Bidets are catching on here in the U.S., and a growing industry of bidet manufacturers are offering bidet faucet options that weren't available to most homeowners just a few years ago. A bidet faucet is easy to install on a traditional American toilet, and there are many different options to choose from. All this means you'll have no trouble customizing your bidet in order to create the ultimate bidet for you.
How a Bidet Faucet Works
A bidet faucet is simply an attachment you have installed on your toilet that shoots up a soothing stream of water to clean off your privates when you're done doing your business. Bidets have been proven to result in cleaner, and healthier, users, making this a smart investment, not just a luxurious one.
Bidet Faucet Types
Because standard toilets in the United States aren't manufactured with bidets as part of the fixture, you'll probably be shopping for an "after market" bidet faucet to install on your toilet. Not all bidets are the same, however, so it pays to do a little research so you can choose the right faucet for you.
The Standard Bidet: Your standard bidet is about as straightforward as it gets. It's a small faucet that attaches to the underside of your toilet (or you can buy a special bidet fitted toilet seat), that washes your backside when you're finished using the toilet. They typically heat the water to a pleasing temperature, and come in a variety of spray types for different sized users and different genders.
The Wash and Dry Bidet: With a typical bidet, you'll still need to perform a utility wipe to dry yourself off when you're finished. With a wash and dry model, the bidet spray is followed by forced, heated air to dry you off hands free. Cleaning up after taking care of business doesn't get any easier than this.
Portable Bidets: Believe it or not, some bidet faucets are so easy to install on standard toilets that they make portable units for those who want to take their bidet on the road. A portable bidet can easily be removed and re-installed wherever you are, making the cleansing, refreshing experience of using a bidet available to you anywhere.
Handheld Bidets: The most common question here is, "wouldn't using a handheld bidet be kind of messy?" The answer, if you installed a handheld bidet on your toilet, would be a definite yes. Handheld bidets, however, are mostly manufactured for shower installation. You won't get the benefits of regular bidet cleaning, but once a day is certainly better than none. Also, since bidet sprays can be particularly helpful and soothing for those experiencing hemorrhoids, soreness or bleeding from diarrhea, and problems from anal and genital surgery, installing a hand held model can be a real luxury when it comes to getting some relief.
Bidet Extras: Not to be outdone, your bidet faucet can provide you with some nice extras if you're willing to pay a little extra. Pulsating and massaging bidet streams, water jet adjustments, heated toilet seats, and wireless controls, are all available for bidet enthusiasts. If you're going to purchase a bidet anyway, why not spend a little more and get the deluxe model bidet you've always dreamed of?
If you're interested in having a bidet installed in your bathroom(s), talk to a bidet supplier or plumber about which options would be best for you and what it's going to take to get these wonderful, cleansing toilet accessories up and running in your home.
Matt Goering, formerly a carpenter and house painter, is a freelance writer for the home improvement industry who has published over 600 articles.
© Copyright 1999-2008, ServiceMagic, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Digg 
Reddit
Del.icio.us
