Bidet seats and sprays: installation, backflow and brands
Bidet seats and hand-held bidet sprays are more popular than ever. They're a great upgrade, but they connect your drinking water directly to the toilet, so they have to be installed with the right backflow protection. Here's why that matters, what's involved in fitting a bidet seat, and our honest take on the popular brands. We install bidet seats and sprays as an independent plumber, not as a dealer for any one brand.
Why bidets need backflow prevention
A hand-held bidet spray hangs next to the toilet on a hose. If it's dropped into the bowl, or left in a basin of water, and the water pressure drops, dirty water can be drawn back up the hose into your drinking water pipes. That's called backflow. To stop it, a bidet spray needs a backflow prevention device fitted on its supply, and electronic bidet seats need the right protection built in or added. It's a small part that protects everyone's water, and it's one reason bidets should be installed by a licensed plumber.
Bidet seats vs bidet sprays
Electronic bidet seat
Replaces your toilet seat, with a built-in wand, warm water and often a heated seat and dryer. Needs a water connection and a power point near the toilet.
Non-electric bidet seat
A simpler seat or attachment with a cold-water wash. No power needed.
Hand-held bidet spray
A spray head on a hose with its own valve, fixed to the wall beside the toilet. Simple and popular, and it needs backflow protection.
What installing a bidet seat involves
- Checking the seat suits your pan shape and size. See our toilet seat guide.
- A tee and isolation valve on the toilet's water supply, with the correct backflow protection.
- For electronic seats, a power point near the toilet, installed by a licensed electrician if there isn't one.
- Fitting, testing and showing you how it works.
Are TOTO bidet seats good?
TOTO is one of the best-known bidet brands, and its seats are generally well regarded for build quality and features. Other brands also make good seats. The best choice depends on your pan shape, the features you want and your budget. We install TOTO and other brands, and we're happy to give you an honest opinion on the seat you're looking at. You get a fixed price before any work starts.
In southern Eastern Suburbs homes
We fit bidet seats and sprays in homes across Matraville, Maroubra, Kingsford and Kensington. Older bathrooms often have no power point near the toilet, so it's worth checking that before buying an electronic seat.
Why locals call us
- Local to Matraville and the southern Eastern Suburbs
- Free on-site quotes, with a fixed price before any work starts
- Lifetime labour warranty on our workmanship
- 100+ five-star Google reviews
- Licensed plumbers and gasfitters (Lic. 398171C)
Common questions
Why does a bidet spray need backflow prevention?
If the spray is dropped in the bowl and water pressure drops, dirty water can be drawn back into the drinking water. A backflow device stops that.
Do I need a power point for a bidet seat?
For electronic bidet seats, yes. Non-electric seats and hand-held sprays don't need power.
Are TOTO bidet seats worth it?
They're generally well regarded for quality and features. The best seat for you depends on your pan, the features you want and budget.
Can I install a bidet seat myself?
Connecting to the water supply with the right backflow protection is work for a licensed plumber.
Related help: toilet seat guide, toilet replacement, backflow testing and taps and toilets. Local pages: taps and toilets Matraville, taps and toilets Maroubra, Kingsford and Kensington.