June 28, 2021, 2:53 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Many people know a bidet only from vacations in distant countries or from upscale hotels. However, you can also install the “washing station for the intimate area” in your own bathroom. It doesn’t have to be an additional sink; a flexible hose connected under the washbasin is sufficient.
There are different types of bidets. The classic version is the additional basin next to the sink and toilet. More modern versions include a nozzle in the toilet bowl, an attachment mounted under the existing toilet seat, or a toilet seat with an integrated bidet. There are also bidets as handheld showers, conveniently placed near the toilet. The latter two bidet models can be easily retrofitted by DIY enthusiasts. In our video, we demonstrate how to proceed using a bidet handheld shower.
Which Bidet Is Recommended?
Even though an additional basin appears more elegant than its modern counterparts, DIY enthusiasts can’t easily install a basin in the bathroom. Bidets that can be retrofitted in the bathroom are either an extension or a replacement of the conventional toilet seat—or a handheld shower used as a bidet. We explain how to easily retrofit a bidet using the latter alternative.
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Retrofit a Bidet as a Handheld Shower – Instructions
Ready-made bidet handheld shower sets are available in stores, consisting of a showerhead, hose, holder, and T-piece. With the latter connection piece, the system is mounted under the washbasin to the cold water supply. This is usually on the right side, with hot water on the left. However, the latter is not suitable for the bidet, as you can’t regulate the water like with a single-lever mixer, and it would be too hot. Some handheld shower bidets also allow you to adjust the spray strength.
For installation, you generally only need a pipe wrench, a cloth, and a bucket. A suitable open-end wrench is useful for tightening the union nuts. Here’s how to proceed with the installation:
- Turn off the main water valve in the bathroom and check that no water is running.
- Place a bucket under the washbasin, as there is still water in the line.
- Loosen the union nut on the cold water supply with a pipe wrench (beware of residual water).
- Screw the T-piece onto the supply line.
- Connect the hose to the washbasin faucet with the T-piece.
- Now attach the bidet hose to the T-piece.
- Then you can turn the main water valve back on and check if the connections are tight.
- Finally, just attach the holder within reach, for example, on the washbasin cabinet. Done!
Related: Cleaning the toilet seat – here’s how it works
Bidet Attachment as an Alternative
Not only a handheld shower but also a bidet attachment can be easily installed yourself. It is simply mounted under the toilet seat and offers a nozzle with both cold and hot water. The more expensive version, the toilet seat with an integrated bidet, can not only be heated but also features functions such as a warm air dryer.
Important when buying: Be sure to pay attention to the correct dimensions! Not all toilet seats or additional attachments fit every toilet. Therefore, measure your own toilet beforehand and only then look for a suitable bidet attachment.
A retrofit bidet must be connected to the water supply of the washbasin. Therefore, ensure that the bidet hose is long enough or replace it with one that reaches the connections. Once these precautions are taken, you can proceed with the installation:
- First, turn off the main water valve in the bathroom.
- Now remove the toilet seat. The screws for this are usually located under the toilet key. They can be easily loosened with the appropriate tool.
- Then replace the toilet seat. The manufacturer’s instructions explain how the exchange works. Note: With the cheaper version, you must mount the bidet attachment between the toilet bowl and the toilet seat. The instructions explain exactly how this works.
- Mount the hoses on the bidet using the supplied adapters to the cold and hot water supply of the washbasin. Be sure to check that everything is secure.
- Then you can open the connections again and use the bidet.
myHOMEBOOK says:
If you’re not confident in retrofitting a bidet yourself, you can, of course, hire a professional. And if that’s too much effort or too expensive, there are now practical alternatives like handheld bidets. These small “bottom showers” are simply filled with water. A nozzle releases a strong jet of water, allowing you to clean yourself after using the toilet.