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Bidet toilet seats are becoming more common

Q. We are planning a bathroom renovation. I want to add a separate bidet plumbing fixture next to our toilet, but my wife says a bidet will take up too much space. I have seen that many high-end master bathrooms feature a bidet, and for resale value I want to include all the bells and whistles in our new bathroom. Can you please help us decide and give us more information about including a bidet in a bathroom?

A. I’ve never installed “bells and whistles” in a bathroom, but with all the new electronic plumbing technology available today, I guess actual bells and whistles are possible!

As far as bidets, I can tell you that for many decades in Europe, installing a separate bidet fixture has been pretty common. Here in America, for some reason, we have not gone that “bidet crazy.”

But a fairly new plumbing accessory is starting to change all that.

Bidet toilet seats are getting a lot of attention.

First, they save space because a bidet toilet seat allows one fixture to function as both a bidet and a toilet. Second, even though they are a high-end accessory, they can be a little more affordable to install over a separate bidet fixture that requires extra plumbing work. Finally, because they use electricity, you can add comfort “bells and whistles” like a remote control, warm-water wash cycles, nightlights and a heated seat.

Ÿ Master plumber Ed Del Grande is the author of “Ed Del Grande’s House Call” and hosts TV and Internet shows. Visit eddelgrande.com or write eddelgrande@cs.com. Always consult local contractors and codes.

Scripps Howard News Service

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