What is the History of the Bidet?
Bidets were first invented in France during the 17th century. It would be long before they became standard in other countries by the 18th century. But it would be early in the 1980s before they made their way to the United States. Today, they are becoming popular in homes, which has led to toilet and bidet repair services by plumbers.
Do bidets and toilets use the same plumbing?
They can be installed with individual plumbing or share the toilet plumbing. When it comes to toilet and bidet repair, plumbers prefer the all-in-one bidet/toilet combo. When some homeowners are renovating or updating their master bathroom, they choose to have separate incoming and outgoing plumbing lines for each fixture.
Where was the term ‘bidet’ derived from?
Bidet is a French word that means “little horse” because it was designed to be straddled, similar to saddling a horse. In European homes and other countries, a bidet is a standard fixture.
Some features that should be considered about having a bidet installed include:
- Bathroom Issues Solved
In America, we use toilet paper when we use the bathroom. A lot of it, in fact, too much, leading to clogged toilets and sewers. For those with some physical issues like arthritis or Parkinson’s disease, it isn’t a comfortable process.
Thus, a bidet would be ideal for homes where someone has these issues. Not to mention that a bidet can help ease the destruction of nature due to less toilet paper being used and fewer toilet and bidet repair service calls.
- A Variety of Bidets
The classic bidet is the most common, as we mentioned above, it straddles much like a horse, leaving the user facing the opposite direction compared to a toilet. This allows the user to spray where needed to clean themselves.
A toilet with an integrated bidet is recommended for homes with seniors or small children. Other integrated bidets have a child mode that sprays the water at a lighter pressure. They can come basic or load with many features, including:
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi speakers
- Warm water, Aird dryer
- Seat and floor heater
- Built-in deodorizer, night light
It is important to consider the more features your bidet has, you may need additional toilet and bidet repair with an electrician if your plumber isn’t able to repair it.
- Separate Installation Required
All bidets don’t process solid waste like toilets, so if you choose to get a bidet separate from a toilet, you’ll need separate installation.
- Various Price Ranges
There are several options in bidets, that can start around $5,000 and go upward, depending on the features you choose. Shop around with different plumbers and plumbing stores for the cost of the bidet, a combination, and the installation cost. When you choose a plumber, inquire if they offer toilet and bidet repair services.
Can a bidet be repaired?
Bidets have been around for over 40 years, but not all plumbers are experienced in repairing them. You may need to call around to find a plumber who is experienced and has the supplies needed.
How much does it cost to replace a toilet with a bidet?
The installation cost of a bidet can vary depending on the add-ons and upgrades you may choose. And the existing plumbing can affect the cost as well. Some basic costs for installation include:
| Standalone Bidet: The unit itself is between $200 and $500 with installation added can cost between $1,500 and $2,000. | ||
| Bidet Toilet Combination: The unit itself is between $1,000 and $2,000 and with installation, it can cost between $2,000 and $3,000. |
What is the lifespan of a bidet?
You can expect between five and ten years based on a few factors. A quality brand of bidet is the first factor in the lifespan. Other factors include the frequency it is used and the care and maintenance once it is installed. The frequency of toilet and bidet repairs is done by an experienced plumber.
Do you still need to wipe if you use a bidet?
This is a common question for Americans and the answer is basically, it’s your choice. Some people will use toilet paper to wipe and then use the bidet. Others will pat dry after using the bidet. It is a personal choice, but if the bidet is installed and maintained properly, it will have enough water pressure to thoroughly clean you.
In Closing
While bidets are gaining popularity, here in America, we probably will never do without a toilet in our homes. However, if you’re updating your master bathroom to a more modern setting, a bidet is something to consider. Not just for your use, but if you’re planning on selling the house in the future, it would be an added feature that could grab the attention of a potential buyer. Now is the best time to call us at (817) 560-4144 if you need toielt and bidet repair in Fort Worth, TX.