Toilet with bidet function: pros and cons
Regular hygiene procedures, including after going to the toilet, are a reliable prevention of many diseases of the genitourinary system. In addition, they allow you to feel more comfortable and confident.
It is inconvenient to use the usual shower after each visit to the toilet., uneconomical from the point of view of consumed volumes of water and spent time. The way out is to install a bidet. Those who do not want to spend money on two devices (toilet and bidet), and also do not have enough space in the toilet, can use the convenient modern version of the toilet with a bidet.
Peculiarities
The characteristic feature of a toilet with a bidet function is its versatility. In fact, this is a two-in-one device.
It has special nozzles from which water is supplied under pressure. Visually, this design is no different from the model of a conventional toilet, except that a toilet combined with a bidet can have a rim of a more elongated shape or a larger cistern. A larger volume, the size of the tank is associated with an increased volume of water (now it is needed not only for flushing, but also for washing), as well as the placement of the necessary electronic equipment in the tank.
Constructions with a hygienic shower work due to panels mounted in them, on which retractable fittings or built-in nozzles are fixed. In addition to the standard kit for installing a toilet, you will also need to connect the device to hot and cold water supply, electricity, and a thermostat.
It is possible to set the required temperature and pressure power thanks to the electronic panel, which is usually mounted behind the toilet or on the side of it. An important feature of the device is that they are washed with water immediately after use.
The main purpose of the toilet, working together with the bidet, is to wash intimate places after using the toilet. Moreover, it is convenient for washing children. Such devices will be appreciated by elderly people, users suffering from constipation, hemorrhoids, and people with disabilities. The presence of a water jet under pressure greatly simplifies and speeds up cleaning the toilet.
Advantages and disadvantages
Toilets with bidets are popular due to a number of advantages of the device:
- convenient, ergonomic and reliable device for performing intimate hygiene;
- the ability to refuse to use toilet paper;
- ergonomics of the device;
- the ability to wash even when the hot water supply is turned off thanks to a thermostat built into the device;
- wide scope (also suitable for washing children, simplifies cleaning the toilet);
- versatility of use (all family members can use it, regardless of age and anatomical features of the body);
- ease of use;
- ease of installation;
- safety of use, since the nozzles are washed and disinfected immediately after use.
The disadvantage of the unit is the more complicated installation and higher cost compared to the installation of a conventional toilet bowl.
Varieties
Depending on the installation method, the following types of bidet toilets are distinguished:
Floor standing
Standard toilet bowls, consisting of a bowl with a leg and a cistern. The latter can have a different volume and design.
Hinged
Such devices do not have a leg, but are mounted on the wall.Thanks to this, they look lighter and more compact. The tank and water supply elements in such a device are mounted on a steel frame built into the wall, called an installation. He, in turn, is hidden by a decorative false panel. Thus, the user sees only the toilet bowl and the flush button in the toilet. Suspended toilets allow you not to disturb the tile pattern, provide an easier installation of the warm floor, cleaning the floor covering. In addition, due to the peculiarities of the location of the tank, the drain in these models is practically silent.
Corner
Each of the types of toilet discussed above can have an angled version. From the name it is clear that the structure is mounted between adjacent intersecting walls and allows the most efficient use of a small area of the toilet. A feature of such designs is the triangular shape of the tank.
Based on the characteristics of the connection, the following types of devices are distinguished:
- A toilet bowl connected through a hose to a cold water supply pipe.
- A toilet with a hidden mixer connected to cold and hot water supply. The temperature and water pressure are controlled manually.
- A device with a thermostat. In the latter, cold and hot water is mixed to the optimum temperature set by the user. In this case, the specified parameter can be saved. If the thermostat has a water heating element, then it is connected only to pipes with cold water.
The nozzles can be installed both in the rim of the toilet bowl and in the lid. Moreover, you can separately buy a bidet cover of a suitable diameter and fix it on a regular toilet.
The covers can be mechanical (they have a mixer near the toilet bowl, to which they are connected) and electronic (equipped with boilers and control panels attached to the toilet bowl).
There are also bidet inserts. Such an insert can be in the form of 2 devices - a mini shower or spray nozzles. The set of the device includes a mixer, hoses, a metal panel, as well as a shower head or retractable nozzles. When installing a shower, it is enough to turn on the mixer, and then a special button on the shower. The nozzles are activated by pressure - first the nozzle extends, then it starts spraying water. There is no need to independently control the direction of the jet. After the tap is closed, the nozzle will hide.
Depending on the type of nozzles, there are:
- Toilet bowls with a stationary nozzle (bidetka). Mounted in a rim, water flows after pressing the bidet button.
- Toilet bowls with retractable fittings. Placed under the rim of the bowl or in the rim of the bowl. After turning off the bidet button, the fitting enters under the rim and becomes on a par with it.
The latter are preferred as they are less prone to contamination during use.
Depending on the type of control, manual and electronic bidet toilets are distinguished. The latter can be equipped with a remote control.
Shower toilets can have additional options:
- Lid with microlift. Such designs have a smoothly closing lid. A special built-in latch prevents the lid from slamming.
- Built-in hair dryer.
- Seat heating function.
- Backlight.
- Thermostat. It ensures constant temperature and water pressure.
- A device for analyzing human biomaterial in order to identify deviations from the norm of certain indicators.
- Air and hydromassage system.
- Anti-splash system that prevents splashes when using the toilet.
- The presence of a special coating that prevents the formation of dirt on the surface of the bowl.
Dimensions (edit)
When deciding on the dimensions of the device, it is important to take into account that the minimum distance from the toilet bowl to the door or the opposite wall should be 65 cm, and there should be a free space of 30-35 cm on both sides of the toilet bowl.
The height of the toilet should be such that the user can sit comfortably on it.The person's feet should reach the floor, the steps should be on the floor. The optimal height is considered to be the distance from the floor to the top point of the toilet, equal to 40-45 cm.
If a toilet with a bidet is installed for a disabled person or an elderly person, then its height increases by 10-20 cm and is 50-60 cm from the floor.
When determining the size of the toilet bowl, the dimensions and shape of the bowl are of no small importance.
The bowl can be of three types.
- Funnel-shaped. The drain hole in this design is centered, so splashing may occur during use.
- Poppet. The bowl is equipped with a small shelf, which prevents the formation of splashes, but can trap dirt in the bowl recess.
- Kozyrkova. The drain hole is slightly off-center, the descent is like a slide. This allows dirt to be easily washed off without splashing. The most hygienic and easy-to-use option.
Design
The traditional shape of the toilet bowl is considered to be a slightly elongated oval one. It is versatile and suitable for most types of interiors. The round shape is similar to it.
The toilet bowls of rectangular and square shapes look interesting. However, they will not fit into every interior. Such high-tech plumbing looks good in minimalist interiors and rooms decorated in Japanese style. When choosing a shower toilet in the shape of a square and a rectangle, it is important that they have rounded edges. This option is safe and non-traumatic.
If you decide to purchase a wall-hung model, check out the egg toilet design. This unusual element of the bathroom requires appropriate design - at least the rest of the plumbing must also have an elongated shape.
The usual color of the toilet is white and also beige. However, manufacturers today offer a rich color palette that includes both delicate light shades and rich bright colors. A colored bidet toilet bowl allows you to implement a particular design idea, serves for zoning a room (especially when it comes to combined bathrooms).
An interesting effect can be achieved using patterned toilets. They can be either factory-made or custom-made. When choosing a colored toilet, it is important that it matches the color scheme and overall style of the room.
Colored toilets with bidets are made using one of two technologies:
- the pigment is added directly to the raw material;
- the toilet is covered with a thin layer of colored enamel.
Devices painted with the second method are brighter, more attractive and retain their color throughout the entire period of operation.
Popular models and manufacturers
Turkish toilet bowls are trusted by customers Vitra... They are distinguished by reliability and design uniformity for all models. Sanitary porcelain is used as a basis, the design is predominantly classic, there are retro-style devices. The collections include models with both vertical and horizontal release boards. The advantage of the brand is a large selection of devices in different price ranges: from expensive luxury ones to quite affordable toilets.
One of the most famous in the middle price segment is the model "VitrA Grand 9763B003"... It is a floor-standing toilet with a vertical type of connection to the sewer and a minimum set of options. Among the models of the elite segment, it is worth highlighting the suspended structure. "Vitra Espace", which also has an angular modification.
If you are looking for a "smart" toilet with many additional options, pay attention to the electronic device made of porcelain from the American brand Calipso.
In terms of their functionality and thoughtfulness of each element, they are not inferior to electronic structures with a certificate from the company Grohe... A real sensation was made by a relatively recent model Grohe Sensia Arena... Among the advantages of the device are many modes of operation of a hygienic shower, including depending on the gender differences of the user. By the way, if the device is used by several people, then everyone has the opportunity to set an individual program - the device will remember it. The flush function is activated automatically when you get up from the toilet, and can also be started from the remote control. Night lighting will allow you to use the toilet without turning on the main lighting, which can be too bright and annoying after sleeping. A special cartridge absorbs odors and prevents them from spreading.
The increased antibacterial reliability of the nozzle coating has been proven in the course of special studies. The design is rimless and has a special antibacterial coating. Among the modes of nozzles - point ablution, hydromassage.
Swiss company products Geberit experts know as one of the most reliable. By the way, this manufacturer was the first among those who started producing suspension devices. Most of the designs are supplied complete with installation, which is very convenient. The basis of the models is sanitary porcelain, which has a special anti-mud coating. The manufacturer's collection includes both affordable shower toilets with a minimum set of functions (usually nozzles, an anti-splash system and a seat with a microlift), as well as more expensive multifunctional models.
Among domestic companies that are popular, toilet bowls with a bidetka "Sunny"... Its main advantage is 100% compatibility with the domestic sewerage and water supply system (when using some European devices, special adapters are required). In addition, the devices are reliable, environmentally friendly, and affordable.
If you are looking for an electronic bidet cover, get a device from a German brand Duravit... The main advantages of the covers are versatility (compatible with most types of toilets), the ability of the nozzles to self-cleaning, several modes of water supply.
Experts and some users recommend refusing to buy cheap toilets from unknown Asian brands. Reviews indicate that the devices have poor-quality coating, which causes a reduction in the life of plumbing and its unpresentable appearance after a short time of use.
Selection Tips
When choosing a toilet with a bidet function, first of all evaluate the technical capabilities of the device, as well as the material from which it is made. Preference should be given to ceramic products. They are durable, environmentally friendly, durable. Porcelain will have a higher cost, but it will also last 2 times longer than faience.
Depending on the size of the bathroom and your own preferences, choose between a floor-standing, wall-hung or side-mounted toilet. Provide water connection points using hot water supply. The connection between the toilet bowl and the sewer outlet pipe can be inclined, horizontal (the first 2 methods are the most common) and vertical. There are also toilets with a universal mounting method, although they are more expensive.
It is important that the device has high-quality fasteners - metal or plastic. The first ones are more reliable, more durable, and therefore a toilet bowl with metal mounts is more expensive. The same applies to fittings. A solid metal structure should be chosen.
Determine if the control of the bidet is manual or electronic. In the first case, the device must have a pressure switch system, as well as a water supply regulator, in the second, a control panel with buttons.
If you do not want to dismantle the existing plumbing or live in a rented or service housing, it is better to purchase a bidet cover and combine it with your existing toilet. Measure all the parameters of the toilet carefully before purchasing. It is best to purchase a lid from the same manufacturer as the toilet.This ensures high device compatibility and avoids installation difficulties.
Inspect your toilet carefully before purchasing. The presence of even a subtle scratch should be a reason to look for another device. Over time, minor damage will lead to a decrease in the protective properties of the coating, it will begin to deteriorate faster under the influence of moisture, chemical and organic substances.
If you have water meters installed in your house, purchase tanks with 2 sections. They allow you to control the volume of flushed water, draining more or less liquid, depending on the degree of contamination. The shutter buttons in such devices have 2 keys.
It is more convenient to use a device that has an adjustable nozzle, the presence of which makes it possible to adjust the degree of pressure and the direction of spraying water.
How to do it yourself?
When installing an electronic shower toilet, it is important to remember that it is an electronic device, and therefore requires separate electrical wiring, grounding, and an RCD system.
Installation of the device involves connecting a drain tank, a hot and cold water supply system. The toilet bowl is connected to the tap on the pipe by means of a flexible hose. Each pipe should be equipped with a separate tap in order to quickly shut off the water supply in the event of an accident.
When installing wall units, the frame is selected first. Then a recess of a suitable size is constructed in the wall, the installation is mounted, the tank and other elements are fixed. When using an electronic device with a bidet behind a false wall, it is necessary to organize the outlet, placing it at the maximum height from the floor.
Regardless of the type of toilet, carefully seal all joints. After installation, carry out a proof test of the device. If these are wall models, then you need to test the reliability of the joints before installing the partition.
For a toilet with a bidet function, see the following video.
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