The average American goes through three rolls of toilet paper a week. That number may be a problem considering that, in the last few pandemic years, we’ve learned that everyday items like toilet paper may not always be as available as they once were.
There’s also the environmental impact to consider. With so many Americans using so much toilet paper, it makes a big impact on how much natural resources we’re using.
Luckily, there are alternatives to fighting people at the grocery store for a chance at a fresh 12-pack of toilet paper rolls.
A bathroom bidet is a reliable, sanitary alternative to old-fashioned toilet paper. This trend is slowly growing in the U.S. as more and more find out about all the benefits of bidets.
We here at Metropolitan Bath & Tile are passionate about educating our clients about all their best options. We come from humble beginnings as a family business and have worked to become masters of bathroom remodeling in Virginia, Maryland, and D.C.
Read on to learn all about bidets and the different bidet styles you can choose from before you add one to your bathroom.
What Is a Bidet?
Simply put, a bidet is a plumbing fixture that you sit on after going to the bathroom in order to clean your genitals and rear end. It cleans you by spraying a targeted stream of water at your bottom.
Many people are turning to a bidet for bathroom cleanliness and assurance. They know that when they’re done doing their business they’ll be squeaky clean.
Not every bidet is built the same. Bidet trends may change as they become more normalized in the U.S.
Some models have features that may be more important to you than others. It’s important to know what you want from your bidet before you shop around for one.
Ceramic Stand-Alone Bidet
This traditional style of bidet has been around the longest and is a staple fixture in places like Europe and Asia.
This bidet is its own unit and is separate from your toilet. It can either be installed into your wall or your floor, somewhat like a second toilet. This type of bidet requires its own separate plumbing features, so it will need to be professionally installed.
Some styles allow you to personalize your bidet experience by giving you water temperature options. This style of bidet is less common in the U.S. with the emergence of more modern styles, so the cost of them has gone down with time.
If you’re looking for a cheaper option, a ceramic bidet offers cleanliness and the stability of reliable, sturdy plumbing. If you have room in your bathroom to install an extra fixture, a ceramic bidet is a great option.
Toilet Seat Bidet
This is a more modern version of the bidet, which is a toilet seat with a built-in bidet so you get both functions in one. This style requires the use of electricity and features strategically placed jets that are angled to ensure you can clean yourself.
There are plenty of pros to choosing this type of bidet. Many come with numerous features that make the bidet experience easier or more comfortable.
Some of these features can include options like a heated toilet seat, water temperature control, water pressure variations, turbo wash, and self-cleaning nozzles.
Depending on how much money you want to spend, there are also models that have even more features. Some models feature the option for a pre-mist, which is when the bidet mists your toilet bowl before every use, so your bowl stays clean each time.
Some models also feature a warm-air drying component that will make drying off after you use your bidet easy. These dryers may even come with an air temperature control option for maximum comfort.
If keeping your bathroom smelling fresh is important to you, there are models that feature an air deodorizer. These use filters to automatically keep the air in your bathroom smelling clean and pleasant every day.
If you require a bidet with some or all of the features above, be prepared to pay more. As these modern bidets become more popular and technologically advanced, prices tend to go upwards.
Add Your Bathroom Bidet Today
Now you know all the benefits of choosing to install a bathroom bidet instead of just relying on toilet paper. When you choose the best bidet you’re choosing a cleaner, more environmentally friendly, and customizable experience.
If you’re thinking of installing a bidet in your bathroom, contact us, the professionals at Metropolitan Bath & Tile, today!
