Bidets for Australian Bathrooms

A bidet is a bathroom fixture or add-on that cleans you with a gentle stream of water after using the toilet. Instead of wiping with toilet paper, the bidet uses water pressure or a small nozzle to do the cleaning. Today, many types are used in Australia, including bidet toilet seats, handheld sprayers, simple attachments, portable travel bidets and full smart bidet toilets.

No, bidet sprays are legal in Australia, but they must comply with plumbing regulations. Australian Standard AS/NZS 3500 requires proper backflow prevention to protect drinking water. Most states require installation by a licensed plumber and the use of an approved bidet spray with a vacuum breaker or dual check valve. Always check local council or state plumbing rules before installation.

Yes, bidets are safe to use. They clean with water, which is gentle on the skin and often more comfortable than wiping. Modern bidets also have features like self-cleaning nozzles and controlled water pressure to keep things hygienic and easy to use. As long as the bidet is installed correctly, it’s a safe and reliable part of everyday bathroom use.

In most cases, yes. You can install a bidet on many standard toilets. Bidet seats, attachments and handheld sprayers are made to fit the common toilet shapes used in most homes. You just need to check the bowl shape, the space around the seat, and whether there’s room for the brackets and hoses.

Electric bidet seats also need a nearby power outlet. As long as your toilet has the right shape, enough space and proper water access, a bidet will usually fit without any trouble.

Most bidet toilets don’t need a separate water connection in the sense of a new supply line—most models tee off the existing toilet’s cold-water feed and connect directly to the water supply.

Yes—often, but it depends on access to a suitable water connection point. With concealed/back-to-wall toilets, the supply is usually hidden, so a plumber may need to tee off the inlet inside the cistern or create an accessible connection behind the pan or in the wall. In Australia, you’ll typically also need compliant backflow prevention, which can affect the setup and parts used.

An in-wall (concealed) bidet system hides the water supply, mixer/thermostatic valve, and pipework inside the wall cavity. You control water temperature and pressure via a wall plate or mixer, which feeds a bidet spray wand or outlet at the toilet.

Often, yes—especially if installation involves changing plumbing connections or adding a backflow prevention device. In Australia, plumbing work that connects to the water supply typically must be done by a licensed plumber to meet regulations and prevent contamination risks. Some simple seat swaps may look easy, but compliance and correct fittings are important, so professional installation is usually recommended.

Yes—most bidet sprays, seats, and attachments in Australia require compliant backflow prevention to protect drinking water. Under Australian Standard AS/NZS 3500, any device connected to the water supply that could cause backflow must use the correct backflow prevention method.

For handheld bidet sprays, this is usually a testable RPZ valve, vacuum breaker, or a dual-check valve, depending on the product’s WaterMark rating and risk category. Smart bidet seats often include built-in backflow protection, but installation must still be completed by a licensed plumber to ensure compliance.

Always check the product’s WaterMark certification and follow local plumbing regulations to avoid fines, health risks, or voided insurance.

Installing a bidet spray in Australia is fairly simple, but it must follow local plumbing rules.

1. First, turn off the water supply at the wall valve.

2. Unscrew the hose that connects to the toilet tank.

3. Fit a T-valve (or bidet dual connector) to the outlet, then reconnect the toilet hose to the top of the T-valve.

4. Attach the bidet spray hose to the side outlet of the T-valve and tighten it by hand.

5. Turn the water back on slowly and check for leaks.

6. If everything is tight and working, mount the spray bidet holder on the wall or the side of the toilet.

In Australia, the spray must include RPZ backflow protection, so always choose a product that meets Australian plumbing standards (AS/NZS 3500).

Yes—landlords can allow bidet installation, but permission is required because it involves plumbing work and potential changes to the property. In Australia, any bidet spray, seat, or attachment must be installed by a licensed plumber and must comply with AS/NZS 3500 backflow requirements.

Landlords often approve installations as long as:

1. The tenant uses a licensed plumber.
2. The product is WaterMark certified.
3. The installation does not damage existing fixtures.
4. The tenant agrees to restore the property if they move out (if requested).

Tenants should always obtain written approval from the landlord or property manager before booking a plumber.

After pooping, remain seated on the toilet and gently spray warm or room-temperature water to clean the anal area. Adjust water pressure slowly to avoid splashing. Clean from front to back for hygiene. Once clean, pat dry with toilet paper or a towel. Turn off the spray completely and ensure there are no leaks.

For comfortable use, a bidet spray should deliver low to moderate pressure, typically around 200–300 kPa at the spray outlet. This range is strong enough for effective cleaning while remaining gentle on the skin. Users should always start at the lowest setting and increase gradually, as comfort levels can vary based on sensitivity and control of the hand-held trigger.

Yes—bidet seats are generally hygienic because they clean with fresh water instead of relying only on toilet paper, which can leave residue. Many models use features like self-cleaning nozzles and adjustable spray pressure to reduce splash and contact. For best hygiene, wipe the seat as normal, clean the nozzle periodically, and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.

No, bidets must be connected to potable (drinking) water only.

Recycled water comes from non-potable sources like wastewater, rainwater, and greywater. Connecting it to a bidet can lead to health risks, such as bacterial contamination and skin irritation. It may also cause drinking water contamination if backflow occurs, violate plumbing codes, and void your home insurance due to non-compliance with safety standards.

To avoid incorrect installation, always ask the builder or strata about the water system, look for purple pipes or "non-potable" labels, and hire a licensed plumber to inspect the installation.

Yes, but it depends on the model and plumbing setup. Non-electric bidet attachments do not heat water themselves. Some models allow connection to a nearby hot water supply or include a hot-and-cold mixer, enabling warm water use. Models with only a cold-water inlet will provide cold water only.

Freestanding bidets can use cold water, warm water, or both, depending on how they’re plumbed. Many models connect to both hot and cold supply lines via a mixer tap, letting you adjust temperature like a basin. If only a cold line is available, it will rinse with cold water.

A freestanding bidet works by using a dedicated water tap or mixer to deliver a gentle stream of water for personal cleansing after using the toilet. You sit or straddle the bidet, adjust the water temperature and pressure, and use the nozzle to clean.

Yes—physically it can be straightforward (most non-electric attachments tee off the toilet’s cold-water inlet), but in Australia it’s not always a simple DIY job because the connection must meet Plumbing Code / AS/NZS 3500 backflow (cross-connection) requirements. Depending on the product’s WaterMark/backflow design, an additional testable backflow device may be required and many installations should be done by a licensed plumber.

No, bidet toilets are designed to be water-efficient. Most models use significantly less water per wash than the amount required to produce toilet paper. In Australia, bidet toilets typically consume only a small, controlled volume of water for cleansing, and many feature adjustable pressure settings to minimise use while maintaining effective hygiene.

A bidet has many benefits, but there are a few things to think about before choosing one. Here are the main pros and cons to consider.

Advantages include:

• Improved hygiene and cleanliness
• Reduced skin irritation compared to toilet paper
• Lower household toilet paper consumption
• Suitable for seniors, women, children and users with limited mobility

Disadvantages include:

• Electric bidets require an accessible power outlet
• Not all toilets are compatible with every seat design
• Low-cost models may have restricted features
• First-time users may require an adjustment period