Ask the plumber: Bidet seats can have toilet performing double duty

Q. I always wanted to install a bidet in my bathroom, but because of space I never followed up with it. I’ve recently seen that new-style bidet seats can be added to an existing toilet, and that could solve my space problem. Will these seats work with any toilet? Is this a job I can do myself, or should I call a plumber?

A. Bidet toilet seats are now a popular option for existing bathrooms, and new-home installations as well. The reason? Most homeowners want a little more bathroom space with a little more luxury. So, if your toilet can function as a bidet and a toilet, well, that’s a great two-for-one deal!

Usually you need to have an “elongated” toilet (a longer egg-shaped bowl) for the seat to fit properly. Smaller “round front” toilets (a circle-shaped bowl) are too small for most bidet seats.

Plumbing connections for these seats are not that complicated, since they can use the existing toilet water line, then mount to the bowl like a standard toilet seat. But because most bidet seats use electricity, a licensed electrician is usually required to install a GFCI outlet as per local codes. Then, the seat can plug into that outlet and power up.

Bottom line: If you call in a licensed master plumber to contract the job and complete the work, you can wash away any issues with your new bidet-seat installation.

Ÿ Master contractor and plumber Ed Del Grande is the author of “Ed Del Grande’s House Call” and hosts TV shows on Scripps Networks and HGTVPro.com. Visit eddelgrande.com or write eddelgrande@hgtvpro.com.

HGTVPro.com