Toilet bidets combine the cleaning capacity of a toilet with a showering feature in one fixture. Some also have high-tech features like a remote control or touch panel night light for visibility in the dark.
While they’re a bit controversial in the United States, these basins have been popular for centuries around the world. In Europe, bidets were a normal part of high society.
Reduces or Eliminates the Need for Toilet Paper
The amount of toilet paper you use can add up over time, but there are ways to cut back. Using less toilet paper can save your plumbing system money, and it can also help you avoid clogged toilets.
The paper used to make toilet paper comes from trees, and it takes about 17 trees and 20,000 gallons of water to manufacture one ton of tissue. The process is environmentally destructive and causes significant carbon emissions from logging and manufacturing.
In the United States, toilet paper production is a huge source of greenhouse gas emissions, killing 15 million trees and contributing to climate change. It also requires a lot of chlorine to bleach the tissue and produces a lot of waste.
Many people think that recycled toilet paper is better for the environment because it uses less paper, but the reality is that the process of making recycled tissue isn’t very sustainable long-term. To make recycled paper, pulp is soaked in lukewarm water and then pressed through large rollers to squeeze the water out of the fibers. Then the pulp is embossed and dried, then rolled onto cardboard tubes to be cut into rolls for sale.
Some people also choose to use a toilet seat cover to clean themselves instead of using toilet paper. These toilet seat covers are flushable and will help you to save on toilet paper while still keeping your plumbing system running smoothly.
You can also opt for a bidet, which is similar to a toilet, only it has warm-water jets that wash your private parts. The warm-water jets are safe for sensitive skin, and they can be helpful for a variety of medical conditions, including hemorrhoids, constipation and diarrhea.
Bidets aren’t for everyone, but they are a great way to reduce the amount of toilet paper you use and to keep your home clean. They’re also a good investment for anyone who has limited mobility or suffers from health problems that affect their rectal and genital areas.
Soothes Skin Irritation
A bidet toilet seat emits a warm stream of water, and many users find that it soothes skin irritation. This is especially helpful for those with sensitive or delicate skin, says Susan Wong, a nurse and colorectal disorders specialist at the University of California, San Francisco.
It also helps prevent hemorrhoids, a common condition that causes pain and swelling in the anus. In addition, a warm water jet can help reduce anal fissures, which are tiny tears in the anal lining.
These irritated areas can lead to bleeding and pain, which can make it difficult for a person to go to the bathroom. They also can cause traces of blood to be left behind on stools. A sitz bath or regular bath will provide relief, but you can also try using a bidet to gently clean the anal area and reduce the inflammation.
Some people who have physical disabilities, muscle weakness or other conditions that may make it difficult to wipe with toilet paper will find a bidet to be useful, says Laurel Vaughn, an associate professor of health care administration at the University of New Hampshire. One study suggests that these devices improved the “toileting experience” for nursing home residents.
Another benefit of a bidet is that it can be used to ease constipation. For this reason, some doctors recommend it for pregnant women and for those with digestive problems such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Bidets also can be useful for those who have had surgery or are experiencing irritable bowel syndrome. They can clean the anus and vaginal area more thoroughly than wiping with toilet paper, Vaughn says. They are also better for the environment, as toilet paper can clog up our pipes and spread bacteria around.
A bidet is often more comfortable than wiping with toilet paper, and it may be easier to use if you are recovering from an illness or injury. It can be especially beneficial for women who have just given birth or had surgery, since they are likely to be more prone to UTIs.
Reduces or Eliminates the Need for Flushable Wipes
For people who have physical disabilities or other conditions that make it hard for them to clean themselves up with toilet paper alone, a bidet might be a lifesaver. Not only can they help keep a person’s private parts clean, but the warm water spray also reduces itching and irritation to those with hemorrhoids or fissures, says Dr. Rea.
Another reason why toilet bidets install might be an advantage is because they can eliminate the need for flushable wipes. Wipes don’t break down in the sewer, and when they combine with fat, oil and grease in the water, they can cause a blockage known as a fatberg.
This clog causes wastewater to overflow and is a major threat to the environment. It’s also extremely costly to clean up.
Many cities have seen an increase in clogged pipes and sewage fees because of the buildup of these wipes. They’ve had to spend hundreds of man-hours unclogging pipes, repairing broken sewer lines, and upgrading machinery to handle the waste.
In fact, the Environmental Commission for the United Kingdom (ECUA) is warning people to stop flushing personal wipes because they can cause a sanitary sewer overflow and discharge untreated sewage into the environment prior to reaching wastewater treatment plants.
The majority of the wipes that cause a fatberg are made from plastic fibres, which don’t degrade in the collection system like toilet paper does. The wipes coagulate and combine with the fat, oils and grease in the sewer system to form a solid rock-like mass that clogs pumps and other equipment in the sewer treatment train.
These clogs, called fatbergs, are expensive to remove and can be a hazard to marine wildlife. They can also damage the lining of wastewater pipes, causing blockages and costly repairs.
But there’s a solution: Some companies are now manufacturing flushable wipes that are designed to break down and disperse in the sewer. This is thanks to a new standard created by Water UK called Fine to Flush.
This standard is a big step in the right direction, but it’s important that the industry continues to innovate in order to develop safer and more effective products. We’ll keep you posted on the latest developments as they happen.
Reduces or Eliminates Clogged Toilets
Bidets are a great way to save money and conserve water. They help reduce or eliminate clogged toilets, which in turn helps keep your plumbing running smoothly and can prevent a costly emergency call to your local plumber.
The best bidets are stand-alone, porcelain fixtures that sit right next to your toilet. They’re also easy to clean. You can wipe the seat and surrounding area with a soft, slightly damp cloth soaked in a mild cleanser, like Windex or Simple Green.
A bidet is also a good idea for pregnant or postpartum mothers, people with mobility difficulties or other health conditions that may limit their ability to wash themselves with the traditional method. In fact, many women prefer a bidet over a bath or shower because of the extra pampering it provides them.
To use a bidet, you need to position yourself to use it by straddling the toilet bowl (the urology department will have more details on this), and lean over the faucet to activate the nozzle. Some models have a spray that can be a bit powerful, so try to place one hand over it before you turn it on.
There are several things to know about a bidet, including how to choose the best model for your needs and budget. The best bidets are easy to use and feature features that make you feel pampered while you wait for the jets to do their job. A well-made bidet can be a lifesaver for you or your loved ones and should be on your bathroom must-have list. You’ll also want to find the best way to care for your new prized possession.