Getting to the bottom of all the perks a paper-free bathroom can bring

 

While bidets were once considered a luxury item mainly found in high-end homes or hotels, they’re becoming much more accessible and affordable for everyone. Today, there are bidet attachments and toilet seat bidets that can be easily installed on existing toilets without the need for expensive plumbing. Prices range from budget-friendly options to more opulent models with advanced features like heated seats, customizable lighting, air dryers, and even audio systems!

Top 5 Benefits of a Bidet:

 

1. Enhanced Cleanliness and Hygiene:  

Toilet paper can only do so much to clean after using the bathroom, often leaving behind residue that can irritate the skin and lead to unpleasant odors. A bidet, on the other hand, uses a gentle stream of water to thoroughly clean the area, which leaves you feeling fresher and more comfortable.

When wiping with toilet paper, it's easy for bacteria to be transferred to your hands or other parts of the body. With a bidet, however, the water stream minimizes direct contact and helps prevent any contamination, enhancing your overall hygiene.

2. Advanced Health and Medical Benefits:

In addition to the everyday cleanliness and hygiene advantages, there are some advanced benefits to using a bidet over toilet paper.

  • Gentler on the skin: Toilet paper can sometimes be harsh on the skin, causing irritation or even leading to conditions like anal fissures or hemorrhoids. Bidets, however, offer a soothing, gentle cleanse with water, minimizing irritation and promoting overall comfort.
  • Perfect for people with mobility issues: Bidets can be particularly helpful for individuals with mobility issues or disabilities, as they eliminate the need for wiping and allow for a more comfortable, independent bathroom experience. For elderly individuals or people recovering from surgery, the use of a bidet can provide greater dignity and self-sufficiency.
  • Effective in managing certain health conditions: Bidets can be beneficial for people suffering from conditions like hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The gentle cleaning method can provide relief from discomfort and promote healing by reducing friction and irritation.
  • Postpartum care: After childbirth, new mothers often experience discomfort or pain during bathroom visits. Using a bidet can be an excellent way to soothe and clean the affected area without causing further irritation or pain.

3. Environmental Impact and Sustainability:

In today's world, where sustainability is becoming an increasingly important concern, bidets are a more eco-friendly alternative. Consider the following:

  • Reduction in toilet paper usage: The average American uses about 141 rolls of toilet paper per year. Bidets reduce the need for this paper drastically. For a household of four, this could mean a reduction of 500-700 rolls annually. This not only helps save trees but also reduces the water consumption and energy used in the production and transportation of toilet paper.
  • Decreased deforestation: Producing toilet paper requires a significant amount of paper pulp, most of which comes from trees. A bidet, by reducing the need for toilet paper, can help save millions of trees each year, contributing to a reduction in deforestation and preserving ecosystems.
  • Lower carbon footprint: The production and transportation of toilet paper contribute to carbon emissions. By using a bidet, you can help reduce your personal carbon footprint, promoting a more sustainable lifestyle.
  • Water savings: While it may seem counterintuitive to use water for cleaning, bidets are surprisingly efficient in their water consumption. The average bidet uses only about 0.5 liters (less than a pint) of water per use. In contrast, manufacturing toilet paper requires large amounts of water. According to estimates, producing just one roll of toilet paper uses around 37 gallons of water.

4. Long-Term Financial Savings:

While the upfront cost of installing a bidet might seem like an investment, it can actually lead to substantial savings over time. Here’s how:

  • Reduced toilet paper expenses: As mentioned earlier, a bidet drastically reduces the amount of toilet paper you need. The average household spends anywhere from $100 to $200 per year on toilet paper. With a bidet, these costs can be reduced by up to 75%, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars annually.
  • Lower plumbing and maintenance costs: Because bidets require less toilet paper to be flushed, they can help prevent clogs and blockages in your plumbing system. Over time, this can reduce the likelihood of expensive plumbing repairs and maintenance, saving you money on professional services.
  • Increased durability of plumbing fixtures: Along with reducing clogs, flushing less toilet paper also means you can expect your pipes and septic systems to last longer and perform better, which could reduce the need for costly repairs or replacements.
  • Cost-effective installation: Bidets can be relatively inexpensive to install. For those who already have a standard toilet, there are many affordable bidet attachments or toilet seat bidets available on the market that start at less than $150. These attachments are easy to install and don’t require any major plumbing work, making the initial investment minimal. Higher-end full bidets, which include heated seats and air dryers, can be quite affordable, and the long-term savings easily outweigh the initial costs. Many of these models start between $600 to $1000 and rise exponentially depending on the brand name and comfort features you want.

 

5. Increased Home Value and Appeal:

Bidets are considered a luxury addition by some, and the growing trend toward sustainable living and personal comfort makes them an attractive feature. In particular, bidet seats or attachments that are easy to install and offer a range of features—such as adjustable water pressure, heated seats, and dryers—could increase the overall value of your home.

Top 3 Plumbing System Considerations

Once you decide if you’d like to add or upgrade to a bidet, there are a few plumbing considerations that your Ben Franklin Plumbing professional can discuss with you in a free consultation.

1. Water Supply Connection:

There needs to be an accessible water line near the toilet. Most bidet attachments or seats connect to the existing toilet’s water supply valve, typically with a T-valve that splits the water flow. Ben Franklin Plumbing experts can make sure you have the right adapter or fitting to connect the bidet to the water source. Some installations may require a longer hose or additional plumbing if the water source is too far.

2. Water Pressure:

It’s important that your home has adequate water pressure for the bidet to function properly. Most bidet systems are designed to work with typical household water pressure, but if you have low pressure in your plumbing, you may need to install a pressure booster or opt for a bidet model that functions well with lower pressure.

3. Drainage and Space for Installation:

Bidets typically don’t require a separate drain, as they use the same drainage system as the toilet. However, it's crucial to ensure there's enough space around the toilet for the bidet installation, especially if it’s a seat attachment or a standalone unit. This includes checking that there’s room for the bidet’s water connections and that the existing toilet doesn’t obstruct the plumbing. Additionally, consider the placement of any potential electrical components (for heated seats or dryers), as you may need to arrange for an outlet.

Bidets offer a wide range of benefits, from improved hygiene and comfort to long-term savings and environmental sustainability. While the initial investment may seem high to some, the return on investment in terms of reduced toilet paper use, lower plumbing costs, and improved overall cleanliness is undeniable. Let the insured, bonded, and certified professionals at Ben Franklin Plumbing address your plumbing concerns correctly, safely, and affordably the first time. We’ve been proudly serving customers in Charlotte and the surrounding area for decades, including Indian Trail, Concord, and Mooresville.

Visit http://www.benfranklinplumbing.com or call our 24/7 customer service line today 800.471.0809.