10 things you should know before buying a bidet

Buying your first bidet means a few genuine decisions - type, installation, budget - and it's easy to end up overwhelmed by generic advice that doesn't account for Australian toilets, plumbing rules, or pricing. Here's what actually matters before you buy. Ready to compare? Explore our bidet seat range, all WaterMark certified for Australian homes.

1. Know Your Toilet Shape First

Australian toilets are mostly D-shape (flat front edge, common in homes built or renovated post-2000), with older homes often O-shape (fully rounded). The wrong shape means an unstable fit and overhang at the front - always confirm this before buying any bidet seat.

2. Electric vs Non-Electric Changes Everything

Non-electric seats connect to your cold water supply only - no power needed, lower cost, near-zero running cost. Electric (smart) seats add warm water, a heated seat, and often an air dryer, but need a nearby power point. Neither is objectively better; it depends on your bathroom and budget.

3. WaterMark Certification Isn't Optional

Any bidet that connects to your water supply - seat, spray, or attachment - must be WaterMark certified under the Plumbing Code of Australia. This isn't a nice-to-have feature to look for; it's a legal requirement, and non-certified products can void your home insurance if a leak occurs.

4. Installation Is Regulated Plumbing Work

Here's where a lot of generic bidet advice gets Australia wrong: connecting any bidet to your water supply — seat or handheld spray — is regulated plumbing work, not "minimal plumbing" you can DIY. Every bidet spray connects via a T-valve into your existing water supply, so Australian plumbing regulations require a licensed plumber to install it, regardless of how simple the fitting looks. The same applies to WaterMark-certified electric seats.

5. Water Inlet Position Matters

Most Australian toilets have a left-side water inlet, but not all - confirm yours before ordering, since some models are inlet-specific.

6. Consider Water Pressure

Australian mains water pressure typically runs 150–500 kPa. Bidets designed for other markets can underperform or need extra hardware at either end of this range - look for a brand that specifically engineers for Australian pressure.

7. Handheld Sprays Are a Legitimate Lower-Cost Option

If a full seat feels like a bigger commitment than you want, a handheld bidet spray Australia delivers the same water-based cleaning at a lower price point and with the most direct manual control over pressure. Good for renters or as a first step before upgrading.

8. Factor in Running Costs

Non-electric seats and sprays cost essentially nothing to run. Electric seats add a modest amount to your power bill - genuinely modest, not something that should factor heavily into the decision - offset for most households by reduced toilet paper spend.

9. Look for a Self-Cleaning Nozzle

This is the single feature that matters most for ongoing hygiene - it rinses the nozzle before and after each use so you're not relying on manual cleaning to keep things sanitary.

10. Check Local Support and Warranty

A bidet is a long-term bathroom fixture. Brands designed and sold specifically for the Australian market - with local warranty support and stock - tend to save far more hassle than an overseas import if something needs replacing.

Ready to buy? See our bidet toilet seat complete buying guide first.

FAQ

What's the most important thing to check before buying a bidet in Australia?
Toilet shape (D-shape vs O-shape) and WaterMark certification. Getting either wrong means a poor fit or a product that can't be legally installed.

Do I need a plumber to install a bidet? Any bidet connecting to your water supply - including handheld sprays via a T-valve - requires a licensed plumber under Australian plumbing regulations. This isn't optional, regardless of how simple the fitting looks.

Is an electric or non-electric bidet better for a first purchase?
Non-electric is a lower-cost, lower-commitment way to try bidet hygiene before deciding if you want to upgrade to warm water and heating.

How much does it cost to run an electric bidet seat?
Modestly - typically a small addition to your power bill, often offset by reduced toilet paper spend over time.

What if I'm not ready for a full bidet seat?
A handheld bidet spray offers the same core hygiene benefit at a lower price and with full manual control, and is a common starting point before upgrading to a seat.