Bidets have become a hot topic of conversation. While that can certainly be attributed to the great COVID-19 toilet paper shortage (bidets don’t require much, if any, toilet paper to use), it also stems from increasing concern for the environment.

Because of this, more and more homeowners are wondering, Are bidets better for the environment? And, Can they save me money?

Read on to learn more about the many benefits of a bidet over a traditional toilet, and whether one might be right for you.

First, What Exactly Are the Benefits of a Bidet?

Bidets look almost the same as toilets, except they include a spray nozzle that cleans your backside. Aside from saving you around $182 on toilet paper every year, there are many other bidet benefits:

  1. Better Personal Hygiene

  • As bidet users will attest, the splash of water from a bidet cleans better.
  • Water is gentler than toilet paper.
  • Less hand contact with your fecal matter, helping to prevent the spread of illness.
  • Can help improve feminine hygiene with bidet options that can clean the vaginal area.
  • Cleaner option for those with mobility issues. This is especially true for those who struggle with arthritis, Parkinson’s, spinal or back injuries, or obesity.
  • Can be a healthier option for those with rectum or anal issues. Studies have shown that anal resting pressure is reduced with the use of a warm, low-pressure bidet jet stream.

  1. Saves Trees, Protects Habitats, Reduces Water Waste … and More

  • Bidets reduce deforestation by eliminating – or vastly reducing – the need for toilet paper (some bidet owners use a small amount of TP to pat themselves dry). Logging devastates animal habitats and reduces a forest’s ability to process CO2.
  • It seems contradictory, but bidets use less water. The average American household goes through 400 rolls of toilet paper a year, with a single roll of toilet paper requiring 37 gallons of water to produce. A bidet, on the other hand, uses about 1/8th gallon of water each use.
  • Most toilet paper is sealed in plastic packaging and shipped via cross-country trucking. Using a bidet reduces your carbon footprint, making bidets eco-friendly compared to toilet paper.

  1. Reduces Plumbing Clogs

  • With less toilet paper use, it’s less likely that clogs will occur in your toilet or drainpipe. This can keep your drains clear and reduce overall wear.

  1. Saves Money

  • From reducing your spend on toilet paper to potentially minimizing your need for drain unclogging and toilet repairs, bidets can save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run.

Related Content: How Much Toilet Paper Is Too Much to Flush?

Which Is Better: A Bidet or Toilet Paper?

Regardless of your personal preferences, there’s no denying that bidets are the better option all-around: for your hygiene, the environment, your plumbing, and your wallet. Unless you’re somehow managing to use the same amount of toilet paper in conjunction with a bidet, there’s no reason why installing one wouldn’t benefit you and others in your home.

So, if you want to be more hygienic and environmentally responsible, give one a try! You can always remove it and go back to toilet paper only. Regardless, a toilet is still the foundation of any bidet bathroom experience, and Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is ready to service your toilet, whether it has a bidet feature or not.

Do You Really Need a Bidet?

It’s not a necessity. However, many medical and environmental professionals agree that it’s the logical choice for better hygiene and reducing negative environmental impact. If you think about it, water is our primary source of cleanliness. We use it for dishwashing, clothes washing, handwashing, showering, and more. Why wouldn’t we use it for cleaning after using the toilet?

Though the choice is ultimately up to you, there’s no denying bidets can provide a significant amount of benefits for you and the planet.

If you’re considering installing a bidet in your home, count on your local Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for help. We can answer any questions you may have, install a bidet next to your toilet, or replace your existing toilet with a bidet toilet.

Related Content: How to Install a Bidet Toilet Seat

Ready to Install a Bidet Today?

Thinking of upgrading to a bidet toilet, or need some help making the right decision for your home? Count on the licensed plumbers at your local Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for bidet services. Call us at 1-877-BEN-1776 or book an appointment online.