Today’s article covers different ways to increase bidet water pressure when it’s too low. We’ll be looking at the different issues that can cause low bidet pressure and what to do to fix each problem.
It’s a common question, much more so than bidets having excessive water pressure (though that can happen). As you’ll see further down in the article, the reason for low pressure may have to do with the bidet itself. This is especially true for electric seats. For more info, check out the article on the best high-pressure bidets.
Why Is My Bidet Water Pressure Too Low?
Causes of low bidet water pressure can range from the wrong spray setting (e.g., wide spray or soft cleanse) or a partially closed shutoff valve, to issues with the specific bidet (some are stronger than others). Also, clogged mesh filters and external water filters can lower bidet pressure.
So, if your bidet water pressure is too low, you’re not alone. The ideal pressure is really a matter of preference, so what might be uncomfortably strong for one person might be too weak for another.
So, let’s get right into it.
16 Ways to Increase Bidet Water Pressure
1. Fully Open the Toilet Shutoff Valve
It may be that the shutoff valve next to the toilet wasn’t opened all the way after the bidet was installed. If so, it’ll need to be opened all the way.
As mentioned earlier, many individuals experience an issue with excessive water pressure from their bidets, which is a fairly common problem, particularly with some non-electric bidet models. The primary solution to this issue is deliberately partially closing the shutoff valve to reduce the water pressure.
Anyway, to prevent water from spilling during the installation process, the shutoff valve is fully closed to allow for the removal of the water hose from the fill valve on the toilet tank without causing any mess.
Just do this first First, locate the fill valve and then turn it counterclockwise until you reach the desired pressure.
2. Check for Hidden Leaks in the Water Supply
When there’s low water pressure at the bidet, but other appliances in your home are unaffected, the issue may be related to a leak in the water supply hoses or fittings.
If a leak is present, it’s likely you’d notice due to water pooling on the floor. However, it’s still a good idea to inspect the area, particularly if your supply hose runs beneath a sink (as with warm water supply lines for non-electric bidets). A leak could be concealed by the vanity, making it less obvious at first glance.
3. Ensure the Adjustable T-Valve Isn’t Partially Closed
An adjustable T-valve is a simple and effective way to control the water pressure going to the bidet.
While adjustable T-valves are more commonly found on handheld bidets, some toilet seat bidet units are also equipped with them.
To recap, the T-valve is a small device that connects to the toilet tank, where both the bidet and toilet water supply hoses are attached.
Locate the T-valve and check to ensure it’s fully open to allow for optimal water flow.
4. Check the Water Supply Temperature and Power Source
Some electric bidet models, such as the Omigo and Brondell Swash seats, don’t allow higher water pressure levels (beyond level 2) if the water supply temp or power source are below a certain threshold.
To fully optimize the water pressure capabilities of an electric bidet, it’s important to have a cold water supply with a temperature of at least 50° F (10° C) or higher, along with a power source rated at a minimum of 110V.
In the United States, unheated tap water generally ranges between approximately 40° F to 70° F (4.4° C to 21° C), depending on your location and the time of year.
If the temperature of your water supply is below 50° F, you might want to consider switching to a different bidet model. Explore options and solutions such as [Solution X] and [Solution Y] for further assistance.
5. Ensure an External Water Filter Isn’t Reducing Pressure
When using an external (typically aftermarket) water filter, it can significantly lower the water pressure. The pressure going into the filter is much higher than the pressure that comes out. Because of this, external filters are more commonly used with electric bidets, as these models have a motor that propels water after it’s heated and filtered.
But for reasons of hygiene, a lot of folks install water filters on their bidet attachments, non-electric seats, or handheld sprayers. This setup often reduces the water pressure significantly since the bidet can no longer utilize the home’s full water pressure.
If you insist on using a water filter, I’d recommend opting for an electric bidet seat. While tap water is generally considered clean, the quality of water treatment varies from place to place. In areas where the drinking water is questionable, an electric bidet seat with a built-in filter is a better option.
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6. Make Sure Right Pressure Setting Is Selected
Ensure the water pressure setting isn’t adjusted to a low level. This issue is more common with electric bidets, as their remote controls and side panels tend to be more intricate and complicated.
While some bidets, even high-end luxury models, feature fairly simple remotes and control panels, others can be quite complicated, almost resembling controls from a flight simulator.
Typically, most electric bidets offer 3 to 5 different pressure settings for you to select from. Once you find the pressure setting that suits your preference, many bidets also come with user presets. These presets allow you to save personalized settings for water temperature, wand position, and pressure level for future use.
7. See if the Mesh Filter Needs Cleaning
It’s important to note that the mesh filter is different from the larger external water filter attached to some bidets. The mesh filter is a smaller component that fits on the bidet inlet, filtering incoming water from the supply hose.
If you experience weak water pressure at the bidet, but other appliances are functioning normally, the problem can often be traced to a clogged mesh filter.
To resolve this, check whether the mesh filter requires cleaning or replacement. This filter is located where the water supply hose connects to the bidet inlet.
8. Make sure the Bidet Isn’t Set to the Wrong Mode
Certain bidet models, like some TOTO seats, have specific modes such as “rear soft cleansing mode,” which delivers a gentle, soothing water flow. This soft mode is quite common and can easily be selected by accident.
Many bidets come with soft spray modes that may not be explicitly labeled as such. For instance, some Brondell models feature a sitz bath mode, which sprays warm water at a low pressure over an extended period.
This is just one example, but soft spray modes can be labeled in various ways, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with all the modes available on your bidet to avoid accidentally selecting the wrong one.
9. Use a Narrower Spray Width
First, make sure the wide spray mode isn’t selected.
A wide spray setting is often the reason for low bidet pressure. In many cases, users unknowingly select the wide spray mode or choose it without realizing its impact on water pressure.
There are advantages to using a wider spray, It provides broader coverage, a massaging effect, and requires less effort in terms of strength and body positioning, making it especially beneficial for individuals with limited mobility.
But wide spray modes tend to be less precise and deliver a weaker stream, which might not be as effective for targeted cleaning.
It’s worth checking if your bidet has narrower spray settings available. These settings often go by names, such as “vortex mode.”
Some bidets offer a vortex stream, which is stronger and more concentrated, designed to penetrate the sphincters and help relieve constipation.
This is just one example, but I’m sure there are other spray modes with extra-narrow streams available on different bidet models.
10. Check If the Spray Head Needs Adjustment (Handheld Sprayers)
If you are using an adjustable handheld sprayer such as the Brondell Clean Spa CS-30, you may find that it offers settings for a wider or softer spray.
While most handheld bidets do not come with adjustable features, meaning this might not be the problem, it’s essential to consider all possibilities.
For those sprayers that do allow adjustments, you can reduce the width of the spray. By narrowing it, you will increase the water pressure, resulting in a stronger and more concentrated stream.
11. Verify the Output Pressure of Your Bidet
If the previously mentioned solutions do not address the problem, it is time to examine your bidet more closely.
If the pressure is too low, the first thing you need to do is determine whether if it’s an issue with the bidet itself, or if you’d be better suited with a different type of bidet.
Start by reviewing the water pressure specifications for your current bidet, if they are accessible.
In the user manual, this information will typically appear like this:
Not to be confused with “supply pressure”.
Keep these tips in mind while checking the water pressure of your bidet:
- Check the owner’s manual and manufacturer’s website.
- Ignore the “supply pressure” specs. See the second image just above. Most bidet manuals and spec sheets list the water supply pressure. It refers to the pressure needs of the water going into the bidet, not the pressure of the water coming out of the wand.
- If you can’t find it in the manual, contact the manufacturer with the model number of your bidet to see what the output pressure is.
12. Consider a Non-Electric Bidet
Electric bidets offer the most features, but they generally provide lower water pressure compared to their non-electric bidets.
The water pressure from electric bidet seats is usually sufficient but some people prefer the stronger stream that is typical of handheld sprayers, non-electric bidet seats, and bidet attachments.
The difference in water pressure between electric and non-electric bidets is not huge, but it is noticeable. If you are using an electric seat, it might be that the water pressure does not quite meet your preferences.
Non-electric bidets rely on the home’s water pressure, so the PSI (pounds per square inch) of the water exiting the bidet nozzle matches that of other bathroom fixtures, typically around 80 PSI or sometimes higher.
Electric bidet seats, particularly those manufactured by TOTO and Brondell, are usually strong enough for most users and effective in cleaning. But they may fall insufficient for those who prefer the sensation of a strong jet stream.
Don’t get me wrong but some electric seats do spray relatively at high pressures, but it can vary depending on the model.
Not every bidet but on average the water pressure on electric seats tends to be lower because they utilize a small motor to push water through the wand.
Recommended Reading: 11 The Best Bidet Attachments-Non-Electric And Electric Bidet Seat Options
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13. Consider A High-pressure Electric Bidet With A Stronger Motor And Aerated Stream
After researching your current bidet, you may have found it has lower-than-average pressure or frequent complaints about low pressure. If so, then you should consider a high-pressure electric bidet with a stronger motor and aerated stream.
Features to look for when buying a new electric bidet:
- Aerated water streams: Aerated water streams incorporate air into the nozzle, increasing water pressure while saving water.
- Extra spray settings: Look for bidets with hard or thorough spray modes, often labeled in product descriptions.
- User reviews: Strong water propulsion is usually highlighted in reviews if a model has stronger pressure.
14. Check for Water Failure in Your Area
This may seem odd to you, but if there is a water failure in your area or a shortage of water, the bidet’s pressure can also decrease. Although this is rare, it’s not something to overlook.
For those who use a bidet without any trouble, this issue can feel quite confusing, especially if they are unaware of any water leak happening nearby.
15. Check for Issues with the Home’s Water Pressure
Anything that affects your home’s water pressure can also impact the bidet’s performance. Here, we’re talking about problems inside the home, not a service outage.
Possible issues include:
A broken pressure regulator: Homes have water pressure regulators to keep the pressure stable and within a certain range. A faulty regulator can cause both high and low water pressure.
Clogged pipes: If the pipes supplying water to the toilet are blocked, the flow to both the toilet and the bidet will slow down.
Corroded plumbing: Over time, pipes can corrode, leading to a decrease in water pressure throughout the home.
Check the pressure at other appliances in your house. If there’s an issue with them as well, it means the problem lies upstream of the bidet. In that case, it might be best to hire a plumber.
16. Call the plumber
The solutions mentioned above are the best ways to increase the bidet’s water pressure. If you have tried all these methods and the water pressure still hasn’t improved, it would be a good idea to call a plumber. I’m just kidding but yes, if all the above methods don’t work, it’s best to outsource the job to a plumber.
Conclusion
Low bidet water pressure can often be easily fixed by adjusting the spray setting or opening a valve, but sometimes it may be due to the nature of the bidet itself. You might be using a model with lower pressure, or you may prefer the stronger pressure provided by non-electric bidets.
A common cause of low water pressure is clogged inlet filters, and this can also be an issue with external filters, whether they are clean or not.
I hope you can solve the problem without having to purchase a completely new bidet. Fortunately, many of the issues mentioned are simple to fix.