Bidet vs Washlet
An Eco-friendly Alternative
The early days of the pandemic showed us what the world would be like without toilet paper! Fortunately, there are alternatives to toilet paper in the bathroom – washlets and bidets.
Both of these choices are eco-friendly alternatives to toilet paper. Also, they make keeping clean easier for those with mobility issues. While not yet quite as popular in the U.S. as they are in Europe and Asia, bidets and washlets are growing in popularity in recent years.
In this post, we're going to look at the pros, cons, and differences between the bidet vs. the washlet so you can make an informed decision about which is the best choice for you.
What is a Bidet?
If you are remodeling your bathroom and have space, a bidet is a comfortable alternative to toilet paper. A bidet is a stand-alone fixture, meaning that you'll need additional space in the bathroom.
Bidets typically come in two models. One sprays water from front to back; the other type sprays water straight up from the base of the fixture.
To install a bidet, you must follow the same space planning regulations as toilets. A bidet must be professionally installed to meet your local building codes. To meet code in most locations, you need 30-inches for either a toilet or bidet with 36-inches for comfort. To have both a toilet and bidet next to each other, you'll need a minimum of 60-inches of space.
The Pros and Cons of a Bidet
A bidet is a stand-alone fixture and will need to be professionally installed. Bidets connect to your existing plumbing but will need to have new supply and waste lines installed. The plumber will split off new lines to the bidet. The unit is then installed, sealed into place, and connected to the plumbing.
Installation time will vary based on where it is located and if the existing plumbing is easily accessible. The farther the pipes need to travel, the longer installation will take and the higher the cost.
On a positive note, because a bidet is plumbed separately and uses both hot and cold water, you have control and can adjust the temperature to your preference. The bidet faucet allows you to adjust the temperature and adjust the pressure to customize your experience.
While bidets have a starting cost of between $300 and $500, installation costs are much higher. They can easily double that price on average. The cost will increase if you're looking for designer colors and styles or if the plumbing run is longer.
On the plus side, bidets only use about 1/8 of a gallon of water with each use. However, you no longer need to use toilet paper. While you will use a small amount of additional water, you could save about $180 each year on toilet paper!
Another consideration is that when you use a bidet, you must transfer from the toilet to the bidet. Bidets are typically lower than a toilet, so using it might be uncomfortable or more difficult for those with mobility issues.
What is a Washlet?
Washlets are sometimes called "bidet toilet seats." Like a bidet, they eliminate the need for toilet paper and help you clean up after using the toilet. Washlets are basically high-tech toilet seat replacements and come in many styles with many different options.
Some high-end washlets include features like heated seats, warm air drying, customizable settings for wash, auto-opening and closing seats, auto flush, deodorizers, self-cleaning systems, and even built-in MP3 players. Not every washlet will offer all of these features, so you should choose the most important features to best meet your needs.
The Pros and Cons of a Washlet
One big benefit washlets offer is that, unlike a bidet, they don't require additional space. Basically, they can replace your existing toilet seat. As a result, they can be an excellent choice for powder rooms and small bathrooms that don't have the space needed for a bidet.
Because installation takes just a few minutes, the cost is much less. If you're having a new toilet installed as part of remodeling, you can have your plumber hook it up. They fit onto your toilet and use a standard T-connector to tap into your toilet's water supply. You'll also need to have your electrician install a GFCI outlet near the toilet as the washlet needs electricity.
Washlets come in a wide range of prices, depending on the level of accessories you'd like. A basic cold-water washlet starts at around $100. When fully loaded with heat, blow-dry, and an MP3 player, a washlet can cost over $1000. Add the cost of installing a GFCI outlet ($120 - $200) and a standard washlet all in averages $500, about half the bidet price.
Like a bidet, a washlet uses around 1/8 gallon of water per use, eliminates the need for toilet paper, and can save you about $180 per year.
In general, a washlet is considered more comfortable because you can include a heated seat and manually adjust the spray. However, a washlet is hooked up to your toilet's water supply, so they only use cold water. If your seat has a heater, it creates warm water on demand. However, it's not always reliable.
Bidet vs. Washlet: The Bottom Line...
This type of upgrade is predominantly a personal choice. The truth is that neither bidets nor washlets add a lot of value to your home. It's is more of a quality of life investment that is more sustainable and reduces your carbon footprint.
Bidets are more commonly found in Europe and have become more prevalent in the U.S. in recent years. However, washlets are the more popular choice among homeowners because they can be easily disconnected and taken to your new home.
While both bidets and washlets come with pros and cons, here at Toulmin Cabinetry & Design, we recommend and have installed Toto Washlet Bidet Seats for our clients. Toto units are among the most customizable on the market. You can adjust the pressure, temperature, and heat of the seat and add other options depending on your needs and budget. Toto Washlets also have water-saving settings making them an eco-friendly addition to the bathroom.
If you're planning a bathroom remodeling project and live in the West Central Alabama area, give the design experts at Toulmin Cabinetry & Design a call at (205) 366-0807. We're happy to answer any questions you may have about bidets or washlets. Let us help you design the perfect bathroom space to meet your aesthetic and functional needs.
