I installed a bidet in my hotel room…(and almost got kicked out)

Few things can add luxury (and cleanliness) to a bathroom experience like a bidet toilet seat. While these are common in many parts of the world, they’re less prevalent in the United States. In this video and overview, you’ll see how a hotel stay turned into a mini home-improvement project—and why you might consider adding a bidet seat to your own bathroom.

Why a Bidet Toilet Seat?

A traditional bidet is a separate fixture next to the toilet, used for personal cleansing. Modern bidet toilet seats integrate that same functionality into your existing toilet. They offer:
• Adjustable water temperature and spray strength.
• Heated seat and nozzle-position controls.
• Potentially better hygiene and comfort than toilet paper alone.

Supplies Needed

• Bidet toilet seat (with mounting hardware).
• Basic tools (screwdriver, adjustable pliers).
• T-valve (often included with the bidet seat kit).
• Extension cord (if the nearest outlet is out of reach).
• Towel or sponge to catch small water spills.

Installation Steps

1. Remove the Existing Toilet Seat

1. Unscrew the seat bolts from underneath the bowl.
2. Lift off the old seat and set it aside.
3. Wipe down the porcelain edges to ensure a clean surface for the new seat’s brackets.

2. Turn Off the Water and Drain

1. Locate the water supply line behind the toilet.
2. Turn the shutoff valve clockwise until the flow stops.
3. Flush the toilet to empty most of the tank.
4. Place a towel under the supply line to catch any remaining water.

3. Install the Bidet T-Valve

1. Disconnect the supply line from the bottom of the tank’s fill valve.
2. Attach the T-valve (included with the bidet kit) to the fill valve.
3. Reconnect the supply line to the bottom of the T-valve.
4. Ensure all connections are hand-tight, then gently snug with pliers if necessary.

4. Attach the Mounting Plate

1. Position the bidet seat’s bracket over the toilet’s bolt holes.
2. Insert the rubber expansion nuts or bolt hardware as provided.
3. Align the bracket, then tighten the mounting screws—be careful not to overtighten and crack the porcelain.

5. Slide the Bidet Seat into Place

1. Line up the bidet seat’s grooves with the mounting plate.
2. Slide the seat forward until you hear or feel it lock.
3. Gently test its stability by moving it side to side.

6. Connect Water to the Seat

1. Attach the small braided hose (from the T-valve’s secondary outlet) to the bidet seat’s water inlet.
2. Confirm all washers are in place to prevent leaks.
3. Slowly open the shutoff valve to check for drips.

7. Plug It In

1. Many bidet seats require a nearby GFCI outlet for safety.
2. If the cord doesn’t reach, use an extension cord rated for bathroom or damp areas (if recommended by the manufacturer).
3. Power on the seat and allow it to run a quick self-check if it has that feature.

After Installation

• Most seats have a control panel or remote for adjusting water temperature, pressure, and nozzle position.
• Check the seat’s heated functions—some allow different seat temperatures for day and night.
• If everything works, flush multiple times to ensure no leaks and that the seat is aligned properly.

Cautions

• Hotel Policies: Installing a bidet seat in a hotel room is unorthodox and could raise security concerns if housekeeping or management notices.
• Don’t Overcomplicate: If you’re not comfortable modifying plumbing, consult a professional.
• Avoid Over-tightening: Plastic nuts and toilet porcelain can crack if you apply too much force.

Why Consider a Bidet Toilet Seat?

• Hygiene: Using water instead of just paper can help you feel cleaner and more comfortable.
• Eco-Friendly: Reduces the amount of toilet paper usage.
• Common Elsewhere: High adoption rates exist in countries like Japan, showing a cultural acceptance of the benefits.

Takeaways

For many people, a bidet seat is a simple yet transformative bathroom upgrade. While installing one in a hotel may be extreme, the process is almost the same at home. So whether you’re traveling with your own seat (not typically recommended) or planning a permanent upgrade in your own bathroom, you now know the steps and benefits involved.