence the overall price of a bidet, such as the type of bidet, the complexity of installation, and the cost of plumbing services.
In the end, you can find a bidet that fits within your budget.
Continue reading to discover everything you need to know about the price of a bidet and the advantages they offer!
What Is A Bidet?
A bidet is a bathroom fixture mounted on the floor that includes faucets to clean yourself down below after using the toilet in its most traditional form.
It is more sanitary and hygienic than using toilet paper and is also more environmentally friendly.
Modern bidets come in a variety of different designs. Some attach directly to the toilet seat, others are integrated into the toilet itself, and some toilet seats come with built-in bidet features.
Types Of Bidets And Their Costs
Let’s take a further look into the different types of bidets on the market.
| Bidet Price Range | Buying Guide |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | Bidets Under $50 |
| Under $100 | Bidets Under $100 |
| Under $200 | Bidet Under $200 |
| Under $300 | Bidets Under $300 |
| Under $400 | Bidets Under $400 |
| Under $500 | Bidets Under $500 |
| Under $1000 | Bidets Under $1,000 |
What Is A Portable Bidet?
A portable bidet is the ideal choice for active individuals who enjoy traveling and camping because it eliminates the need for toilet paper.
A portable bidet typically costs between $10 and $40 and comes in various styles. A common feature of all portable bidets is the inclusion of a water container and a spray nozzle.
Portable bidets have a compact and discreet design that can be easily stored in your bag or packed with your camping gear. The least expensive options on the market usually lack additional features and are basic devices.
However, if you spend a bit more, you can get useful extra features, such as the ability to adjust the spray pressure for enhanced comfort and control.
Spray Attachment Bidet
An increasingly popular form of bidets is the spray attachment.
For this type of bidet, you’re looking at an investment ranging from anywhere between $50 to $70 on average. If you’re looking to handle the installation yourself, getting a handheld sprayer is the best option.
They typically feature a T-valve that helps branch off the toilet’s water supply from the spray. You can easily mount them on the side of your toilet.
The only issue with these is that they don’t have any temperature control. You’ll have to deal with the surprising spray of cold water onto your nether regions.
Standard (Standalone) Bidet
The most traditional form of the bidet features a floor-mounted basin along with a drain and tap.
A great feature of the standard bidet is that it connects to your homes’ warm and cold-water supply. The traditional bidet (Affiliate Link) set up can cost between $200 to $600 depending on the brand you choose.
Depending on the size and type of unit you get, you can look at a varying installation cost. We’ll look at all the details later.
Toilet Seat Bidet Attachments
Toilet attachment bidets are gaining popularity. They offer a budget-friendly and simple solution. You won’t find a smaller bathroom bidet than this type.
The design allows them to fit beneath any standard toilet seat. You’ll need to position the console near the toilet to ensure a proper fit. The console lets you adjust settings and control the position of the bidet nozzle.
The price of a toilet attachment bidet varies based on the number of extra features it includes. You can expect to spend between $50 and $130 on average.
Toilet Seat Bidet
A level above the toilet attachment bidet is the toilet seat bidet.
These replace the standard toilet seat and include a water spray with options for adjusting pressure and temperature, among other features.
Some bidets offer simple control settings, while more advanced bidet seats provide various knobs and buttons to adjust for the best possible cleansing experience.
Depending on the features offered by the toilet seat bidet, prices range from $200 to $1300.
You can find a good-quality toilet seat bidet within the middle of this price range.
Bidet Toilet
If you don’t want to opt for a stand-alone unit, a good alternative is to choose a bidet toilet.
These provide an all-in-one system that eliminates the need for any toilet paper. Premium models come with a wide range of features, such as adjustable water pressure, temperature control, and customizable spray patterns.
You can find a basic model starting at around $800, while the most expensive models sell for approximately $2,000 (such as the excellent Alpha UXT Pearl) and can go up to $8,000 for the impressive Toto Neorest NX1, a dual-flush integrated bidet toilet combination.
Bidet Installation Cost
On average, the cost of bidet installation ranges from $200 to $240. This price range applies to traditional stand-alone bidets. The cost for a toilet attachment fixture can range between $60 and $80. In addition to the cost of the unit itself, you’ll need to factor in the cost of installation.
Several factors influence the total installation cost of a bidet. Fortunately, the cost is manageable because the bathroom already has the necessary water line connections, making the labor less intensive than other plumbing projects.
The most expensive aspect of the entire installation is the bidet itself. After purchasing the fixture, you can either install it yourself or hire a plumber. If you choose a DIY installation, you’re looking at an average cost of about $220.
In contrast, hiring a plumber can cost between $60 and $240 per hour. While DIY installation seems more affordable, mistakes can lead to even higher repair costs.
By hiring a professional, you can save yourself a lot of money and reduce the risk of errors.
Is A Bidet Worth the Money?
Given the economic, environmental, and health benefits of a bidet, it’s worth every penny.
Let’s dive a bit deeper into these benefits:
What Are The Economic Benefits Of A Bidet?
One of the main benefits of installing a bidet is that it’ll help eliminate the need for any toilet paper.
If you invest in a premium bidet, many of them come with an air dryer that removes the need for toilet paper entirely. Even if the bidet doesn’t include a dryer, there are a few alternatives available.
You can wait a few minutes after the water finishes cleaning and let yourself air dry naturally. Another option is to keep a towel on hand to pat yourself dry or use significantly less toilet paper.
Statistics show that the average cost of toilet paper per year for a family of four is approximately $150. (Link)
A standard bidet could cost around $400 and has minimal yearly maintenance costs.
What Are The Environmental Benefits Of Using A Bidet?
When you use toilet paper, it’s essential to consider that a single roll of toilet paper costs around 1.5 lbs. of wood to produce. Aside from that, a single roll of toilet paper will require 37 gallons of water.
A standard bidet uses only a pint of water (Link) to help you get significantly cleaner than using toilet paper. If you aim to be a more sustainable and environmentally conscious individual, investing in a bidet is certainly worth the cost.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Using A Bidet?
If someone in your household has limited mobility, investing in a bidet is well worth it. They are much more effective than toilet paper and far easier to use.
Women with vulva or vaginal sensitivities often find that using a bidet is much gentler than toilet paper. Similarly, if you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Crohn’s disease, your use of toilet paper might be more frequent.
In such cases, switching to a bidet can reduce the irritation you may experience and also lower your costs. Bidets are also safe for pregnant women to use. (Link)
Pros And Cons Of A Bidet
Now that we have gone over a brief overview of how much a bidet will cost you, let us examine the advantages and disadvantages before proceeding.
These factors can assist you in determining whether the bidet will fulfill your needs and be a worthwhile investment. Here’s a handy table to give you a quick summary:
| Pros | Cons |
| More effective at cleaning your private parts | High initial investment and installation costs |
| More accessible for individuals with limited mobility | Early adjustment period |
| Easier to use for the elderly | Bidet maintenance will be required |
| Better hygiene and can help prevent several diseases | |
| Lower long-run cost |
Will Medicare Pay For A Bidet?
Original Medicare will not pay for the cost of a bidet. According to Medicare’s classification, bidets are categorized as toilet seats and do not qualify for the medically necessary designation.
Even if Medicare does not provide coverage for you, it is worth doing some research on state programs. Programs such as Medicaid and HCBS frequently offer coverage for bidets.
In order for any equipment to be eligible for Medicare coverage, it must be included in the durable medical equipment category. Unfortunately, bidets are not included in the DME category.
Are Bidets Good For The Elderly?
Yes, bidets are good for the elderly. It can help the elderly avoid many problems that result from improper cleaning, such as UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections).
Suppose you are taking care of an elderly person. In that case, you will understand that as a person ages, maintaining personal hygiene becomes a significant challenge.
Elderly women, in particular, are at a much higher risk of developing a UTI. (Link) Installing a bidet can greatly assist in reducing this risk.
One of the primary reasons for the recent shift towards bidets, as we mentioned earlier, is that many people are beginning to recognize that bidets are beneficial for the elderly. As you age, it becomes increasingly difficult to manage personal hygiene.
Older individuals who experience more severe mobility issues will find it much more challenging to use toilet paper for cleaning. In the most difficult situations, this can even result in a potentially dangerous fall from the toilet. Getting a bidet for elderly adults could make the difference between maintaining independence and needing assistance with toileting.
It can help many seniors avoid uncomfortable situations, as requiring help with personal hygiene can feel somewhat invasive. However, improper cleaning can lead to various health problems.
Bidets can offer a higher level of cleanliness and safety while using the toilet. It is also a tremendous benefit to caregivers who must assist with toileting and personal hygiene.
The initial stages of becoming familiar with using a bidet may be challenging. However, with a little persistence, it can make a significant difference!
Are Bidets Hygienic?
Yes, bidets are hygienic. In fact, they are significantly cleaner and more hygienic than using toilet paper. However, in the United States, the leading toilet paper manufacturers have done an effective job convincing the general public that toilet paper is the most hygienic option.
Using toilet paper is not as hygienic as the manufacturers want you to believe. According to medical experts, wiping with toilet paper alone will only spread fecal matter around the skin. It does not do a thorough job of cleaning the area.
In contrast, using a bidet will thoroughly wash away both fecal matter and urine particles. It effectively removes any bacteria that might be present in any residue.
Toilet paper can also cause anal tears (link), which may become infected and lead to a very unpleasant experience. Bidets are much safer and can help you avoid any potentially uncomfortable situation.
High-end bidets and bidet toilet seats can enhance hygiene even further because they offer some additional features. Certain models have a front-washing function that is particularly helpful for women’s hygiene needs.
The bottom line is that if you are looking for the most hygienic experience, then a bidet is the best choice!
Do You Wipe After Using A Bidet?
You can wipe to dry yourself after using a bidet, but wiping is not necessary for cleaning. One of the main advantages of a bidet is that it eliminates the need for any toilet paper.
There is no need to wipe after using a bidet. The water pressure from the bidet is more than enough to leave you completely clean.
However, many people who own bidets still choose to wipe after using them. In this case, the primary purpose of the toilet paper is to help dry off more quickly rather than to clean.
Here are all the options available to you when using a bidet:
No wiping
Many people opt for a bidet to ensure they no longer have to wipe and to eliminate the need for any toilet paper. There is no need to wipe if your bidet releases water at a sufficient pressure to clean all the matter.
If the bidet is not cleaning you effectively, you will need to adjust the water pressure setting and check the spray. Make sure to pay attention to the nozzle direction and ensure that the water sprays at the most optimal angle.
Recommended Reading: Top 3 Bidets with the Strongest Water Pressure: Insights from Industry Standards
Pre-Wiping
If you own a stand-alone bidet, you may be familiar with the practice of pre-wiping. This simply means wiping before using the bidet after using the bathroom. It’s similar to the idea of wiping dishes before washing them.
When you use a stand-alone bidet, all the remaining matter must go down the drain. In some cases, this can result in larger particles getting stuck in the drain, which can be a hassle to clean up.
Post-Wipe
Even though using a bidet will effectively clean you and is the most efficient method, old habits can be hard to break. This is why many people do a post-wipe to check if they missed anything.
If the toilet paper is clean after checking, it means the bidet has done its job properly. If it’s not clean, it may indicate that you need another pass with the bidet. This will also help you assess whether your bidet is functioning optimally.
If you regularly check and the results are consistently clean, it might be a good time to transition to the no-wiping group. Consistently clean results are an indication that the bidet is working well, and toilet paper is no longer necessary.
Wiping to Dry
A bidet will ensure that your private areas are as clean as possible. However, only the most premium bidets come with a dryer option. The most common reason people wipe after using a bidet is to dry themselves off.
That said, it is not necessary to dry yourself with toilet paper after using the bidet. There are many other alternatives you can consider:
- Let the area dry naturally
- Use a reusable towel
Conclusion
There is no question that bidets provide numerous advantages. Not only are they more hygienic and cleaner than traditional toilet paper, but they can also help you save money over time and are more environmentally friendly.
The toilet paper shortages during the pandemic in America also played a role in the growing popularity of bidets. Their variety of styles and effectiveness make them a valuable investment for anyone, regardless of the cost!