Buying guide for Best bidet faucets
Americans are showing more interest in bidet faucets than ever before. With a bidet, you clean yourself with water rather than toilet paper, which feels more thorough and effective to many people.
The health benefits of using a bidet are also attractive: people suffering from IBS, hemorrhoids and urinary tract infections often find relief using a bidet rather than aggravating their skin with toilet tissue. What’s more, bidets are environmentally friendly, saving our sewers from the scourge of paper and “flushable” wipes.
If you’re shopping for a bidet faucet, there are a few things you need to know first. A bidet faucet can either be attached to a bidet appliance (similar to a sink faucet, though with a different aiming point) or held in the hand. As most Americans are just getting used to the idea of bidets, it’s rare to find a bidet faucet that is separate from the existing toilet. Bathrooms in the U.S. often aren’t built to accommodate standalone bidets.
Key considerations
We are going to discuss bidet faucets for two different configurations: freestanding bidets and handheld sprayer-type bidets. Notably, it is uncommon in the U.S. to have a separate, freestanding porcelain bidet bowl. However, handheld bidet faucets are growing in popularity. They deliver a refreshing cleaning experience without cluttering up the bathroom, and most are retrofitted to the existing toilet.
Still, for those who have a separate bidet bowl, installing new faucet hardware can improve the original design. Here are some factors to consider for both types of faucets.
Aiming point: Some folks face the bidet faucet during use. Others prefer to have their backs turned to it. The direction of use can determine the faucet’s aiming point, especially if it’s a fixed faucet.
Location: Handheld bidet sprayers can usually be installed on the right or left side of the toilet. Know where and how the bidet will be set up before deciding on a faucet.
Ease of installation: A bidet faucet that attaches to an existing toilet is much easier to install than a separate bidet. If you want a warm water option, an additional water line is required unless the bidet has an electric water-heating element. For those who plan to install a separate, standalone bidet with a custom bidet faucet, a plumber may be needed to rough out the installation area and run water lines to the faucet.
Sink installation: Many handheld bidets attach to the faucet of the nearby bathroom sink. This quickly solves the dilemma of getting warm water to your tushy, but the hose attachment isn’t very attractive and gets in the way of hand-washing and tooth-brushing. Many bidet users consider this a minor inconvenience and a good trade-off for a comfortable bidet experience.
Ease of use: Most people prefer their bathroom experience to be uncomplicated, so a faucet that requires minimal adjustments to firing angle and temperature may be the best choice. Deciding between a fixed bidet faucet and a handheld sprayer often comes down to personal preference. Some standalone bidets include a hose and sprayer to deliver the best of both worlds.
Heated vs. unheated: The simplest bidets use tap water. This can be refreshing in the summer but a bit of a shock in the winter, especially in colder climates. For a more comfortable experience, consider a bidet that heats water with an electric element or is attached to both hot and cold water lines.
A bidet cleans far more effectively than flushable wipes, and it doesn’t have the environmental impact of wipes.
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Features
We’re discussing two very different types of faucets: fixed faucets, which are installed in freestanding porcelain bidets, and handheld faucets, which are attached to a hose and fitted to an existing toilet. For this buying guide, we will not be discussing bidet seats, which have built-in nozzles that cannot be replaced with bidet faucets. All three types do a great job of getting your bottom squeaky clean, but they each have specific installation requirements, some more difficult than others.
Let’s take a look at the common features of fixed bidet faucets and handheld bidet faucets.
Fixed bidet faucets
Water flow control: A freestanding bidet’s faucet operates similar to a sink faucet, and its flow controls are also similar. You have a choice between a lift-handle faucet or a dual-handle setup (if the bidet allows for these fixtures). A dual-handle configuration may be optimal for those who prefer the bidet faucet to be behind them during use: they can reach back more easily and turn each separate handle to adjust the water temperature.
Stainless steel or chrome finish: Faucets and controls on porcelain bidets are constructed using stainless steel; some have a chrome finish and others have an equally attractive brushed metal finish. They’re easy to keep clean and very durable.
Standard sizes: Modern bidets are fairly standard, and a fixed faucet will fit the pre-drilled holes in most models without a problem.
Comfortable angle for water jet: Standalone bidets have water nozzles that do one of the following: point straight up from the bidet bowl (if they’re installed at the bottom of the bowl), jet in a straight line from the edge of the bowl, or angle downward. When you choose a new faucet, look for a water jet angle that you’re comfortable with — and one that won’t spray water over the edge of the bidet.
Handheld faucets
Stainless steel vs. plastic: While plastic sprayer faucets are a great option for tight budgets, stainless steel is easier to clean, lasts longer, and always looks good.
Water flow control: As most handheld faucets are sprayers, the flow control is managed either through a thumb lever or a trigger. With a little practice, users can increase or decrease the flow of water by adjusting thumb pressure on the control handle.
Flexible hose: A durable, flexible hose measuring at least 2 to 3 feet is important for handheld faucets. Users need the hose length so they can move the sprayer faucet around to their preferred aiming point.
Diverter valve: Commonly called a T-valve, this attaches the hose to one of three spots: the waterline, the valve shutoff point, or the sink faucet. With a flip of the valve switch, water is diverted to the faucet.
DID YOU KNOW?
If the bidet faucet has a warm water option, don’t set the water temperature very high. Lukewarm to cool water is less likely to aggravate the skin.
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Accessories
Faucet adapter kit: JP’s No-Leak Metal Bidet T-Adapter
While handheld bidet faucets typically come with a T-valve adapter, consider adding an upgraded version such as this one, which has a tighter fit and a pressure valve to keep water from leaking at the attachment point.
Hose adapter: Zen Bidet Faucet Adapter Set
Adding a hose attachment to a sink faucet can be frustrating if the faucet threads don’t fit the hose. This adapter set has seven different adapters to get you hooked up and back to business.
Plumber’s tape: Supply Giant Thread Seal Tape
Plumber’s tape like this product from Supply Giant creates a watertight seal between the T-valve and the water line or sink faucet without risking an overtightened connection, which can damage the valve.
Wall-mounted bracket: KES All Brass Bracket Mount
This compact bracket mounts easily to the bathroom wall and provides a place to store a handheld bidet faucet. Unlike brackets that take up space next to the toilet, this gets the faucet out of the way and reduces clutter.
Bidet faucet prices
Inexpensive: A handheld bidet faucet sprayer head can be purchased for as little as $5 up to $21, though these primarily are plastic with more metal in the design as the price goes up.
More expensive: Expect to pay between $22 and $79 for bidet faucet kits and all-metal faucets. For high-end materials, the price range climbs to between $81 and $150.
If using an electronic bidet, always plug it into a GFCI outlet.
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Tips
- Perform a test run. If you’ve never used a bidet before, it’s a good idea to test it out first (before officially doing your business) so you’ll know how it works when you really need it.
- Avoid soap. Don’t use soap to clean your undercarriage before turning on the bidet faucet; soap can dry out delicate skin.
- Shut off the T-valve after using the bidet faucet. Leaving it on can cause leaks.
- Shut off the water supply before installing a bidet faucet. Otherwise, you’ll get an unpleasant wet surprise when you detach the water line.
- Installing a bidet faucet in a freestanding bidet may need to be done by a licensed plumber. This is particularly important if a new water line or a drain needs to be installed as well.
FAQ
Q. How do I keep a bidet faucet clean?
A. A bidet faucet will stay sanitary if it’s cleaned regularly. Many bidets have a wash setting that runs clear water over the nozzle. Others have a cleaning setting that extends the nozzle out or up so it can be washed. Do not use bleach or harsh cleaners on a bidet faucet, as these can damage the surface and erode washers that keep it from leaking. Instead, use warm water, a soft cloth, and neutral dish soap to wipe and rinse the faucet each time you clean the bathroom.
Q. I have hard water in my area. Will mineral deposits degrade the bidet faucet?
A. Yes, mineral deposits from hard water will build up on the inside of the faucet as well as related attachments, like the T-valve. You have a couple of options to prevent buildup. You could remove the T-valve and unscrew the nozzle from the faucet once a month to clean out deposits with a soft toothbrush. You could also invest in a bidet water filter, which is placed between the water hose and the bidet faucet. (You’ll still need to clean the T-valve monthly.)
Q. How long do bidet faucets last? When will I know it’s time to replace one vs. repair it?
A. The lifespan of a bidet faucet depends on the quality of its make and how well it’s maintained once installed. If you don’t have hard water and avoid using bleach or harsh cleaning chemicals to clean the faucet, a high-end faucet will last for years. Cheap plastic sprayers may only last a few months. Replacement vs. repair can be determined by the internal components of a bidet faucet, similar to any other sink faucet. For example, a high-end faucet may only need an O-ring or cartridge replacement when it begins to leak.
Q. What is the optimal bidet angle for someone who uses a freestanding bidet facing forward?
A. The optimal angle is, to some degree, a personal preference, but a bidet faucet that angles downward may make it tougher to get completely clean in the forward-facing position. Consider installing an additional hose attachment with a sprayer faucet to the bidet so you can reach all those awkward angles.
