What is a Bidet and Why Are Bidets so Popular in Other Countries?
A bidet is a standalone basin placed adjacent to the toilet in many Asian and European countries used for a deeper clean after using the toilet. In the United States, bidets are mostly an accessory added to an already existing toilet. The bidet in the States is generally installed on one’s already-existing toilet. Basically, it’s a nozzle that opens to clean your underside with water after using the bathroom, rather than relying solely on toilet paper. What makes it so popular in the US since the pandemic? Easy – the bidet encourages better hygiene. Cleaning with water is more efficient and softer on the skin. Not only is it cleaner than using toilet paper, but it also cleans better and reduces paper waste.
Hygiene and Finance
Connected to your house or building’s plumbing system, the bidet dispenses clean, fresh water. The stream of water runs continuously until a person is properly cleaned. There’s also a feature for adjusting the intensity of the stream. A typical toilet paper use is 3-5 sheets, and incidentally, Yahoo Finance reports that the average American household spends approximately $50 to $70 a month on toilet paper. The bidet cleans completely in 20-60 seconds at a cost of approximately $5 per month in water and electricity. Toilet wipes can also be rough on sensitive skin. Too many wipes, although often necessary for a complete clean, can scratch and dry out the skin. A bidet’s stream of water is gentle and soft, making it feel gentler than paper. Thus, both hygiene and family finances can push the move to a bidet in this country.
Eco-friendly Benefits
As mentioned above, a bidet reduces the need of toilet paper significantly, saving trees and toilet paper budget. The water required for a single use is only a small stream for 20-60 seconds, which is gentle on your water bill as well. This is the same duration as a normal handwashing session. Besides being a popular addition to a bathroom because it saves money on toilet paper and utilities, it also prevents more toilet paper production, saving forests. Still, bidets haven’t been a part of the average American’s experience and so are often seen as odd or uncomfortable. If you feel this way, or if you’re approaching the debate from the point of view of a builder or building owner and don’t see that spending the money to install bidets in rental units will necessarily pay off in rental income or condo purchases, there are alternatives that will also save water.
Other Ways to Save Water Costs and Usage
One of the best ways to save water, whether in your own home or as an investment is to choose faucets and showerheads that provide a powerful spray without high water usage. For example, the Olympia Single Handle Lavatory Faucet incorporates cutting-edge water-saving technology while still maintaining a 1.2 GPM flow rate. The Olympia Handheld Shower Set also offers excellent water-saving technology and a 1.75 GPM flow rate. In fact, the Pioneer company and its family of faucet brands, Olympia and Central Brass, offer industry-leading water-saving products that are known and trusted by builders to feel more powerful than the water they actually use – a win-win! Explore more eco-friendly faucets and shower sets on the website.
Conclusion
Bidets are a common addition to bathrooms in European and Asian countries because they are hygienic and reduce waste. A soft stream of water is generally considered better for the skin than toilet paper and cleans more efficiently when used properly. The bidet also saves trees by reducing the need for toilet paper. A small stream of water for less than a minute per use saves more money than buying toilet paper. Due to a cultural bias, American bathrooms are rarely designed for standalone bidets, but are sometimes added as an accessory. However, homeowners and building owners are opting for this accessory to their bathrooms in greater numbers each year. Bidet accessories, although not standalone basins like in other countries, still offer the same benefits without requiring more floorspace.
Wrapping it All Up
As a trusted supplier of faucets and fixtures for over 100 years, Pioneer, Central Brass, and Olympia are here for you. Embrace the benefits of quality, product availability, and shipping speed by partnering with Pioneer. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your project is in good hands and transform your building or home with these beautiful and exceptionally durable faucets. All are backed by a best-in-the-industry warranty, are easy to install, and will stand the test of time.
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We’ll Save You Money and Time
There are many ways to the same destination. This saying applies to multifamily housing builds just as much as to anything else in life. The ultimate goal is save as much money as possible while delivering a great finished project – that’s simply showing smart business sense. But, finding a one-off deal or sacrificing quality isn’t the only way to get a healthy ROI. We have a better way.
Pioneer works with professionals every day to develop specification packages and plans that save our valued partners both time and money, sometimes in surprising ways. It’s our goal to ensure your project meets or exceeds its expected outcome. We want to get to know you and your company and show you how we can save you money. Please reach out via our website form or call us at (800) 338-9468.
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