Most apartment toilets are bland and often small. A bidet can transform your apartment bathroom and your overall bathroom experience.
These easy yet life-changing fixtures add a sense of sophistication to even the tiniest and blandest apartment bathrooms.
But can you install a bidet in an apartment? In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know.
If you are in the market looking for a bidet attachment, you can check out our article on the best bidet converter kits.
Can You Install a Bidet in an Apartment?
You can install any bidet you like – be it toilet seat attachment, standalone, or even a bidet toilet – if you own an apartment.
However, if you’re renting, that is unlikely the case. No landlord will allow renters to rip out their toilets to install a new fixture.
They might not have any problem if you plan to install a toilet attachment such as Sethersons Bidet Converter Kit as it doesn’t require any changes and is easy to remove.
But if you own an apartment and wish to install a bidet, here’s what you need:
- A bidet toilet seat
- A screwdriver
- A wrench with an adjustable mechanism
- A small bucket and towel
Follow the necessary steps below to install your bidet in your apartment.
1. Detach the Existing Toilet Seat
Your current toilet seat is held in place to the rim by two mounting bolts. Tiny-sized plastic covers protect the screws on top. You need to use a flathead screw for popping the covers open.
Unscrew the bolts with your screwdriver after you reach them underneath. Sometimes, you may need to get below the toilet and free the nuts holding the bolts in place. Often, the bolts are attached to the seats. The only option there is to untie the nuts under.
After you remove the nuts and bolts, lift the old toilet seat and wipe the toilet’s rim. If your bidet seat model uses the same seat, you would like to spare it.
2. Disable the Shut-off Water Supply
Find the shut-off valve that should be at the back of the toilet. You’ll find a supply hose running from the toilet tank’s bottom to a water supply pipe on the wall.
To disable it, rotate the shut-off valve clockwise until you cannot turn it anymore. Flush your toilet to empty any water in the toilet tank.
3. Connect the T-Valve to the Current Supply Line of Your Toilet
The package containing the bidet seat will come with a T-shaped valve. Its role is to switch water through the toilet and bidet sprayer. It often comes in plastic material, so the tightening will be by hand.
You can always use the wrench should any metal fittings are hard to tighten. Now, disconnect the supply hose from under your toilet tank. Make sure you have a bucket and towel while doing this, as there could be a small amount of water that might leak.
Bolt the T-valve to the tank’s base in the same area the supply hose was connected to. Connect the hose to the other end of your T-valve.
4. Install the Bidet
A bidet converter kit often comes with a mounting plate. Position it, so the mounting holes align with the bolt holes of the toilet. Other bidet models have a whole package that acts as a mounting plate.
Insert the mounting bolts which come with the package. Secure the setup together by locking the bolt with the nuts under the rim.
With the plate mounted, push your bidet on the mounting plate. Push it back until you hear a clicking sound.
5. Connect the Bidet Seat to Your Water Supply
Your bidet comes with its water supply hose. Grab one, connect it to the T-valve opening left, and connect the other end to the connection on the bidet seat.
Double-check every connection to and from the bidet water supply and T-valve. Turn on the shut-off valve that you’ve previously turned off earlier.
To open it, turn the valve counter-clockwise. It will let the toilet tank load while providing water to the bidet seat. See if there are leaks as you fasten any connection points.
Related: Do Bidets Spray Poop Everywhere?
What Is the Best Bidet for an Apartment?
Most apartment toilets are so small and cramped that handling your ‘business’ can be frustrating. However, with the addition of a bidet seat or attachment, visiting your small bathroom can feel like a luxurious trip.
Remote-controlled bidet seats are the best option for small bathrooms, as they don’t need added space, unlike the panel-operated bidets. Also, they regulate temperature and water pressure to get the spray right for you. A mountable remote holder guarantees you do not misplace the remote after your bum is clean.
Nonetheless, a few people are still anxious about losing their wireless bidet seat remote. In that case, mounting it to the wall may be a good option. That is practical, especially if you have children.
Also, the extent of clearing around your toilet will identify the ideal bidet toilet seat type for you. Ensure you check the clearance between the toilet’s sides and any obstruction like a cabinet or wall.
FAQs
Q: Can You Install a Bidet on Any Toilet?
Technically, yes. You can install them on 2-piece toilets, but it can be more difficult if you plan to install in on a 1-piece or other toilet type. Often, you may need to perform a permanent change to your bathroom to install a bidet.
Q: How Much Does It Cost to Install a Bidet?
A free-standing bidet can cost from $250 to $1,000, depending on how challenging it is to add a new plumbing line for the bidet. Bidet sprayers are the most cost-efficient option, as it only installs into the toilet seat and employs the existing plumbing.
Q: Are Bidets Worth It?
Yes. Bidets do save your use of water and toilet paper.
Final Thoughts
A bidet toilet seat is an ideal way to transform your toilet from a conventional setup to enjoy the modern advantages of a bidet setup. It substantially enhances your toilet experience and improves your hygiene.
Numerous studies tell that using a bidet helps lessen germs in your anal and genital areas after urinating or defecating. What’s more, bidet toiles lessen your impact on the environment, are cost-efficient, and lessen plumbing concerns.
