With all the talk about sustainability in industry and personal consumption, one practical solution seems to get washed away decade after decade. Enter the bidet, a simple idea now assuming a more modern form. Gone are the days when a separate fixture stands in the shadow of the commode. Today’s bidet attachments have revolutionized the concept, transforming the once-European luxury fixture into something every home can have.

Bidets not only cut down on personal waste but, according to The Guardian, research by an environmental impact consultancy firm has found that, globally, 1 million trees are cut down each day simply to purvey toilet paper to the world. Bidets have been around since the 1700s, but somehow, we have not managed to societally adopt them into our way of life. 

Septic systems and local wastewater treatment plants could also benefit greatly from a reduction in toilet paper use. So why won’t Americans adopt this new environmentally hygienic habit?

Not All Bidets Are Created Equal

Bidets come in different shapes and forms and, in some cases, with zero product certifications for safety compliance. The free-standing bidet fixture requires additional sanitary waste, a sanitary vent and a potable water connection in your bathroom layout. The new-age accessory-type, however, retrofits onto an existing toilet quite nicely. Although they may function similarly, there are key differences to consider when adding a bidet to your bathroom design.

Most importantly, both styles require backflow protection, such as an air gap. The free-standing bidet often has a hot and cold water connection and requires a temperature control device limiting the output to 110 F to prevent scalding. Most accessory-type bidets include one singular connection by plastic tee and braided hose to the existing toilet’s cold water supply line; but these additional safety concerns should never be overlooked.

From personal experience, I’ve explored two devices from two different brands installed in my home, Toto and Tushy. When installed correctly, the Toto Washlet, which I purchased from Amazon, meets the required codes and standards. According to the included paperwork, it is a listed, certified and tested product. 

On the other hand, the Tushy brand bidet, which I also purchased online, lacks any certification or public visibility of such. This discovery prompted my deep dive into the world of retail bidets, not only for sustainability questions but also for safety compliance as it relates to public health. 

Now, here’s where it gets a bit tricky. The water outlet on many bidet nozzles protrudes below the flood rim (when extended) causing it to technically not have protection by an air gap in the event of malfunction or overflow. Many of these devices include internal vacuum breakers and electrical components following testing standards, ensuring backflow prevention to a limited capacity. 

These two measures, air gap and backflow prevention, provide a path to bidet safety. Testing certifications are an important detail to check for when looking for any safe plumbing fixture accessory with a permanent connection to your home’s potable drinking water system. 

Fancy Settings but Practical, Too

Modern bidets come with an incredible display of future-forward features, making them functional and luxurious. Many modern bidets are equipped with instantaneous water heaters, providing warm water on demand without needing a separate hot water line or storage. This is why having a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet next to the toilet is essential; it powers the water heater, ensuring a comfortable and hygienic experience. 

Electric-type bidet seats come with advanced controls and settings, allowing users to customize their experience or have multiperson presets. On some, you can adjust the water and seat temperatures for maximum comfort with a push of a button, while others include a warm air dryer, eliminating the need for toilet paper and enhancing sustainability. 

Other features include integral air deodorizing systems that activate before use, self-cleaning water nozzles, illuminated LED rim lighting, stereo systems and remote controls for setting the mood from afar or by voice command — if you’re fancy like that. 

Years ago, I worked as a plumbing project manager in an iconic midcentury landmark building called The Manhattan House, a 1950s Art Deco residential behemoth of a building situated near Central Park on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. It was the early 2000s and the first time I had ever installed or seen a bidet in person, being a Long Island kid. 

One of the building owners was renovating a unit and I was given the specification to make the purchase and install. Never have I seen a device quite like this. It was large and even had a display mounted on the wall that addressed its owner by first name during regularly scheduled visits. 

Commissioning was funny when the owner had us wrap the unit in clear plastic to ensure its cleanliness while we plumbers fiddled with the features and got it ready for the inaugural demonstration. In New York City and other metropolitan areas, high-end toilets and plumbing fixtures have always been around, but not all can shift culture like the bidet.

So please look for labels on your bidets, purchase certified products, ensure compliance with plumbing codes and standards, and provide peace of mind for your community water supply. Proper installation by licensed plumbers is essential to ensure compliance with all relevant codes and standards. This also helps avoid potential issues such as leaks or improper connections. 

As innovation in plumbing components and fixtures evolves, don’t forget to look for product certification labels and hire a professional for your installations. Happiness is a GFCI next to the toilet, after all.