Toilet with bidet function: what are they and how to connect

You are planning a bathroom renovation, are going to install a toilet and a bidet, but suddenly you are faced with a problem: there is not enough space for two appliances. There is a solution to the issue. We recommend a viable alternative: toilets with a bidet function, the best of which are listed in the article. The presented models are wall-hung and floor-mounted with a small-sized hygienic shower and a wall-mounted watering can.

What is a shower toilet?

In appearance, a toilet combined with a bidet resembles a traditional toilet with a more elongated bowl and an enlarged cistern. Its main feature is the presence of a system that allows washing intimate parts of the body. To do this, the device is equipped with special nozzles, which can be placed directly on the rim of the bowl or on a fitting (spout) located under the rim.

The device can be used in toilet mode by simply draining the water from the tank, or you can activate the bidet function by pressing a special button (lever). At the same time, warm water will be supplied from the nozzles under pressure for a hygienic shower. If the 2-in-1 bidet toilet is equipped with a fitting, then when it is turned on it moves forward, and when it is turned off it moves back, becoming flush with the rim.

In the photo there is a toilet combined with a bidet with a control panel

Design, shape and color

The white classic remains a hit. If the room requires accents on an unusual color of plumbing, then you can find an accessory in the desired tone: pink, light green, blue, black, chocolate brown, gold-plated, orange, bright red.

Today, decorated models with patterns, drawings on the bottom of the device, external cladding with mosaics of the same color or colored ones are popular. For a classic style, pearl white remains the best color.

For Japanese-style interiors, round-shaped sanitary ware in black design is installed. Dark bidet colors are also used for the bathroom in trendy minimalism. Models in contrasting designs, for example, black and white, red top and white bottom, look original. For country-style rooms, semicircular bowls in a light tone, decorated with a delicate pattern, are suitable.

Functions of the shower toilet

The characteristics of such a device as a toilet with a bidet differ from different manufacturers. Functions and additional components that this piece of plumbing may have:

• electric water heater;
• thermostat – prevents liquid with too low or high temperature from entering the nozzles;
• water pressure regulator with several stages - allows you to configure the operation of the device depending on the preferences of each family member;
• pendulum movement of nozzles to improve washing;
• adjusting the length of the outlet of the fitting;
• hydromassage - water can be supplied in pulsation, vibration, wave modes;
• hairdryer for drying the skin after a hygienic shower - this option makes it possible to refuse to use paper, in addition, the air stream can be used for aeromassage;
• microlift – necessary for smooth automatic closing of the toilet lid;
• turning on ventilation when using the toilet;
• coating with silver ions, which repels dirt and prevents the proliferation of pathogenic flora;
• automatic flush after closing the lid;
• a reservoir for a disinfectant solution, supplied before draining the water and disinfecting the nozzles and bowl.

In addition, there are devices with automatic air fragrances, infrared human presence sensors, music players, and so on.

Classification of model with hygienic shower

Combined models are presented on the plumbing market in 2 types:

• mechanical structures;
• subtype of electronic designs.

Characteristics of mechanical

The functionality of a mechanical product is presented minimally. All actions that bring the hygienic shower into working position are performed manually. Supporters of the mechanical model note the advantages of the device:

• affordability;
• The minimum requirements for starting work are water supply in the water supply system.

Characteristics of electronic

Such devices are characterized by their features:

• high price of the model;
• if there are frequent power outages in the apartment, the design will not work. This is because even the mixer valves do not open without an electric drive.

A shower toilet equipped with electronics becomes a device with a lot of additional options. Functions appear:

• Heating the liquid. Heating is carried out by a water heater. If it is a flow type, then its power is high (1 kW). If a small boiler is installed, then the heating elements reduce the power. When the question of the high cost of electricity arises, a hygienic shower with a mixer is installed. Then you have to lay a hot water supply pipe.
• Drying the skin with warm air. This option increases the comfort in everyday life, since you don’t have to look for a towel.
• Many parameters in the operation of the structure are automatically controlled.

Using a toilet with a bidet

The modern two-in-one shower toilet is very easy to use . It is enough to sit on the toilet in a comfortable position and activate the supply of warm water using a faucet, button, lever or remote control. You can use soap or intimate hygiene product. At the end, you should turn on the drying option or use a towel. It is important that all necessary items are within reach of the toilet.

Note: Instead of a full-fledged special toilet, you can purchase a bidet lid with nozzles, which is installed on a regular toilet. They can be electronic - with heating elements, as well as conventional - with a mixer.

Multifunctional seat

Another practical alternative to the classic bidet is the bidet seat (aka bidet lid), which often costs significantly less than a bidet toilet. It is installed on almost any modern toilet instead of a seat, does not require complex installation and, after connecting to cold water and electricity (220 V), turns a standard device into a modern device with many functions. Unlike a shower toilet, a bidet lid is a separate and independent device that adapts to a previously installed toilet. Finally, replacing a toilet will not require a large investment (as well as repair work).

Manufacturers offer various models of bidet lids. The simplest and most affordable mechanical lid includes a faucet installed on its back, near the toilet tank, and a fitting for ablution, which must be cleaned manually, like the toilet bowl.

Bidet lid model TCF4731. Photo: Toto

Automated units are similar in functionality to shower toilets. They are equipped with an electronic control unit, an element that heats the supplied water and is located under the lid, so it is slightly thicker than usual and raised at the back.

If you are going to install a toilet with a powered bidet lid, provide an outlet close to the toilet. Wiring can be laid hidden, as well as openly in a cable channel.

Multifunctional bidet lid Tuma Comfort: shock-absorbed closure (microlift), quick removal system, automatically activated odor removal system, built-in seat heating with presence sensor, WhirlSpray washing technology, various types of jets, pendulum movement of the nozzle. Photo: Geberit

Price

Automated bidet lids are offered by Blooming, Toshiba, Panasonic, Geberit, Duravit, Roca, Jacob Delafon, YoYo, etc. Simple devices will cost approximately 7 thousand rubles. The price of an automated bidet lid starts from 20–50 thousand rubles.

Benefits of a bidet lid

1. Easily adapts to a previously installed toilet without requiring any major renovations in the bathroom.
2. Unlike shower toilets, they are easy to dismantle (for example, when moving to another apartment).
3. It has almost the same advantages as a shower toilet, but costs much less.

Combination rules

You can determine whether the lid model fits your toilet using two parameters. The first is technical: do the mounting holes match those on the toilet (as a rule, the center distance is standard). Compatibility can be found in the special table included with the cover model. It lists many of the models presented on the Russian market. The second is visual compatibility: for example, you cannot put a rounded lid on a square toilet: it does not look very attractive and is inconvenient to use. Some companies that produce bidet covers, for example Geberit, Villeroy & Boch, Roca, offer them in tandem only with toilets of their own production.

Installation and connection

Unlike a conventional toilet, to which it is enough to supply only water and drain into the sewer, an automated device that provides hygiene procedures is connected to the electrical network using a cable. In this case, the following rules must be observed: grounding, RCD, power supply branch separate from all wiring. The console shower toilet is installed, like a regular toilet of this type, using a special installation module.

Using a watering can you can rinse the toilet more thoroughly. Photo: Grohe

Types of toilets with bidets

There are several types of two-in-one shower toilets, distinguished by different characteristics.

By type of fastening:

1. Floor standing toilet. Traditional model that is installed on the floor. It is easy to install, but takes up a lot of space.
2. Wall-hung toilet. The device is attached to the wall using a special installation. Withstands up to 400 kg of weight. Its advantages are compactness, ease of cleaning, and attractive appearance. The downside is the complexity of installation and repair, since all communications are “hidden” in the wall.

Example of a wall-hung toilet
Based on the method of heating water and controlling the nozzles:

1. Mechanical. A plumbing item is connected to a hot and cold water supply. Control is carried out manually. The device has a minimal set of functions.
2. Electronic. The device is equipped with an electric heater, thermostat, hair dryer, water pressure control systems, and so on. Control is carried out using buttons on the panel or remote control. The heater can operate continuously or turn on when the bidet is used.

By type of material:

1. Porcelain. They are characterized by reliability, hygiene (no plaque formation) and high price.
2. Earthenware. They are characterized by porosity (dirt is absorbed into the surface), not very high strength, but are inexpensive.
3. From other materials (rarely found) - steel, plastic, glass, stone, cast iron.

Other classifications of shower toilets:

• in shape - classic and corner toilets;
• by type of discharge into the sewerage system - horizontal, vertical, oblique;
• according to the shape of the flush - circular, straight;
• by the number of tanks - with one, with several.

Bidet toilet with automatic water temperature control

Criterias of choice

To ensure that visiting the bathroom always brings pleasure and comfort, you need to take care of the right choice of the most important item of use. What should you pay attention to?

Installation method

• With oblique outlet (pipe at an angle);
• With horizontal outlet (straight pipe);
• With vertical outlet (pipe inside the floor). The sewer pipe will be located inside the floor.

The choice will depend on the room's sewage system, but devices with direct or oblique discharge are easier to install.

Material

• Sanitaryware is the most budget option. This is ceramic with small pores, coated with enamel. Typically, the service life is about 15 years.
• Porcelain is a more expensive material, but its service life is up to 25 years. Excellent characteristics are provided by white clay with feldspar and quartz. The coating does not wash off for a long time.
• Stainless steel is very durable and resistant to mechanical damage and waterproof. The cost is quite high.
• Cast iron is bulky and heavy, but at the same time fragile and susceptible to damage. The material is wear-resistant; most often, cast iron models are installed in public places.
• Natural and artificial stone are suitable for exclusive design. Easy to care for, but expensive.
• Plastic is lightweight, easy to install, but short-lived, more suitable for a summer residence.

Flush system

This parameter affects the efficiency of water use and the hygiene and cleanliness of the toilet. The flow direction can be:

• cascade (direct) - washing occurs in only one direction;
• circular - the washing process occurs from two points and, with the help of a small flow of liquid, ensures the cleanliness of the entire bowl;
• showers - jet water supply along the rim.

Inner form

• funnel-shaped, with a drain in the center;
• plate-shaped, with a drain shifted forward, as a result of which waste products fall first onto a shelf in the bowl, and only then, when flushed, into the sewer;
• visor, with a bend in front of the drain.

Additional functionality

These options make using the toilet as comfortable as possible and make it easier to care for the product.

• anti-splash - a modification of the bowl drain hole that prevents splashing of water when draining;
• auto flush – allows you to drain liquid without touching your hands;
• heated seat – provides maximum comfort, especially in cold rooms;
• built-in bidet function – in demand for absolute hygiene when using the bathroom;
• backlight – allows the device to be used at night without full illumination.

Installation method

• Hanging

An ideal choice for small spaces and for those who prefer minimalism. Due to the fact that all communications, including the tank, are hidden from view, and only the flush button is located outside, the impression of compactness and lightness is created. Cleaning will not cause any inconvenience due to the absence of dead zones. In addition, according to buyers, such structures produce less noise when flushed. But, despite all the advantages of such models, you need to take into account that installation will require calling a specialist, and if it is necessary to repair, for example, pipes, you will have to remove the entire panel.

Due to the fact that the suspended model must be mounted on a frame structure, there is a need for wiring communications and facing the false panel. Therefore, simply replacing this item will not work; you will need to make repairs throughout the entire room.

• Floor-standing

Lovers of the classics prefer traditional floor-standing toilets. As a rule, they are easy to install, but you need to take into account the characteristics of your home and how to connect communications. They are usually cheaper in cost than their mounted counterparts. In addition to two-component structures - a toilet bowl and a cistern, one-piece devices have appeared with a combined cistern, which does not need to be attached to the wall separately, which greatly simplifies the installation process. They cost more than separate options.

Price range

The current price of a shower toilet depends on the number of functions and the level of the manufacturer. Approximate range:

• floor-standing mechanical shower toilet VitrA Grand (Türkiye) – 6350 RUR;
• floor-standing mechanical shower toilet Ideal Standard Connect (Belgium) – RUR 18,070;
• wall-hung mechanical shower toilet Bien Harmony (Italy) with microlift and sound insulation – RUR 27,910;
• electronic wall-hung toilet Duravit DuraStyle (Germany) with hairdryer and remote control – RUB 128,770;
• electronic wall-hung shower toilet Toto Neorest EW (Japan) with a full set of functions – 421,400 rub.

Tip: It is better to buy a shower toilet in a specialized store. It is important to carefully inspect the device and check the warranty documentation.

Appearance

The shower toilet looks similar to a regular toilet. If you look closely, you will notice that the bowl is slightly longer and the tank is larger. This is where the electronic equipment that controls the operation of the bidet is located. It includes a heating device and several other accessories.

These shower toilets have a stationary nozzle or fitting that is pulled out only before use. The second type is more convenient and hygienic.

Advantages and disadvantages

Let's consider the advantages and disadvantages of such a plumbing item as a toilet with a bidet function, and user reviews will help with this.

Advantages:

• the possibility of taking an intimate shower;
• the cost of an integrated device is lower than that of a toilet and bidet combined;
• water and/or air massage function, which is especially useful for hemorrhoids and diseases of the genital organs;
• saving on toilet paper (if you have a hairdryer);
• maintaining the hygienic cleanliness of the toilet through the automatic use of a disinfectant solution;
• Convenient to use for both older people and people with disabilities;
• Some models make it possible to perform medicinal herbal baths and do enemas.

In addition, it is worth considering that a wall-hung toilet with a bidet function takes up little space and also allows you to more thoroughly clean the area around it.

Flaws:

• high price of multifunctional electronic models;
• complexity of installation and repair.

One of the bidet lid options for the toilet

Connection features

When choosing a particular toilet model with a bidet function, the connection method is of great importance, which depends on the built-in set of additional equipment.

1. Cold water. The toilet is connected via a flexible hose to a tap installed on the pipe. This method is typical for the simplest mechanical models.
2. Manual temperature control. This method involves installing a hidden mixer connected to pipes with cold and hot water. During use, the desired water temperature level is adjusted manually.

   
   Manual water temperature control

3. Set water temperature. A thermostat is included in the toilet bowl, which mixes the supplied cold and hot water to a predetermined temperature. Thermostat settings can be saved. In models with a built-in water heating element, it will be enough to connect the toilet with a bidet only to a cold water pipe.

Advice. The faucets in the shower toilet must be of high quality, since if they break down they are very difficult to replace, and in some cases the entire device will have to be replaced.

Connecting shower toilets to the power supply must be done very efficiently, following all the rules and recommendations:

• separate branch of electric water supply;
• grounding;
• RCD.

Bidet toilet lid with remote control
Ignoring these rules may cause an electric shock, especially since the bidet toilet involves contact with water. Connecting a toilet to a sewer system does not differ from the standard connection of a conventional floor-standing or wall-hung toilet.