Bidets are nothing new. If we might be indulged for delving into the history of plumbing for a moment, we discover that the first documented bidets are from 17th century France – a time when plumbing wasn’t nearly as sophisticated as they are now. Today, bidets, which are basically wash stations used to freshen up after you’ve used the toilet, are fairly standard throughout Europe; they’re practically an art form in Japan, where high tech bidets offer functionality beyond your wildest dreams. But what about America – specifically space-challenged New York City: is life better with bidets?
Some entrepreneurs on Kickstarter think so. The makers of the Wash Tower are trying to raise funds for a low-tech, DIY style bidet that requires no plumber or plumbing; quite a trick when you consider that all that water that has splashed over your bottom to cleanse it ultimately has to go somewhere. If you’re looking for a bidet experience that’s a little less experimental, you’ll be glad to learn that well established manufacturers like Kohler and American Standard offer bidets. These units do need to be installed by a plumber in NYC.
Over the years, we’ve found that homeowners can be fairly passionate about having a bidet in their bathroom. There are space considerations to take into account: after all, there’s only so much room in the bathroom – but if you have the square footage, a bidet is not generally an expensive item and the hookup can be handled by any licensed master plumber.
Bidets are often recommended for people that have health conditions that many people don’t like talking about, including IBS, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. The reason they’re recommended is the gentle cleaning action that helps prevent infection and other complications. Bidets are also useful for people who have mobility issues, and can play a role in living independently longer.
