How to Fit a Bidet for Modern Bathroom Setups

Installing a Bidet in Your Bathroom

There's a wise saying about home renovation: you're always one European holiday away from wanting a bidet in your bathroom. And after the last few years of travel, Australians have collectively decided that toilet paper alone just isn't cutting it anymore.
For decades we've been perfectly fine with just using toilet paper – which, let's be honest, isn't the most effective cleaning method – while our European and Asian counterparts have been enjoying the daily luxury of a bidet. But that's all changing. Maybe it's all the overseas travel we did before 2020, or maybe we've just decided there has to be a better way. Either way, if you're considering installing a bidet as part of your bathroom reno, rest assured you're not the only one.
The good news? You won't need to shell out the $21,484 average bathroom renovation cost just to add a bidet. Praise be, because who has that sort of money lying around?

So What Actually Is a Bidet?

Ok, before we begin, let's just clarify what a bidet actually is. A bidet is a plumbing fixture that's used to wash your bum after you go to the toilet. Simple as that.
If you're still wondering how to define bidet more technically, it's essentially a washing fixture designed specifically for personal hygiene after using the toilet.
A traditional bidet is a separate fixture that resembles a low-lying basin – you may have seen one at a fancy hotel when you were travelling throughout Europe. A modern bidet, however, is a different story.
These days you can get bidet toilet seats that replace your existing toilet seat, bidet attachments that fit underneath your existing seat, or a handheld bidet hose that's mounted to the wall adjacent to your toilet. Handheld bidets are really popular in Australia because they're so practical. You can use them for washing cloth nappies, cleaning the toilet itself, or even bathing small pets. Many homeowners also refer to this type of setup as a toilet sprayer because of its simple handheld design and versatile functionality.

The Budget-Friendly Bidet

Fortunately, you don't need to spend thousands of dollars to get yourself a bidet.
The cheapest form of bidet is a basic bidet attachment that costs anywhere from $50 to $200. Takes less than 30 minutes to install. If you can manage to put together an IKEA bookshelf without losing your mind, you can install a bidet attachment.
The next most affordable option is a handheld bidet sprayer – looks a bit like the sprayer you get on your kitchen sink. One of these will set you back anywhere from $30 to $150, and must be connected to the water supply line of your toilet. This is a job for a plumber, who will charge you for an hour or two of their time. Not because it's a particularly difficult task, but because the water pressure is more important than you realise
Many people prefer the convenience of a bidet hose toilet setup because it gives you complete control over the cleaning process.
Interior designer Sarah from Oak and Orange recently installed handheld bidets in both of her bathroom renovations. "It's one of those changes you don't realise you need until you have it," she says.

Why an Electric Bidet Seat Is Worth the Splurge

If you've got a bit of money to throw around – or if you're renovating your bathroom from scratch and can afford to splurge – you might consider installing an electric toilet seat. This is the crème de la crème of bidets. The type you see in all the fancy hotels throughout Japan.
An electric toilet seat will do everything for you apart from tuck you into bed at night.
Expect a warm water stream, adjustable spray patterns, air drying, heated seat (because a warm toilet seat is just about the nicest thing you can experience on a cold winter's morning), and in some cases a deodoriser. The price tag? Anywhere from $500 to $2000+ for a decent one, and yes, you will need both an electrician and a plumber to install it as it requires connection to both a water supply and power point.
For those who love the luxury of warmth, an electric toilet set can transform your bathroom experience entirely.
But here's the thing. Even if you're installing an electric bidet, you don't need to renovate your entire bathroom. Most electric bidet seats are designed to fit a standard Australian toilet. If you don't have one already, your electrician can install a power point for you.
It's really that simple.

Three Things to Check Before You Buy

Regardless of whether you're fitting a DIY bidet attachment or enlisting a professional electrician to install a complete electric bidet, it's worth checking a few things first.
Water pressure is the big one. Depending on where you live in Australia, the water pressure varies. If it's too low, your bidet won't be as effective as you'd like. On the other hand, if it's too high, you'll find the bidet experience more forceful than you might prefer. All good quality bidet attachments come with a pressure regulator, so this shouldn't be a problem.
And look, if you're at all in doubt about fitting your bidet, call a professional. No-one wants water damage in their home. It's far more costly than calling a plumber for an hour or two.

How Do You Actually Use a Bidet?

This is the question many of us want to ask but are too embarrassed to. It's very simple. Once you've done your business, you'll either remain seated for bidet seats and attachments, or stand and reposition slightly for handheld bidets. Then you press a button to release a jet of water.
If you're still curious about how is a bidet used in practice, the key is to start with gentle water pressure and adjust according to your comfort level.
Most modern bidets have controls within easy reach, so there's no need to stretch or strain. It makes so much sense having a toilet-bidet combo for hygiene purposes. You'll be cleaner, use less toilet paper (cheaper and better for the environment), and once you get used to it, you'll find that using a 'regular' loo feels somewhat backwards.
Having a combined toilet and bidet setup in your bathroom is becoming increasingly common in Australian homes, especially among those who've travelled abroad.

The Verdict

It's very easy to fit a bidet in an Australian bathroom, regardless of your budget. Consider a simple DIY attachment to begin with, or go all out and buy an electric bidet seat if you're planning a reno and want to experience the sensation of using a luxury hotel loo every day.
All in all, installing a bidet is one of those simple bathroom updates that can make a marked difference to your daily routine. And once you make the switch, you'll wonder why you waited so long.

Just remember to measure carefully and avoid being a hero if you're not confident about plumbing. Your bathroom floor will thank you for it.