Can I Install a Bidet Myself?

The 30-Second Verdict

Some Salt Lake homeowners can handle a bidet install in under an hour—if the stars align. You’re good to go if you have a standard toilet, a flexible water line, and a nearby outlet. But if you’re staring at old, rigid metal pipes or a “skirted” toilet, it maybe worth it to call the professionals. .

Is a Bidet Right for Me?

Bidets are gaining popularity in Utah right now. Maybe you saw a fancy one at a friend’s house in Draper, or when you’ve stayed at a fancy hotel. Whatever the reason, upgrading your bathroom with a washlet or bidet seat is a game-changer.

There are even some potential environmental benefits as seen here: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/earth-talks-bidets/

But let’s get real. Does every bidet job actually require a professional?

As plumbers who see both the perfect installs and the DIY disasters. Here is what you need to know before you start taking your toilet apart.

The Green Light: When You May be Safe to DIY

If your bathroom looks like this, you can probably skip the service call:

• The Toilet Type: You have a standard “two-piece“ toilet (with a visible gap between the tank and the bowl).
• The Hose: The line connecting your wall to your toilet is a flexible, braided metal hose. These are easy to unscrew and swap.
• The Power: You have a GFCI outlet within a few feet of the toilet. If you bought an electric seat with a heater, you’re going to need power to the bidet.

The Red Flags: When Things Get Messy

Sometimes, what looks like a 10-minute job is actually a trap. Here are three reasons to call a plumber instead:

1. Those Ancient Rigid Pipes

If your home was built back in the 70s or 80s, you might have a solid chrome or copper pipe connecting your toilet to the wall. These don’t “bend“ to accommodate a new bidet valve. If you try to force it, you’ll likely snap the valve right off the wall. That’s not a fun way to spend a Saturday.

2. “Skirted“ Toilets (The Sleek Ones)

You know those modern toilets with completely smooth sides where you can’t see the bolts? They look amazing, but they are a nightmare to work on. You usually can’t reach the connections without pulling the entire toilet off the floor.

3. The Electrical “Extension Cord“ Temptation

For the sake of your home’s safety: We do not recommend running an extension cord across your bathroom floor to power a bidet. Water and electricity are a bad mix. If you don’t have a nearby outlet, you’ll need an electrician to install one properly.