For a long time, bidets were seen as rather exotic, a bathroom feature that was common in other parts of the world but not in the United States. Today, more American homeowners are choosing to make bidets a fixture in their bathrooms, including homeowners right here in Denver, CO. Bidets offer cleanliness, comfort and sustainability. Here’s everything you need to know about bidets and why you should consider making the upgrade.
What Is a Bidet?
Originating in France in the 17th century, bidets have evolved over time and are now commonplace in many parts of the world, particularly in Asia and the Middle East. However, they’ve become increasingly popular in Western countries over the past decade. Contrary to what you might think, a bidet isn’t a replacement for a toilet. Instead, it’s a way to hygienically wash yourself after using a standard toilet. Actually, a bidet functions much like a sink with faucets and running water.
While a bidet might seem unusual to those who’ve never used one, people who make the switch rave about their new bathroom fixture. If you want to feel fresher and cleaner than you ever have in your life, a bidet might be just what you and your family need. Here are the reasons why bidet owners love bidets so much.
Top-Tier Personal Hygiene
There’s nothing that compares to the cleanliness you and your family will experience when you make the switch to a bidet. Compared to traditional toilet paper or even wet wipes, the fresh feeling that a bidet offers is simply unparalleled. Since a bidet utilizes water for cleaning, the experience is thorough yet gentle. This is especially great for those who have sensitive skin, as less bacteria and residue means less irritation.
Environmental Sustainability
The environmental impact of traditional toilet paper usage is far from ideal. While toilet paper does break down over time, it still adds pollution to our rivers and lakes. Furthermore, water processing plants have to use more energy to break down and disintegrate toilet paper than they do for waste alone.
As more homeowners seek to adopt more eco-friendly practices, adding a bidet to your bathroom can be a huge step in the right direction. Not only will you reduce the amount of toilet paper your family uses, but you’ll help to ensure that our water treatment systems use less energy and work more efficiently.
Cost Savings
While you’ll pay an initial cost to have a bidet installed in your bathroom, adding a bidet to your bathroom can result in some serious savings. Bidet toilets eliminate the ongoing expense of purchasing toilet paper and wet wipes. Furthermore, bidets require very little maintenance and rarely clog the way traditional toilets do. Modern bidets are designed to be eco- and wallet-friendly, which means they efficiently use water and energy.
Improved Comfort and Luxury
Today’s bidets offer a truly luxurious bathroom experience. Modern bidet models offer adjustable water temperature, pressure and speed, allowing users to customize their personal cleansing experience according to their preferences. Some bidets even offer heated seats and other luxury features that give a spa-like quality to the user experience. Indeed, installing a bidet can really take your bathroom to the next level, which can also increase the market value of your home should you ever choose to sell.
Better Accessibility
Bidet toilets promote independence and accessibility for anyone who might struggle with mobility, making it a wonderful choice for disability families. By creating a hands-free experience, a bidet makes superior hygiene accessible to just about all users, ensuring that everyone can feel independent and empowered regardless of their specific physical limitations.
What to Know About Bidet Ownership
While owning a bidet might sound like a foreign concept if this is your first time, bidets don’t really require a high degree of maintenance. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you become a bidet owner.
Keep It Clean
If you know how to clean a toilet, you know how to clean a bidet. You can use the same cleaning products that you use on your toilet on your bidet. A few quick scrubs with a stiff brush once a week are all you need to keep your bidet sparkling clean.
Periodically Inspect
It’s a good idea to occasionally inspect your bidet for any leaks or water pressure issues. If you notice something might be wrong, call a plumber as soon as possible. As with any plumbing component in your bathroom, it’s smart to take care of minor issues before they become big problems.
Don’t Flush Paper Products
Never flush toilet paper down a bidet. The drain in your bidet is designed to accommodate only waste water and can’t properly dispose of paper products. If you like to use toilet paper or paper products to dry off after bidet usage, place a small waste bin nearby so that you may dispose of these products properly.
Debunking Misconceptions About Bidets
Some people might be reluctant to explore the world of bidets due to some misinformation about this luxurious bathroom upgrade. Here are some common myths about bidets, in addition to the truth.
Bidets Are Only for Women
Bidets are for anyone who uses the bathroom, which means that they’re for everyone! Bidets offer a wonderful bathroom experience for both men and women, ensuring overall hygiene and comfort.
Bidets Are Unsanitary
This couldn’t be further from the truth. Bidets are the most sanitary of any bathroom hygiene options, including wet wipes. While it might not be the bathroom experience that you’re used to, you’ll feel the difference in cleanliness after your very first bidet experience.
Bidets Waste Water
While bidets use water for cleansing, they actually utilize less water than what’s needed to effectively guide toilet paper out of the toilet bowl and down the pipes.
Bidets Are Expensive and Difficult to Install
While some premium bidets might be outside of some homeowners’ budgets, there are many affordable options available on the market. Furthermore, installing a bidet is actually less complicated or difficult than installing a standard toilet.
Become a Bidet Owner Today
Once you’ve had a bidet for a few weeks, you’ll quickly see why they’ve become so incredibly popular. A bidet truly offers users the most hygienic and luxurious bathroom experience possible. A bidet is a perfect addition to your existing bathroom, but also makes a great component to include in any bathroom remodeling project.
If you’re ready to take the plunge and install a bidet in your bathroom, the talented professionals at Summit Heating & A/C are here to help. We’ll guide you through each step of the process, from a smooth installation to ensuring that you know how to maintain your new bathroom fixture. In addition to bidets, we can help you with all of your plumbing needs. We’re also here to help with heating, cooling and electric services. Contact Summit Heating & A/C and learn more about bidets and have a bidet installed in your Denver home.
