What are the Downsides of Using a Bidet? A Complete Guide for You

Hey there! I‘m Lillie Gabler, home improvement expert here to give you the full low-down on bidets. As fancy and high-tech as bidets may seem, they aren‘t perfect. There‘s some real drawbacks you need to look at before taking the plunge (pun intended).

I‘ve installed hundreds of bidets and helped many households weigh the pros and cons. In this detailed bidet guide, I‘ll walk you through the key downsides you must consider before installing one in your home. Let‘s dive in!

Big Upfront Investment

One major roadblock for many is the high initial cost of purchasing and installing a bidet. As a home renovation pro, I can tell you these things don‘t come cheap.

• A standalone bidet fixture will typically cost $600 – $1,200 for the unit and professional installation labor according to HomeAdvisor.
• Opting for a bidet toilet seat instead? You‘ll still be looking at $400 – $600 total per Fixr.com.

Now if money‘s no object, that price tag may not phase you. But for most folks, dropping that much cash just to spritz their nether regions is not feasible.

Bidet prices are coming down as they gain popularity. But it‘s still a serious investment, especially if your bathroom layout requires complex plumbing modifications. The cost is easier to swallow when remodeling an entire bathroom. But as a standalone project, you have to really love bidets to take the financial plunge.

Plumbing and Electrical Work Needed

Here‘s another biggie – you can‘t DIY install a bidet. A professional plumber is mandatory to connect the water supply and drainage lines.

Standalone bidet fixtures require hooking up:

• Hot and cold water supply lines
• Wastewater drainage

For bidet toilet seats and attachments, plumbers must:

• Shut off the toilet water supply
• Disconnect the supply line from the toilet tank
• Attach the bidet‘s supply connection tubing
• Reconnect everything

According to HomeAdvisor, the average hourly rate for a plumber is $86. Expect to pay at least a few hundred dollars for professional installation.

The more complex your current bathroom layout, the pricier it gets. You‘ll also need an electrician for bidet toilet seats to connect the electric supply. More $$$.

Now once it‘s installed, you‘ve got aheck of a lot more plumbing sitting in your bathroom just waiting to cause problems. Trust me, I‘ve seen it many times before.

Ongoing Cleaning a Must

Alright, #2 on your bidet downside list – cleaning these puppies is a must.

I always tell my clients to scrub their new bidet weekly minimum. For heavy users, 2-3 times per week is best according to the Mayo Clinic.

To sanitize, you need to:

• Wipe down basin and seat
• Disinfect nozzles and hoses
• Clean any controls or buttons

Use a specialty bidet cleaner or a mild bleach solution. And don‘t forget inside those nooks and crannies where gunk loves to hide.

If you skip this critical cleaning step, a nasty bacteria bonanza will set up camp lickety split. Think biofilms, fungi, and fecal germs swirling around your spritzer. Not what you want!

Risk of Infection if Misused

Now this is a big one. Bidets can actually spread bacteria and cause infections if not used perfectly every time.

According to doctors on WebMD, you risk getting a UTI or yeast infection from a dirty bidet. The warm moist environment is a breeding ground for all sorts of critters looking to infect your nethers.

To avoid this icky fate, NEVER:

• Let the stream hit directly into your vagina or rectum – aim is key!
• Use someone else‘s personal bidet without disinfecting
• Touch buttons or nozzles with bare hands

And always remember to dry thoroughly after doing your business. Leaving a damp paradise down there is asking for trouble.

Children and elderly users are most at risk for improper use. So teach kiddos well, and keep a close eye on Grandma too!

Dodgy Installs Can Cause Leaks and Damage

Did I mention you need to hire a pro? DIY bidet projects often end badly – I‘ve seen the damage firsthand.

If those supply lines aren‘t 100% secure, you‘ve got a high-pressure water leak on your hands. And don‘t get me started on drainage issues. Clogged or leaky drains quickly lead to flooding and mold.

Even with a pro install, things can go wrong:

• Loose fittings
• Pipe wear over time
• Parts breaking down
• Mineral buildup in pipes

Before you know it – gushing water everywhere and major damage. Not pretty.

Make sure your plumber is experienced with bidet installs specifically. And inspect regularly for any drips or leaks before it turns into a pricey mess.

The Numbers Don‘t Lie

Okay, I promise I‘m not trying to scare you off here. But having some solid stats on bidet risks can help make an informed decision.

According to a survey published in the Journal of Infection Prevention:

• 46% of standalone bidets tested positive for fecal bacteria contamination.
• Women who used bidets were 6.9 times more likely to get recurrent UTIs.

And per a 2020 study in Applied and Environmental Microbiology:

• 63% of bidet toilet seats had some degree of bacterial contamination.
• 16% tested positive for potential pathogens like E. coli.

Now again, these risks mainly come from improper use and inadequate cleaning habits. But it‘s definitely something to think hard about before taking the bidet plunge.

Accessibility Challenges

For those with disabilities or mobility issues, bidets may be difficult or impossible to use properly.

To get on and off a bidet, you need to be able to:

• Stand and pivot transfer
• Balance unassisted
• Handle controls like knobs and dials
• Position yourself precisely

For the elderly or injured, these capabilities can be compromised. Trying to use a bidet may result in slips, falls, and further injury.

Children may also lack the coordination and dexterity needed to use a bidet safely. Having an adult assist and supervise their usage is crucial.

Those with disabilities should look for ADA compliant bidet models with handicap accessible designs. But the options are still quite limited compared to standard bidets.

Stigma in Some Regions

Depending on where you live, whipping out a bidet may not go over so well with your guests. Cultural unfamiliarity can make them seem downright weird!

Bidet usage is common in Europe and Asia. But many North Americans still feel squeamish about the rear-spraying fixtures according to polls.

In 2018, just 10% of Americans surveyed said they actually use a bidet at home. Even if people want the hygiene benefits, the stigma holds many back from adopting this nouveau toilet tech.

It may take a generational shift before bidets become truly mainstream here. So be prepared for some funny looks from house guests unaccustomed to European-style toilets if you install one today.

Proper Use a Challenge for Kids

If you plan on installing a bidet in a family home, teaching the little ones to use it properly is a must.

Kids love buttons, dials, and anything that sprays water. But that spells trouble for pristine bidet hygiene. Think rashes, UTIs, and general ickiness from improper use.

Toilet hygiene is hard enough for kiddos just learning potty skills. Introducing a bidet takes patience and supervision.

According to healthcare site VeryWell Family, parents should:

• Supervise closely the first few times a child uses a bidet
• Teach them how to adjust settings, aim water stream, and use controls appropriately
• Encourage thorough drying after use
• Limit unsupervised play/Experimentation

Take the time to coach good bidet habits from the start. Your kid‘s health and safety depend on it!

Good Luck Finding Parts and Service!

Alright, what if your sweet new bidet starts leaking, clogging, or squirting you unexpectedly? Get ready for a fun repair adventure!

Fact is, bidet expertise is still limited here. Finding replacement parts or knowledgeable service techs for an obscure European brand unit isn‘t easy.

You may have to order parts online and hope for the best. Or replace the entire darn thing if it just can‘t be fixed.

When shopping, look for bidet brands that offer:

• Readily available replacement parts
• Responsive customer service
• Known reputable reputation
• Warranty coverage

Stick to bigger names like Toto, Brondell, or BioBidet for a safer service bet. But even then, help may be harder to find versus your average American Standard toilet.

Home Buyers May Look at You Funny

Alright, this downside may not apply if you‘re a diehard bidet devotee. But many homeowners do fret over resale value when renovating.

Will that fancy new bidet turn off potential buyers down the road? According to Redfin real estate experts, probably not if it‘s a bidet seat. These are removable and don‘t hurt resale value.

But a standalone bidet? That may be a turn off for buyers who just see it as a weird unwanted fixture hogging space. Removing it means added costs as well.

However, bidets are gaining popularity with millennial and Gen Z buyers looking for high-tech home features. So it may attract the right buyer demographic.

My advice? If you adore bidets, install what makes you happy. Values continue to shift in their favor as new buyers expect luxury bath features.

The Struggle is Real for Retrofits

Time for some real talk. Adding a bidet to your existing bathroom is a giant pain!

In new construction, installing stand alone bidets or integrated bidet toilets is much simpler. But opening up walls and moving plumbing in a finished bath takes major work.

You need space for the bidet fixture itself plus room for supply and drainage lines. Each home‘s layout is different, so retrofits require planning and compromise.

Before you buy, have a pro assess your bathroom layout and plumbing. Don‘t get your heart set on a bidet that just won‘t work with your home‘s constraints. There‘s always bidet toilet seats if space is tight.

Higher Energy and Water Use

Alright, it‘s not a huge deal. But bidets do use more H2O and electricity overall.

Those fancy features like warm water, drying, deodorizing, and automatic lid lifting use up energy compared to a lowly old toilet. Higher-end units use the most juice with all the bells & whistles.

As for water, the cleansing stream needs a continuous supply versus brief toilet flushes. But modern bidets include eco-modes to reduce water waste.

According to Scientific American, a typical bidet uses about 1/8 gallon of water per use. That‘s way less than a toilet flush!

So while bidets use more of both than a toilet, it‘s a minimal environmental impact overall. A small price to pay for a squeaky clean bum!

Get Ready for a Cold Wake Up Call!

Here‘s something you may not think about – cold bidet water in winter!

Standalone bidets and basic seats rely on unheated fresh water to clean your caboose. And trust me, that tap water gets frigid in winter!

Nothing like an icy rear rinsing first thing on a Minnesota morning. Most bidets don‘t come with built-in heating. You‘ll have to upgrade to a luxury model if you want warm water every time.

Going the DIY route with something like a Toastie Tush or Hot Seat? Make sure it has safeguards against overheating and risks of electric shock. Don‘t go with cheap knockoffs lacking safety features.

No Drying Available on Cheap Models

Alright, we‘ve rinsed. But now we‘ve got a big problem – a soaking wet booty crack!

Non-electric bidets and basic seats don‘t come with drying capabilities. And few things feel grosser than soggy undies after bideting.

You‘ll need to supply towels or waddle awkwardly to air dry. Classy!

Upgrade to a high-end bidet seat if you want the luxurious hands-free drying experience. Look for models with:

• Heated air drying
• Towel warming cabinet
• Combo warm water and air dry

If those are out of your budget, keep some small hand towels or TP ready to pat yourself dry. Remember to launder them frequently!

Danger of Leaks and Water Damage

We touched on this before, but leaks are a big bidet downside I have to hammer home. Any time you add plumbing and water fixtures, leakage risks come too.

A number of things can lead to disastrous water damage:

• Worn out fittings and gaskets
• Mineral buildup in supply lines
• Cracked control valves
• Loose piping connections

Leaks cause ugly water stains, mold, and rotting if undetected. And repairs get expensive fast.

The best approach is prevention. Have a pro handle any installation or repairs. Inspect regularly for drips or damp spots, and don‘t delay fixing minor leaks.

Consider installing a smart leak detector too – this can literally save your home from destruction if you‘re away when a leak starts.

Let‘s Summarize the Key Drawbacks:

Okay, that was a lot of info to digest! Let me summarize the main bidet downsides to weigh:

• High upfront costs for the unit and professional installation
• Ongoing cleaning is essential to prevent gross buildup
• Risk of bacterial infections if not used properly
• Can be difficult for some disabled or elderly to use
• Stigma in regions unfamiliar with bidets
• Requires vigilance when teaching children to use properly
• Hard to find replacement parts and service for repairs
• Possible impact on resale value in some markets
• Retrofitting bidets in existing baths is challenging
• Slightly higher energy and water usage

Phew, that‘s quite the downside list! But please don‘t let it completely deter you.

Used properly and cared for diligently, bidets can still be a beneficial addition for many homeowners. Just go in eyes wide open about the potential drawbacks before taking the plunge!

I hope this in-depth look at bidets – warts and all – helps you make the best choice for your home and family. Let me know if you have any other questions!