How to Install a Bidet Seat

You'll need an hour and a few basic tools for this easy upgrade

By Paul Hope

July 3, 2020

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Person installing a bidet seat

If the thought of correctly installing a device that sprays water on you while you’re on the toilet sounds a little daunting, don’t worry, we've got your backside.

A bidet seat gives you the bidet experience without having to install a stand-alone fixture in your bathroom, which would be a project on another scale. Features like settings for heating water, adjusting pressure and aim, and air drying vary depending on the model, but the installation is relatively similar no matter what seat you have.

Judging by our recent bidet user review, adding a bidet to your bathroom is well worth the effort. “I'm thrilled that we've probably cut down [toilet paper] consumption by 80 percent,” said one panelist. “I think the bidet does a better job cleaning,” said another.

Before You Start

All bidet seats connect to a water supply valve, which you’ll find alongside or behind your toilet. Most also require electricity, for heating and spraying the water. Without electricity, you won’t get heated water or air drying.

If your bidet requires electricity, make sure you have a GFCI-rated outlet in your bathroom (it should have two buttons that read "test" and "reset"). These outlets have an internal circuit breaker to protect you from accidental shock. If you don't have one, or are unsure, it's best to bring in an electrician.

As for whether the power cord will reach, they range in length from 42 inches to just under 48 inches, according to our research into models from five leading brands: American Standard, Bio Bidet, Brondell, Kohler, and Toto. If it's too short, you should be able to use an extension cord, as long as it's grounded (look for three prongs) and rated for outdoor use. Just double-check the safety section of the manual to make sure that's true for your specific model.

Alright, check out the video, or the step-by-step below to get started.

How to Install a Bidet Seat

Step-by-Step

Remove Old Seat

Unscrew the plastic bolts that hold the toilet seat in place and take off the seat. Resist the urge to use a drill to loosen the plastic bolt—they’re notoriously soft and easy to strip (as I’ve learned more than once).

Install Mounting Bracket

Using the hardware that came with your bidet seat, screw the mounting bracket to the holes for the old seat. Slide the bidet seat onto the bracket and check that it aligns with the rim of the toilet. You may have to wiggle the seat back and forth a bit, while pressing, in order to get it all the way onto the brackets. Once everything is lined up, take off the seat.

Disconnect Water Hose

Turn off the water supply valve to your toilet and drain the tank by flushing the toilet. Soak up whatever's left in the tank with an old rag. Now you can work without worrying about flooding your bathroom. Place an old towel beneath the water supply valve to catch any drips. Next, use the slip-joint pliers to unscrew the nut that connects the water line to the water valve. Be sure to grip the flats of the nut, not the ridges.

Install Branch Valve

Your bidet seat will include a two-pronged branch valve that splits the water supply for two lines: one that runs to the toilet tank and one that runs to the bidet seat. Connect the branch valve to the existing water valve. The valve that comes with your bidet seat should have a rubber gasket inside. If you don’t see one, wrap plumber's tape around the threads of your water line valve before installing the branch valve to prevent leaks.

Connect Water Supply Hoses

The bidet seat will include two new water supply hoses. Use them instead of the old ones. Screw the new hoses to the branch valve you just installed (leave one end of each one free).

Install Seat

Slide the bidet seat onto the mounting bracket until it clicks in place. Wiggle it a bit to make sure it doesn’t shift around. If it does, remove the seat, tighten the mounting bracket, and slide the seat back into place.

Turn On Water

Turn on the water supply—slowly! As soon as you hear water start to flow, stop and inspect both lines for leaks. Check the valve and the connections to the seat and tank. If you see any water, shut the valve and tighten the connections at the leak. Once you’ve sealed off any leaks, turn on the water and wait several minutes for the toilet tank and bidet seat water reservoir to fill.

Power Up Seat

Plug the seat directly into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet in your bathroom. If the cord doesn’t reach, use an extension cord recommended by the seat manufacturer. Take the time to familiarize yourself with your new bidet seat before you actually require its services. Test the different settings and functions. Then enjoy your handiwork!

3 Top Toilets

A properly installed bidet seat is only half the equation. You'll still want it mounted to a great toilet that flushes with force, works quietly, and that's easy to clean. We've highlighted three such models from our tests, below.

Best Toilets From CR's Tests

Paul Hope is a senior multimedia content creator at Consumer Reports and a trained chef. He covers ranges, cooktops, and wall ovens, as well as grills, drills, outdoor power tools, decking, and wood stains. Before joining CR in 2016, he tested kitchen products at Good Housekeeping and covered tools and remodeling for This Old House magazine. You’ll typically find him in his old fixer-upper, engrossed in a DIY project or trying out a new recipe.

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