Washlets (bidet seats)
Does anyone have any recommendations, tips or warnings about the washlet seat covers (electric bidet). I don't want to spend thousands of dollars and was wondering if any of you have any experience from using any of the brands that are priced in the mid range (few hundred dollars). Also any recommendation for a decent plumber that can install a new toilet with this washlet seat? Are there certain toilets that work better than others with the washlet? I want a toilet that uses less water, but has a great flushing system that can stand up to a house full of boys!
Feb 24, 2017
Parent Replies
Yes! Finally, something I really know about! I bought the Zen Bidet Z-500 from Amazon, and had very low expectations but just had to give it a try. I'd been coveting a nice tushy wash. This is not the seat itself, but an external thingy that hooks up to the hot and cold water and attaches to the toilet. I thought I would be able to install it myself; I was NOT able to, and ended posting a frantic plea for help on NextDoor; a neighbor's husband is a handyman and came right over to install it properly for about $60. Any plumber can do this, I promise you. I love this thing. It's really just a delightful way to freshen up and use a lot less toilet paper. No idea what kind of toilet you should get, though, and frankly I'd keep this in the master suite and not let the boys near it, as they're bound to pee right on the important bits.
We have a Toto s300e washlet that is fantastic. Toto is a very reputable brand, so anything from their line should be good. We also have a Toto toilet, but it would fit on many brands of toilet.
We got ours at Ashby Lumber and their pricing was very similar to Amazon. We worked with Mary in the plumbing department and she was able to get us setup with a toilet and bidet that worked well together at "online" prices, so I'd recommend a stop there.
The plumbing for the washlet is easy - you could do it yourself. But you have to have an electrical outlet within 3 feet or so of the toilet which most homes don't have. So you may need an electrician too.
Enjoy the bidet! It's a huge hit in my house despite some initial skepticism from my spouse.
We have a Toto washlet. I'm not sure what model, but it's the one with the remote control front and back washing, heated seat, and a dryer. Ours sits on a fantastic dual flush Toto toilet as well that we had been using for years before we got the washlet. We love it. We use it daily, at least the adults do. We don't let the kids use it. I'm not sure about mid-range models, but I don't regret the investment we made in the Toto brand at all. We had an electrical outlet close enough to the toilet that we didn't need an electrician to come in, and my husband easily installed the plumbing lines.