Hey there! I‘m Lillie, a home improvement expert here to provide you with a super detailed guide on adding a bidet to a tankless toilet. I know this is a question many homeowners have, so I wanted to give you all the nitty gritty details. Grab a cup of coffee and let‘s dive in!
A Quick Intro to Tankless Toilets
First, what is a tankless toilet and how does it work?
Traditional toilets have a tank that holds water used for flushing. Tankless toilets, on the other hand, don‘t rely on a tank. Instead, they use a low-flow valve that connects directly to the main water supply line. This valve precisely controls the water flow, using only about 1 gallon per flush compared to 3-5 gallons for a regular tank toilet.
Key Benefits:
- Saves water – uses up to 16,000 fewer gallons per year according to EPA estimates
- More compact size
- Continuous water heating so no lukewarm flushes
Downsides:
- Lower water pressure than tank models
- Higher upfront cost – $400 to $600 on average
Now that you‘ve got the basics on tankless toilets, let‘s look at how bidets work.
Bidet Basics
A bidet is a super hygienic bathroom fixture that shoots water to clean your nether regions after doing your business. Bidets provide a thorough clean feeling that wipes just can‘t match!
There are two main types of bidets:
Bidet Toilet Seats
These attach right to your existing toilet bowl. They tap into the toilet‘s water supply line and use a nozzle to direct a stream of water. Many electric versions have nifty features like heated seats, air dryers, and more.
Pros:
- Easy DIY installation
- Lower cost – starts around $40
- Easily added to any toilet
Cons:
- Manual models rely on toilet tank water pressure
- Require nearby electrical outlet for powered seats
Standalone Bidets
As the name suggests, these are separate standalone fixtures that require their own water and drainage connections. You‘ll need some plumbing work to install them.
Pros:
- Higher water pressure than seats
- Often include more features like femicleansing, massage jets, etc.
Cons:
- More expensive – $400 to $2,000
- Permanent installation required
Now that we‘ve got the basics covered, let‘s dive into adding a bidet to a tankless toilet specifically.
Key Factors for Success
Installing a bidet on a tankless or other low-flow toilet is definitely doable, but there are a few important considerations:
Water Pressure
The lower water pressure of tankless toilets means you‘ll want to choose a bidet designed for low pressure systems. Electric bidet seats with a pressure-boosting pump are recommended for optimal performance.
Studies show the average water pressure from a tank toilet is 30 to 80 PSI. Tankless toilets output a lower 15 to 40 PSI.
Ensure any bidet you choose is designed to work within a 10 to 50 PSI range.
Electrical Connection
Electric bidet seats require a nearby electrical outlet. The cord length is usually around 4 feet.
If there isn‘t an outlet by the toilet already, you may need to call an electrician to add one.
Toilet Dimensions
Tankless toilets come in different shapes just like regular toilets. Measure the length and width of your toilet bowl before purchasing a bidet seat.
Confirm the bidet dimensions match your toilet size for a good fit. You don‘t want any unsightly overhang!
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Installing a bidet seat on a tankless toilet is very doable as a DIY project. Here‘s how to do it in 6 easy steps:
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
Locate the shut-off valve that controls water to the toilet and turn it clockwise to shut it off completely. This prevents any leaks during installation.
2. Remove the Existing Toilet Seat
Use a wrench to loosen and remove the nuts and bolts holding the old seat in place. Set them aside for reuse later.
Lift off the old seat and set it aside.
3. Install the Bidet Seat
Follow the manufacturer‘s instructions to securely install the bidet seat using the same bolt holes and hardware.
Ensure it fits snugly with no shifting or rocking.
4. Connect the Water Supply
Your bidet seat will come with a supply hose that taps into the toilet‘s water supply line. Connect it using the provided adapter fittings.
5. Connect Electricity
If your bidet seat is electric, plug it into the nearby outlet you prepared.
6. Turn the Water Back On
Once everything is connected, slowly turn the shut-off valve counter clockwise to restore water supply to the toilet and bidet.
Check for any leaks during this step before completing the install.
And that‘s it – you now have a fully functional bidet on your tankless toilet! Refer to the user manual for how to use the controls.
Helpful Tips for Ongoing Use
Here are my top tips for keeping your tankless toilet bidet running smoothly:
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Clean the nozzles regularly to prevent mineral buildup. Use the self-cleaning mode if available.
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Check connections periodically for any leaks as seal washers can wear over time. Tighten or replace if needed.
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Use a soft cloth to clean the bidet seat. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the surface.
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Adjust pressure and nozzle position for maximum effectiveness and to prevent splashing.
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Keep the power plug fully inserted. Jiggling loose over time can cause intermittent operation.
The Pros and Cons of a Tankless Toilet Bidet
Let‘s recap the key advantages and potential disadvantages:
Pros
- Excellent hygiene
- Water conservation
- Heated seats, dryers, etc. depending on model
- DIY installation possible
Potential Cons
- Lower water pressure requires an electric model
- Lack of nearby outlet may require electrician
- Higher cost than basic non-electric models
- Proper product selection and install required
Parting Thoughts
While it takes a little extra planning, adding a bidet to a tankless toilet is absolutely doable for that spa-like cleansing experience. As long as you select the right product for low pressure, have an outlet nearby, and follow proper install steps, you can enjoy a refreshing bidet even with a tankless toilet.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to chat more about home improvement projects.
All the best,
Lillie
