Choice

Japan is one of the most technologically advanced nations on earth; so it’s not surprising to learn that over half of all Japanese families now have a “washlets” or electronic toilet seat bidets installed in their homes. Many other cultures around the world have been using bidets (in various configurations) for decades, and obviously, millions of people don’t adopt new practices unless there are some obvious benefits to be had. Bidet equipment may be as basic as a tub of water and dipper beside the toilet, or advanced as a top-of-the-range electronic bidet seat; which not only washes you, but also deodorizes, warms the seat, heats the water, provides an enema function, sanitizes itself and blow dries your private parts when it is finished – all from the convenience of a portable remote control!

Reliable bidet technology like this doesn’t come cheap, and so it’s in-evitable that for most people buying a bidet for the first time is confusing, and often presents a bewildering array of options.

Bidet choices can be categorized into 2 main groups:

• The Traditional (stand-alone) Bidet (or Bidette)
• The Integrated Bidet (attaches to the toilet itself)

Traditional Bidets are usually only practical to install if you are building a new house and can plan the extra space and plumbing from the start. And even if you can do this – why would you? Let’s face it; waddling from toilet to bidet with pants around your ankles is damned awkward; and totally unnecessary when your toilet itself can be fitted with an integrated bidet for much less!

Integrated Bidets can be divided into 4 main groups:

1. Hand held Bidets
2. Under seat Bidets
3. Above seat Bidets
4. Electronic Bidets

Most integrated Bidets are designed so they can be quickly and easily installed by the average handy-person with just a few basic tools. If you do need the bidet installation to be done by a plumber, you will need to be aware of the relevant back-flow prevention regulations (which plumbers must comply with), and how they apply to different types of bidets when connected to a public water supply.

So what is backflow?

Simply put; backflow is what can occur if there was a loss of water supply to your house (perhaps caused by a burst water main) and for example; a hose was left in a swimming pool while filling it. If the tap being used was not fitted with a vacuum breaker device, this could result in swimming pool water being sucked back up the hose into the main supply line: causing contamination of the public water supply (with swimming pool water).

With bidets a similar scenario is possible: If someone had a blocked toilet (fecal matter in the bowl) and decided to use the hose of a Hand held Bidet (with the head unscrewed) to try to clear the blockage. The hand held bidet also did not have a non-return check valve, or if it did - the check valve failed. The only difference is that this time instead of chlorinated swimming pool water, we now have the possibility of introducing dangerous pathogens into the public water supply, which, if ingested in sufficient quantities have the potential to cause serious illness.

Of course 6 individual factors must be present (and all at the same time), for it to be possible that a dangerous backflow incident with a Hand held Bidet could occur:

1. There must be fecal matter in the toilet bowl.
2. The wash gun must be removed from the hose (or the operating lever left open).
3. The wash gun (or hose) must be placed below waterline in the toilet bowl.
4. The isolating tap must be left on.
5. The check valve must either be missing or fail.
6. There occurs a loss of water pressure, or water supply to the premises.

The statistical probability of all six factors being present at the same time is obviously pretty small; however because the possibility exists for serious illness to occur, Hand held Bidets are classed in the high hazard category.

Under seat Bidets do present a less significant risk of dangerous backflow occurring because the toilet must actually become blocked to the point of the water level covering the bidet outlet, for it to be possible for backflow to occur, i.e.:

1. There is fecal matter in the toilet bowl.
2. The toilet becomes blocked
3. The water level rises to cover the bidet outlet
4. The operating tap is left on.
5. The check valve is either missing or fails.
6. There occurs a loss of water pressure, or water supply to the premises.

Above seat Bidets or the Traditional Bidet/Bidette (top photo) present no risk of backflow occurring because the outlet is at least 25mm above the rim of the pan. Water level could only rise to the point of flowing over the rim and onto the floor. (The outlet of the bidet could never become submerged unless the whole house became flooded)

Approved Electronic Bidet seats are able to meet backflow protection regulations because they have their own separate little tank of water (much like the water tank on your toilet itself). This provides backflow prevention because it is in effect, acting as a break-tank. Some Electronic Bidets do not have this water tank and heat the water continuously as it is used. These models have apparently been given special dispensation in the Standards to use an approved dual check valve to meet backflow protection requirements. (See PDF below)

Traditional Bidets with an ascending spray (as in the photo left) are classed in the “High Hazard” category for backflow by the Australian & New Zealand Standards.

Backflow Prevention : The Australian & New Zealand Standards

What do these regulations mean to the potential buyer of a Bidet?

Not a thing – if you are connecting the bidet to a completely independent water supply such as tanks or bore water, and there is no cross-connection with the public water supply.

However, if you are connecting the bidet to council water supply within Australia or New Zealand, you may want to consider any possible implications for not complying with the regulations. (Plumbers must comply with the standards, and all new buildings must pass a building inspection) Let’s start off by clarifying the option of supplying correct backflow protection for these first 2 types of integrated bidets; (hand held and under seat models) with the most practical approved device:

A reduced pressure zone valve.

Initial cost: $300
Installation: $200
Yearly test: $100
Total cost (over 2 years): $600

Add to this $150 – $300 for a good under seat or hand held bidet kit; and you have the entry price for a quality brand electronic bidet seat that is compliant with regulations. (That’s assuming you already have a suitable power outlet available for your electronic bidet). If you are connecting 2 or more toilets to the same line, the option of providing compliant backflow protection with an RPZ valve starts to become more economical (2 toilets can now be equipped for the same price as 1 Electronic Bidet Seat).

Now you can understand why most people who want the convenience and low cost of a hand held or under seat bidet facility; (a) make sure it has a check valve, (b) hook it up themselves, (c) are responsible in its use, and (d) take it with them should they move or sell the house.

Australia is heavily regulated, but fortunately we don’t as yet have “Bidet Cops” going around and checking on toilets for regulation compliance! (At least in private homes)

Are there any cheaper options that do comply? Happily - - Yes!

LuSan Services is proud to be first (in Australia) to offer an economical alternative to expensive electronic bidets; that does not require any backflow protection when used with the public water supply throughout Australia & New Zealand – SprayBidet has the outlet above the rim of the pan. A comparable product: “BidetLoo” is also available in the U.K. (where similar regulations apply).

It may be timely to issue a warning here about cheap electronic bidet seats that are becoming available in Australia from some rather questionable on-line companies. People buying via the internet need to be aware that these products often: do not comply with Australian Standards, may not be suited for use with 240V power, may not be able to tolerate high water pressure, and are not authorized by the manufacturer for sale in Australia (and as such are not backed by any kind of manufacturer's warranty). We recommend that customers wishing to make the investment in an Electronic Bidet seat buy only recognized quality products such as the Australian Royalet range, or the similar Q-tek and BioBidet brands from authorized, legitimate Australian businesses that will still be around to offer parts and service in the future.

Let’s take a closer look at these 4 categories of integrated bidets:

Hand held Bidets

Hand-held bidets have been standard issue in many countries around the world for years, and not without good reason: they are in-expensive, effective and incredibly versatile. Hand held bidets certainly do have a variety of practical uses; from cleaning skid-marks off the toilet bowl and washing poo off baby’s nappies, to intimate personal cleansing – not only after regular toilet use but also as a convenient means of maintaining personal freshness anytime, without being necessary to take a complete shower. Hand held bidets do require two hands for the washing process – one to operate the bidet, and the other to do the washing. They can be used right or left handed, with or without soap, and the washing operation can be performed from either the front or the back. This versatility of Hand held Bidets may also be their greatest weakness. Irresponsible use of a Hand held Bidet (e.g.; by depositing it in the toilet bowl) presents a risk for contamination of the water supply (through backflow) to occur. This becomes more apparent when you realize that many imported Hand held Bidet kits lack even the basic backflow protection provided by a non-return check valve and filter.

Another problem with Hand held Bidets is that they usually originate in countries where the toilet is commonly a ‘wet area’ (quite often right next to the shower). This means that if water drips out of the bidet nozzle after use, it’s not really a problem and so very few manufacturers bother to include parts in the nozzle to prevent this from happening. A completely different scenario exists in our western toilets – we like our toilet floors dry – thank you very much!

But possibly the most important issue with Hand held Bidets has to do with water pressure: Most manufacturers recommend that working water pressure be not in excess of 400kPa (58psi), and we recommend that pressures be maintained at or under 350kPa (50psi) Domestic water supply pressure in Australia is almost always over this, and we have measured pressures in excess of 120psi. Needless to say, any hand held bidet wont last too long if you hook it straight up to this kind of pressure!

Please be aware that if your water pressure is 50psi, this can result in a trapped water pressure of approx. 60psi in the hose of your hand held bidet. This is caused by the kinetic energy of the water suddenly being halted by closure of the operating lever; the non-return valve then prevents this water flowing backwards to equalize with the water pressure in the main line.

The only way to know conclusively what the water pressure is at your premises is to hook a suitable pressure gauge up to an available outlet and observe the readings over several days. (Water pressure is typically higher during the night when there is less demand)

A less serious, though still annoying problem is that the bidet holder or wall station must be fastened securely to the wall (within convenient reach of the user). This once again is not usually a problem in the countries of manufacture where toilets walls are mostly solid masonry construction. It’s a different story in Australia where it is usually necessary to locate a wooden stud behind the plaster board (which is almost never in the ideal position). LuSan Services has successfully addressed all of these issues with the popular Hang Bidet Kits.

Under seat Bidets

Readily available from a multitude of different online stores; Under seat Bidets come in many different configurations of shape, size, price, design and effectiveness. Fitting into two general groups (moveable & stationary spray nozzles), the one thing they all have in common is that they attach (by several different methods) under the toilet seat, and as such have an outlet below the rim of the pan. If the outlet is below the flush line of the pan, they should ideally have a moveable nozzle; not only to prevent soiling of the outlet but also to facilitate proper toilet cleaning. As we learnt previously, Under seat Bidets are not referred to explicitly in the standards, and so some uncertainty does exist as to the correct ‘backflow risk category’ for specific models.

Possibly the best feature of under seat bidets, is their ability to clean (in varying degrees of effectiveness) without the necessity of physically touching the body parts being cleaned with your own hand. Westerners who have grown up using toilet paper often find this feature most attractive. It becomes invaluable when normal ranges of body movement are restricted due to conditions like old age, obesity, arthritis or other handicap that actually prevents people from reaching that area.

Depending on design, Under seat bidets may also feature enema ability (usually those with a single orifice in the nozzle). These types are able to provide very effective irrigation of the last few centimetres of the colon. As well as cleansing thoroughly, this feature can also prove very useful for people who suffer from constipation. Under seat Bidets with multiple jets don’t do such a good job of this, but they do provide better cleaning of the peripheral area, and the softer spray from these bidets is also more suited to vaginal cleansing.

Under seat Bidets with a single jet do have the potential to cause physical injury if water pressure is excessive. Water flow can be restricted to a safe level with the wall tap; but the risk still exists for someone to inadvertently turn it fully back on. This is not a problem in countries like the U.S.A. where water pressure is restricted to about 40psi before it enters the home. Australia has recently started introducing similar controls for new housing; but this as yet represents only a small percentage, and so a pressure reducing valve may be advisable if your water pressure is over about 400kPa (58psi).

Under Seat Bidets that attach to the pan (usually by a bracket of some sort) do tend to make it more difficult to clean the toilet bowl. Models that attach to the seat itself like the USABidet, and lift up with it are better in this regard – especially for males whose aim may not always be perfect. This model is also safer in regard to backflow: the bidet outlet is spring-loaded and returns to its resting place – above the rim of the pan – when the bidet is not in use. Smarter too, because the spray wand can’t accidentally be left in the middle of the toilet bowl after use.

Some under seat bidet models also come with the option of hot/cold water mixing, but we do have to wonder how useful this feature really is when you consider that the bidet must be run for a considerable time to get hot water (the same as the wash basin tap) and then may quickly become too hot! Warm water may be useful for easing constipation (enema function) as it tends to relax muscles and tissues. However cold water is not as unpleasant as you might think, and actually has a toning and strengthening effect on these areas. Cold water is generally recommended for washing by medical practitioners because it doesn’t tend to promote the growth of bacteria. Warm water is of course much nicer during the winter months, and following repeated requests for a warm-water option, LuSan Services is now offering compact instantaneous electric water heaters; ideal for use in conjunction with hand held bidets, under seat bidets, or the even the new SprayBidet.

Above seat Bidets

The equivalent of a traditional ‘Bidette’ with an outlet above the rim; Above seat bidets are a good compromise between hand held and under seat bidets, yet boast compliance with increasingly restrictive backflow prevention regulations – and will predicatively remain so in the future. Though unable to supply an enema function, they do provide surprisingly efficient touch free washing, and may also be used with soap – the same as a hand held bidet.

Above seat bidets are ideal for people who need to stay compliant with regulations, want an effective washing facility, but who do not want to extend their budget as far as a quality electronic unit, and/or simply do not want the additional expense of installing a suitable power outlet. SprayBidet These bidets also have the benefit of being safer with un-supervised children; the spray being directed into the toilet bowl and not onto walls as is common with most other models.

Another benefit to the unique design of Above seat Bidets is that high water pressure is no longer a critical safety issue, reducing the need for expensive pressure limiting devices. Because water is being directed at an angle across the body parts being cleaned (instead of straight at them), it is unlikely that injury could occur due to too high water pressure. Common sense of course prevails, and it is always wise to restrict water flow with the wall tap in areas where the water pressure is high.

Electronic Bidets

A quality electronic bidet seat can be one of the most expensive consumer products you can buy for your home. Selecting the right model to suit your needs is an important decision. Important factors to consider are: correct fit for your toilet, approval for Australian use, quality and durability, features, ease of maintenance and cleaning, availability of parts, back-up service and warranty. It is very important to choose the features that best suit you and the toilet you intend to fit out. Remember Electronic Bidets will need an electrical outlet within about 1 metre from the toilet. Most reputable brands do provide product specifications and you should check these carefully before making your final choice. >

Available Features:

Cleansing power is important for people suffering from hemorrhoids or constipation: look for models that advertise an enema function if you have these problems. Electronic Bidets don’t rely on the water pressure in your home; they have their own little electric pump. The stronger the spray, the better. Some brands have a massage feature while spraying the water and this does help the cleansing process. Some brands may only deliver a relatively low volume of water at rather weak pressure, and so consequently do not clean that well.

A choice of two nozzles is offered by some brands: one for anal cleansing and one designed for feminine hygiene. The nozzles retract while not in use. Two nozzles may be better than a one because theoretically there is less chance for anal/vaginal cross contamination of bacteria to occur. However it does pay to remember that less moving parts means less to go wrong. The nozzle for feminine use should also have a softer, wider spray than that used for anal cleaning. One common problem is that the nozzle designed for feminine hygiene does not hit the target perfectly, requiring the user to move their body back or forward to achieve correct contact. The same thing can happen with a single nozzle that has 2 or more spray outlets. This is partly due to differences in body shapes and sizes.

A blow drying function is essential for handicapped persons if they cannot physically reach there to pat dry with paper or other medium. Most other people however, wind up not using the drying function that much because it does involve sitting and waiting. It is good to have a dryer, but it’s certainly not as useful (for most people) as you first might think.

A seat warming feature comes standard with most Electronic Bidets. The seat has an optional heating function that maintains the temperature of your choice. Great for those chilly winter mornings, this is possibly the most popular feature of Electronic Bidets amongst long time users in cold climates.

A deodorizer is certainly a good feature to have, but you will pay considerably more for a model with this function. The deodorizing unit does require special maintenance and you must change the filters regularly or its function will be adversely affected.

Ease of cleaning is also an important consideration with Electronic Bidets. Some models offer special features that help to prevent urine splash back from occurring. Other models let you remove the whole seat easily (to facilitate cleaning). Some brands also include a child seat insert that lets small children use the bidet.

So how do you choose the perfect bidet?

The answer to this question truly depends on your need. Features that involve deep cleansing and feminine suitability are most important since these allow the bidet to carry out its primary role of cleaning. Remember the K.I.S.S. rule? (Keep it simple stupid!) We have found that things like a remote control, warm water, self-opening lid or self-sanitizing nozzles are not as important as the actual washing ability of the bidet.

Don’t let the complexity of choice frighten you off taking the plunge – it will be worth it!

Our customers commonly tell us that they could never go back to just T.P.

A good integrated bidet can change the time you spend in the bathroom from an onerous daily chore, to a comfortable and relaxing experience. They can greatly aid in the care of hemorrhoids, ease constipation, restore dignity for the disabled, improve hygiene, and dramatically improve comfort. You do need to be careful – the wrong choice of a poor quality bidet, (particularly with electronic models) will at best see you disappointed, and at worst may have you feeling very pained in the hip pocket area.

We have provided this guide not only to help you in choosing the right bidet, but to also to hopefully minimize us answering the same type of enquiries over and over.

If you do still have other issues or questions not addressed here, please feel free to Contact Us.

Please visit our Links page for some interesting (and humorous) accounts from users of several different models.

Comparison charts for some popular integrated bidets:

Handheld Bidets	Stationary Nozzle Bidets	Moveable Nozzle Bidets

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And finally, some pointers to help you get the best value for your money:

1. Remember that quality remains when price has been forgotten. Do you really want to spend $40 for a Hand held model that will disintegrate with our water pressure, or pay $400 for an Electronic bidet with junky electronic parts that will burn out in a month? It pays to stick with proven brands from reputable suppliers.
2. Be aware that Bidets purchased from suppliers outside Australia may not include the necessary fittings for connection to the water supply here (USA has 3/8”NPT – Australia uses 1/2”BSP fittings), nor will they usually include any backflow prevention devices. Australia also has much higher water pressure than is common overseas.
3. Find a good retail outlet. You may be able to physically look at the different models available in a retail store, but you should remember that Internet dealers can usually offer the same product for considerably less.
4. If you are not sure, buy the brand with the best warranty. Sometimes a faulty component will not actually fail for some time, so a longer warranty can be important. It also makes good sense to buy from an Australian supplier because the freight charge on returned items is usually not refundable: often it is simply not viable to lodge a warranty claim with an overseas supplier.
5. Ask questions: in person, by phone or email. A reputable internet dealer should always display contact details on their website, and preferably also an address. It’s unwise to deal with shady organizations when you are buying an expensive retail item that might require future parts or servicing. So choose an ethical company that’s been around for a while, has sound business policies and a good customer service philosophy. Our Policies

To Paper Smear – or to Water Wash?

No contest! Discover what millions of people already know, and experience the difference an Integrated Bidet can make;

Make the smart choice today – your butt will be forever grateful!