The bidet is an interesting piece of bathroom kit most Americans know little about. That’s not surprising, given that our restroom hygiene emphasizes toilet paper and hand washing. But in other parts of the world, bidets are very popular.
I was curious to know how many plumbing contractors service bidets. To my surprise, only one website of the dozens I visited mentioned bidet service. That site belonged to Utah-based Beehive Plumbing. Beehive services Utah, Salt Lake, and Davis counties.
I should not be surprised. The fact that so few American homes are equipped with bidets means there isn’t a lot of demand for bidet service. Nonetheless, below is everything you have ever wanted to know about the bidet – or perhaps not.
What It Is
First and foremost, let’s talk about what a bidet is. A bidet is a bathroom fixture designed to quickly and effortlessly clean the appropriate body parts after using the toilet. It cleans with a gentle stream of (warm, hopefully) water. It’s actually a very good device for people with certain disabilities or health conditions.
Different Types of Bidets
You might be interested to know that there are different types of bidets available through U.S. suppliers. The most common in public restrooms is the standalone bidet. This is a separate fixture attached to the wall beside a toilet. It’s like a low sink that you straddle during cleaning.
Other types of bidets include:
Integrated – An integrated bidet is built-in to the toilet seat or attached to the porcelain. Integrated units tend to include features like warm water sprays and adjustable pressure.
Handheld – Also known as a bidet shower, a handheld unit is very similar to a kitchen sink sprayer. It is manually operated for targeted control.
Bidet Attachments – A bidet attachment is a separate device installed on the underside of the toilet seat. It enables bidet functionality without having to replace the seat altogether.
Believe it or not, it’s even possible to buy portable bidets. These are smaller, travel-friendly devices you can easily stick in an overnight bag, shoulder bag, or backpack.
Professionally Servicing a Bidet
Now that you have a good handle on what a bidet is and what it’s used for, consider this: bidets sometimes need service. They are no different from any other bathroom fixture. The big question is what plumbers might be called to do in the bidet realm. Consider the following:
Installation – Installing a standalone bidet is a bit more complicated than installing a toilet. It is definitely a job for a plumber if a property owner’s DIY skills are lacking.
Retrofitting Lines – DIY installation could still require calling in a plumber to retrofit water supply lines and drains. The property owner can do the rest.
Repair – All sorts of bidets wear out over time. So plumbers are available for repairs. They can replace worn seals, fix leaks, replace hoses, etc.
Thanks to technology, consumers can now invest in electronic bidets that come equipped with all sorts of interesting features. Installing such a unit would definitely be a job for a plumber. Once you start mixing water and electricity, you have left the DIY space.
I have never personally used a bidet. But I know people who have. To a person, they swear by the bidet as a more hygienic way to clean up after using the bathroom. Who knows? They may someday catch on here in the States. And if they do, expect to see plumbing contractors service bidets in the Salt Lake City area and start upping their games. Someone’s going to have to provide installation and repair services.