Search for a bidet online and you will encounter everything from a $20 squeeze bottle to an integrated smart toilet with heated water, air drying and automatic flushing.
They are all described as bidets, but they are very different products.
The type you choose affects the comfort, purchase price, installation cost, electrical requirements and, importantly, the backflow protection required under Australian plumbing standards.
Before buying one, it helps to understand exactly what each type does.
1. Portable Bidet Bottles
A portable bidet is a small bottle with an angled nozzle. You fill it with water before use and squeeze the bottle to create a controlled stream.
Battery-powered travel bidets use the same basic principle but contain a small electric pump.
Advantages
- Inexpensive
- No permanent installation
- Suitable for travelling or renting
- Can be filled with warm water
- No connection to the household water supply
Limitations
- Limited water capacity
- Must be filled before each use
- Less water pressure than a permanent system
- Needs to be cleaned and stored properly
Because portable bidets are not connected to the household plumbing, the plumbing and backflow requirements that apply to permanent bidets do not generally apply.
This makes them the simplest option for renters or anyone who wants to try using a bidet before modifying their bathroom.
2. Handheld Bidet Sprays
A handheld bidet spray, sometimes called a bidet hose, douche spray or bum gun, consists of a flexible hose and trigger-operated nozzle mounted beside the toilet.
They are common throughout Asia and the Middle East and are increasingly being installed in Australian bathrooms.
Advantages
- Direct control over the spray
- Useful for personal hygiene
- Can also assist with cleaning the toilet
- Takes up very little space
Limitations
- Usually uses cold water
- Flexible hoses and triggers can leak or fail
- The spray can be dropped into the toilet pan
- Typically requires external high-hazard backflow protection
- A testable backflow device may require registration and annual testing
Handheld sprays create one of the highest backflow risks because the nozzle can reach or become submerged in contaminated toilet water.
If the water supply pressure drops and suitable protection is not installed, contaminated water can potentially be drawn backwards into the drinking water system.
For that reason, a basic hardware-store check valve is not automatically adequate. A compliant installation will generally require high-hazard backflow protection selected and installed by an appropriately licensed plumber.
The extra plumbing and ongoing testing can make a cheap handheld spray considerably more expensive to install legally than its retail price suggests.
3. Under-Seat Bidet Attachments
An under-seat attachment is fitted between the existing toilet pan and toilet seat. A small nozzle extends beneath the seat and sprays water upwards.
Most use the water pressure from the cold-water supply and are controlled by a dial or lever mounted beside the seat.
Advantages
- Lower purchase price
- Uses the existing toilet and seat
- Does not normally require electricity
- Small and relatively discreet
Limitations
- Usually provides cold water only
- May alter the position or stability of the toilet seat
- Can be difficult to clean around
- Many cheap imported models are not WaterMark certified
- Backflow protection depends on the exact product and nozzle position
These attachments are frequently marketed as simple DIY products. However, connecting one to the toilet’s water supply is still regulated plumbing work.
The product must be authorised for use in Australia, and its backflow protection must be appropriate for the installation. A product being available online does not necessarily mean it can be legally installed in an Australian home.
4. Non-Electric Bidet Seats
A non-electric bidet seat replaces the existing toilet seat rather than sitting underneath it. The spray components are integrated into the replacement seat.
Some models offer separate front and rear washing functions, adjustable water pressure and self-cleaning nozzles.
Advantages
- Cleaner appearance than an under-seat attachment
- No electrical outlet required
- Fewer features to maintain
- Some models contain approved integral backflow protection
- Generally less expensive than an electric washlet
Limitations
- Usually uses unheated water
- Must fit the shape and dimensions of the existing toilet
- Product certification needs to be checked carefully
- Not every seat contains adequate integral backflow protection
A properly WaterMark-certified seat may contain an approved air gap or Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker. If the integral protection is certified for high-hazard use, a separate external RPZ valve may not be required.
This must be confirmed using the exact product listing in the WaterMark Product Database. A vague claim that a product contains a “backflow valve” is not sufficient.
5. Electric Bidet Seats
Electric bidet seats, often called washlets after the product category popularised in Japan, replace the existing toilet seat and connect to both water and electricity.
Depending on the model, features can include:
- Heated water
- Heated seating
- Adjustable spray position and pressure
- Front and rear washing
- Oscillating or pulsing spray
- Warm-air drying
- Deodorising
- Night lighting
- Remote controls
- Saved user settings
Advantages
- Greater comfort and control
- Warm water without connecting a separate hot-water pipe
- Improved accessibility for people with limited mobility
- Air drying can reduce the need for toilet paper
- Premium models may include certified integral backflow protection
Limitations
- Higher product cost
- Requires a suitable electrical outlet
- May not fit every toilet pan
- Contains more components that can eventually require servicing
- Professional plumbing and electrical work may both be necessary
The electrical outlet must be positioned appropriately for the bathroom environment and installed by a licensed electrician.
An electric seat should therefore be planned as both a plumbing appliance and an electrical appliance, particularly in an older bathroom without an existing outlet near the toilet.
6. Integrated Smart Toilets
An integrated smart toilet combines the toilet pan, cistern and bidet functions into one purpose-designed system.
Instead of adding a seat to an existing toilet, the entire toilet is replaced.
Premium smart toilets may include automatic lid opening, flushing, heated water, drying, deodorising, bowl cleaning and personalised settings.
Advantages
- Clean, integrated appearance
- Designed as a complete system
- Easier to clean than some attachment-style products
- Full range of comfort and accessibility features
- Suitable for premium bathroom renovations
Limitations
- Highest upfront product cost
- Requires replacement of the existing toilet
- Plumbing compatibility must be assessed
- Usually requires an electrical connection
- Repairs may involve specialised parts
An integrated smart toilet is usually most practical during a bathroom renovation or when the existing toilet already needs replacing.
The complete model should still be checked for WaterMark certification and installed according to its Australian instructions.
7. Standalone Bidets
A traditional standalone bidet is a separate ceramic fixture positioned beside the toilet. It resembles a low basin and usually has its own taps or mixer.
These remain common in parts of Europe but require considerably more bathroom space than a bidet seat.
Advantages
- Separate fixture for personal washing
- Can provide hot and cold water
- Does not add mechanical components to the toilet seat
- Usually maintains physical separation between the outlet and contaminated water
Limitations
- Requires additional floor space
- Needs separate water and waste plumbing
- More expensive and disruptive to retrofit
- The user must move between the toilet and bidet
- Usually best incorporated during a complete renovation
A standalone bidet still requires licensed plumbing and appropriately certified fixtures. However, its physical outlet arrangement is different from a handheld spray or toilet-seat nozzle, so the backflow risk and protection requirements may also differ.
Which Type of Bidet Is Best?
There is no single best bidet for every household.
The right choice depends on your bathroom, budget and intended use.
For renters or occasional use
A portable bidet provides the benefits of water-based cleaning without modifying the property.
For an affordable permanent option
A WaterMark-certified non-electric seat with approved integral protection may offer a straightforward solution without requiring electricity or an external testable RPZ valve.
For maximum comfort
An electric bidet seat provides heated water, adjustable controls and drying while allowing you to retain a compatible existing toilet.
For a new premium bathroom
An integrated smart toilet produces the cleanest appearance and can be planned properly alongside the plumbing and electrical layout.
For people considering a handheld spray
Obtain installation advice before purchasing it. The required high-hazard protection can cost considerably more than the spray itself and may introduce annual registration and testing obligations.
Check the Product Before You Buy It
The biggest mistake is purchasing a product first and asking about compliance afterwards.
Before ordering a bidet, check:
- Is the exact model listed in the WaterMark Product Database?
- Does the listing identify approved integral high-hazard backflow protection?
- Will it fit the shape and dimensions of your toilet?
- Does it operate within the water pressure available at the property?
- Does it require a nearby electrical outlet?
- Will an external testable backflow device be needed?
- What registration, reporting or annual testing will apply?
Two bidet seats that look almost identical online can create very different installation requirements.
One may contain certified integral protection. The other may require an external RPZ device, additional plumbing work and annual testing.
That difference can completely change the real cost of the project.
Get the Installation Right From the Beginning
Bidets can provide better personal hygiene, greater independence and improved comfort, but the product and installation need to suit the Australian plumbing system.
RJT Plumbing & Gas can check a product before you purchase it, inspect your existing toilet, identify the required backflow protection and complete the installation in accordance with Queensland plumbing requirements.
If you have already found a bidet online, send us the product details and a photo of your toilet. We can help determine whether it is suitable before you spend money on something that cannot be legally or practically installed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of bidets?
The main types are portable bidets, handheld bidet sprays, under-seat attachments, non-electric bidet seats, electric bidet seats, integrated smart toilets and standalone bidets. Each type has different features, installation requirements and backflow considerations.
What is the easiest type of bidet to install?
A portable bidet is the easiest option because it is filled manually and does not connect to the household water supply. Any permanent bidet connected to the plumbing should be installed by a licensed plumber.
What is the difference between a bidet attachment and a bidet seat?
A bidet attachment fits underneath the existing toilet seat, while a bidet seat replaces the seat completely and contains the washing components within it. Replacement seats generally provide a cleaner appearance and may offer additional features.
Do electric bidet seats need hot-water plumbing?
Most electric bidet seats heat the water internally and therefore only require a cold-water connection. They also require a suitably positioned electrical outlet installed by a licensed electrician.
Do all bidets need an RPZ backflow valve?
No. Some WaterMark-certified bidet seats and smart toilets contain approved integral high-hazard protection, such as an air gap or Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker. Products without suitable integral protection may require an external high-hazard device such as an RPZ valve.
Why are handheld bidet sprays more difficult to install legally?
A handheld spray can reach or be dropped into the toilet pan, creating a high-hazard cross-connection. It will generally require suitable external high-hazard backflow protection, which may also need council registration and annual testing.
What is a Japanese-style bidet toilet?
A Japanese-style bidet is usually an electric bidet seat or integrated smart toilet. Features can include heated water, an adjustable spray, heated seating, warm-air drying, deodorising, automatic flushing and remote controls.
Are standalone bidets still available?
Yes. A standalone bidet is a separate ceramic fixture positioned beside the toilet. It requires its own water and waste connections and is generally most practical during a complete bathroom renovation.
How do I know if a bidet can be installed in Australia?
Check that the exact model is listed in the WaterMark Product Database and review whether approved backflow protection is built into the product. A licensed plumber should also confirm that it suits the existing toilet, water pressure and installation requirements before purchase.
Which type of bidet is best for my home?
The best choice depends on your budget, bathroom layout, comfort preferences and accessibility needs. Portable bidets suit renters, non-electric seats offer a simpler permanent option, electric seats provide greater comfort and integrated smart toilets suit premium renovations.
