Bidets in European countries are found in many homes. In Russia, these items are not so widespread, so making the right choice can be difficult. Proper installation and operation of the bidet often cause a lot of questions among users. In our article we will consider what these devices are and what their main functions are.
What is it and who invented it?
Every year, the popularity of bidets in our country is only growing. Today, these devices are found in homes much more often than a few years ago. Before you get to know all the features of a bidet closely, you should understand what these products are and who invented them.
The bidet is a small bathtub, which is usually installed at a small distance from the toilet at an optimal height. The main purpose of this discreet, but useful device is in a quick wash after using the toilet. The bidet needs to be used correctly. This equipment is not intended for the disposal of toilet paper or garbage, it must be installed in accordance with all the rules.
For the first time, these products began to be operated about 300 years ago in France. But the mass production of the bidet is the merit of the Japanese. Considering the history of the emergence of these devices, it is worth noting that neither the exact date nor the name of their inventor is exactly unknown.Presumably, the author of the described development is Kristinka Merkulova, personal furniture master of the royal family in France.
Modern bidet models are far superior to their "ancestors." Today they are equipped with various additional sensors (for example, a presence sensor), have a thoughtful, interesting design. Designed for rooms of different sizes.
Properly selected equipment can be supplemented, decorate the bathroom.
Advantages and disadvantages
Bidet is a popular device, thanks to it many people completely abandoned the use of toilet paper. For example, in Turkey this practice is considered normal. Citizens of this country usually use a bidet to maintain hygiene. It is worthwhile to carefully understand the main advantages of the described devices.
- Bidets are mostly convenient to use, what users who already have them in their homes are talking about.
- In operation, the devices are very hygienic.
- By washing this type the skin on the genitals is not exposed to the rough, unpleasant sensation of the effect of toilet paper, the surface of which is far from always being soft.
- Bidet can be operated after using toilet paper - you will not have to completely change your habits. In this case, the level of cleanliness and hygiene significantly increases.
- Not only template, simple, but also bright, beautiful bidet models are on sale, having a unique, rich design. The modern consumer has the opportunity to supplement the bathroom with a beautiful detail.
- Modern bidet models are equipped with many additional features. In use, such options are especially convenient.
Consider the disadvantages of these sanitary products.
- Not every bathroom has free space for installing a bidet. Nowadays, many people living in city apartments experience a significant shortage of square meters. In such an environment, it can be simply impossible to set aside a bidet.
- Using a bidet is a matter of taste and habit. Not everyone will want to spend extra time on constant washing after going to the toilet.
Functions and Terms of Use
It is important to use the bidet correctly. Consider a few simple recommendations and rules regarding the operation of this device.
- Before using a bidet, It is important to check the temperature of the water flow from a small mixer. Water pressure should also be given attention so as not to accidentally wet clothes.
- For convenience, it is recommended to place a couple of towels nearby. These may be special one-time options sold in many stores.
- Important to remember that no toilet paper, napkins, or paper towels should be thrown in a bidet in any case - This is the same bathroom, just smaller.
- If your device has a special hairdryer function, then towels can not be prepared.
- When using a bidet, it is recommended to use cleaning products. Soap or special compositions for intimate hygiene are suitable - ordinary water is unlikely to be able to wash off more surface contaminants.
- Having prepared everything you need, you need to sit on the bidet correctly. For example, representatives of the stronger sex, due to their anatomical features, it is more convenient to sit down with your back to the device.
- Women can sit on the bidet, as it suits them. It will be possible to rinse the genitals more thoroughly, choosing the location facing the device. The principle of using the technique itself is the same for both sexes.
- In certain devices there is a special shower head, which is very convenient to use.
- You must wait until the device completes. After that, you should use a towel or run the hairdryer function provided in the bidet (if any).
There is nothing complicated in the operation of modern bidet models. The main thing is to sit on them correctly and comfortably, use them accordingly to their main purpose.
Do not think that the use of this subject of plumbing allows you to abandon the usual shower or bath. A bidet cannot become a full replacement for them.
Kinds
Modern consumers have the opportunity to find many convenient and thoughtful bidet models on sale. They differ not only in their design, but also in design, type of supply of a water stream, at the immediate installation site. It will be possible to choose the best option for any conditions.
Consider a detailed description of the features and characteristics of different types of bidets produced by modern manufacturers.
By design features
In specialized plumbing stores, you can find quality bidets that differ in design. Mounted and floor mounted devices are considered to be classic. They consist of the following elements:
- bowl;
- mixer.
On the shelves of shops you can find more modern variations of the classic bidet, which are made in the form of a conventional cover, supplemented by a reliable built-in mechanism for supplying fluid from the leaving nozzle. With this item you can get a multi-functional toilet, which can be used as a bidet.
Built-in bidets are gaining popularity. Models of this interesting design are often equipped with a special display, necessary to control certain device functions laid down by manufacturers. In some products there are additions in the form of a hair dryer and a heater.
These functions turn out to be very convenient to use the bidet, with them you can refuse towels or paper napkins. It is permissible to use a bidet built into the toilet lid only while sitting on the latter.
For this reason, such devices cannot be called the most functional - they cannot be used as a sink or foot bath.
By type of water supply
In various embodiments of the bidet device, different types of water supply are provided. There are models on sale where the liquid comes from a special nozzle, from the toilet lid, a standard type mixer or a small fountain fixed at the bottom of the bowl.
All of these instances have proven to be the most convenient to use. The choice of a particular model mainly depends on the needs and wishes of the consumer. Designs with a nozzle can be used by both men and women, since this part can be extended to different lengths.
At the place of installation
As well as toilets, modern bidet models have the ability to be installed both on the floor and attached to a prepared wall. Hanging options with a cover usually have a hidden installation in the inner part of the wall - for such modifications in the toilet there should be enough free space. Wall mounted designs are good because all of their communication components are hidden behind the wall, do not “catch” the eye.
The floor surface will remain completely free, due to which the cleaning process in the room is greatly simplified. But the cost of these variations is higher than the floor. Floor varieties of bidets, although they look simple, but are installed without any problems and hassle. This can be dealt with without the involvement of artisans.
The cost of floor options is lower than wall options.
Materials and colors
Choosing the ideal bidet model for a bathroom, it is important to consider not only its design, construction and functionality, but also the material of manufacture. Much depends on this parameter: the service life of the device, its reliability, quality, wear resistance and the final cost.
The market includes products made from:
- porcelain (faience);
- plastic;
- ceramics;
- metal;
- glass.
In certain outlets you can find chic items made of gold.The most popular and sought after for a long time remain the classic porcelain and earthenware options. A porcelain model will cost more, because its production is more expensive. Such products are reliable, durable and durable.
It is very difficult to distinguish faience from porcelain at first sight - only an experienced specialist can handle it. Earthenware models are less durable. Their average lifespan is about 35 years. Porcelain options can easily last from 45 to 55 years.
Reliable and durable are ceramic bidets. They are easy to maintain and look aesthetically pleasing. Often, such products are sold in one set with the toilet. Ceramics, like porcelain, is only afraid of temperature surges, strong shocks. Much depends on the direct quality of the materials themselves.
New bidet models made regularly come on sale. in different colors. Classical are traditional snow-white options. Such plumbing fit seamlessly into almost any environment. White - color non-capricious, “malleable” and pleasant. It looks attractive in the neighborhood with a variety of palettes, and there are no serious limitations in the styles of this color.
Not so long ago, unusual came into fashion black plumbing products. They look original, stylish and modern. They are recommended to be placed in more spacious bathrooms, where dark colors do not harm the visual space. If desired, you can find beige and cream options in stores. These varieties of bidets are also undemanding, easily fit into most environments along with snow-white.
It will look interesting and bright in the room green, yellow or red option. But such products are recommended to be placed in rooms where at least one more detail is present in the same color scheme. Overloading the bathroom with colorful tones also should not be, otherwise it will turn out ridiculous.
The color of the bidet is important to choose, starting from the rest of the environment. Plumbing should harmoniously fit into the interior ensemble, and not get out of it.
Dimensions
Modern manufacturers offer a choice of buyers bidets of various sizes. Choose a specific model, starting from the quadrature of the bathroom. Before going to the store, you should measure the room so as not to be mistaken with the purchase of a perfectly suitable device. Most bidets produced today have standard sizes:
- depth - 520-560 mm;
- width - 330-400 mm;
- the height of the product depends on its type: the standard parameter of floor models is 400 mm, and suspended, wall - 300 mm.
For a small room, you should not buy a device of unreasonably large sizes. It is worth giving preference to a mini-bidet - such a model is no less functional, but takes up a minimum of free space.
Popular brands
It is recommended to buy only high-quality, branded bidets. Good models come in several popular brands.
- Geberit A well-known Swiss concern producing bidets of all types of the highest quality. The hanging models and toilet bidets of this manufacturer are very popular. Represented in a large assortment, have a reasonable price.
- Villeroy & Boch. Large multinational company from Germany. It produces a large number of different bidet models from high quality materials. Ceramic devices with automatic systems and additional functions are in great demand.
- Roca. Spanish plumbing Roca is famous for unsurpassed quality, a wide range. Both floor and suspension models are available. Easy to mount, equipped with good duralumin seats. Bidets are affordable, durable and attractive.
- Cersanit. A well-known Polish company produces inexpensive plumbing equipment of good quality. It offers buyers a choice of predominantly classic white devices of various modifications. You can purchase a bidet in both large and small sizes.
Selection recommendations
Choosing a bidet for a toilet or bathroom should be based on a number of fundamental criteria. Check out their list.
- The size. As mentioned, before visiting a plumbing store, you need to carefully measure the area of the room in which you plan to place a bidet. Plumbing fixtures should not overload the space, block access to other objects.
- Material. Buy quality models made from sturdy, wear-resistant materials. Plastic products are cheap, but they can not be considered the most durable and reliable. A universal solution - earthenware bidet.
- Type of construction. Decide which bidet you want to purchase in advance. It all depends on the area of the bathroom, and on your preferences.
- Manufacturer. It is recommended to buy only branded bidets of the highest quality. Pay attention to branded products with a warranty card. Products from large brands are rarely cheap, but they last longer.
- Design. We must not forget about the design of the selected plumbing equipment. The device should have a suitable color and style appropriate to the environment.
Only if this condition is met, you can expect that the bidet will become a decoration / addition to the interior.
Where to place?
Usually a bidet is placed a short distance from the toilet. These devices, as it were, form a single chain, so their arrangement should be carefully thought out. The optimal distance between the bidet and the toilet is from 25 to 30 cm. It is advisable not to go beyond this framework.
The situation is a bit more complicated when it comes to organizing a very cramped space. In such conditions, the bidet may be too close to the toilet, it will not be so convenient to use it. This problem can only be solved by purchasing mini-format equipment.
In the small room you can use a bidet lid, a bidet shower or a hygienic shower. With this plumbing equipment you can save free space.
Bidet in interior design
Bidets should be selected based on the interior design of the room. A suitable device can be a harmonious addition to an existing ensemble. Consider a few attractive and balanced interiors that include a bidet.
The classic snow-white bidet will be a universal solution. This technique will easily fit into almost any environment. To the interior does not seem boring, you can "play" with the decoration on the background of such devices. For example, to finish the walls with a laconic gray color, lay a black fluffy carpet on a white tiled floor, decorate the room with red textile (towel) on a special holder. From discreet, at first glance, details and multi-colored decor, a harmonious and stylish interior was obtained.
Stylish and modern solution - a fashionable black bidet with a glossy surface. Such plumbing will never look old-fashioned and stereotyped. It can be installed against the backdrop of snow-white walls and the same light floor to achieve contrast. Next to a black bidet is better to put a toilet in the same color scheme.
The bidets made in red look interesting and bright. Moreover, not the whole structure can be saturated, but only its outer part. Such an original device can be installed next to the toilet, decorated in the same color scheme.
Neat white bidet with a mixer for bronze or gold will harmoniously fit into the decor of an expensive bathroom with a noble dark finish.
In the next video you will find step-by-step instructions for installing a hanging bidet with your own hands.