What Is a Bidet? Types, Costs and Installation in Australia

Use this guide to compare the different formats, understand what installation involves and plan your budget before choosing a bidet for an Australian bathroom.

Jump to section

• What a bidet actually is
• How a bidet works
• Types of bidets you can buy in Australia
• Bidet vs toilet paper
• Are bidets legal in Australia?
• What it takes to install one
• What bidets cost in Australia
• Which type suits your bathroom
• FAQs
• Related reads

What a bidet actually is

A bidet is a fixture for personal washing after using the toilet. A traditional standalone bidet is a separate ceramic basin beside the toilet. A bidet seat, attachment or smart toilet provides a rinse while you remain seated on the toilet itself.

What hasn't changed is the function. A bidet directs a small, controllable stream of water at the perineal or rear area. Some models add temperature control, adjustable pressure, oscillating nozzles and warm air drying. Others are as simple as a tap and a basin.

How a bidet works

Different formats, same idea. Clean water in, controlled spray, waste goes down the toilet (or, for a standalone bidet, down its own waste).

A standalone ceramic bidet works like a low basin with a tap. You straddle it, run the water to your preferred temperature, and rinse. It connects to both hot and cold water lines and has its own drain.

A bidet seat replaces your standard toilet seat. Electronic models commonly use a retractable nozzle controlled by buttons or a remote. Depending on the model, features can include heated water, adjustable pressure, oscillating spray, a heated seat, warm air drying and a deodoriser. Non-electric bidet seats are also available, so check the specifications rather than assuming every replacement seat needs power.

A bidet attachment sits between a compatible toilet bowl and seat. A basic non-electric model uses water pressure and a manual control for the spray. Check its water connection requirements, seat clearance and compatibility before buying.

A handheld bidet spray (bidette) is a trigger-operated sprayer on a hose, mounted to the wall next to the toilet. You aim it yourself.

For year-round comfort, compare water-temperature settings as well as pressure controls. If warm water or a heated seat matters to you, check that those features are included in the specific model.

Types of bidets you can buy in Australia

Compare these five formats below. Prices are illustrated separately in the cost section. For products connected to the water supply, check WaterMark certification and have your plumber confirm the required backflow protection.

If you want the integrated look without two fixtures, bidet toilets combine the wash function with the toilet. Compare each model’s dimensions and waste set-out with your existing toilet before ordering.

Bidet vs toilet paper, the practical comparison

A bidet provides a water rinse after using the toilet. You may still use toilet paper to dry, unless your model includes an air dryer. The amount of paper saved depends on your household’s habits and the features you use.

Water consumption varies by model, pressure setting and wash duration. Check the product specifications when comparing options. A fixed water-saving figure will not apply to every household.

When comparing costs, include the purchase price, professional installation, any electrical work and ongoing maintenance. Reduced toilet paper use may offset some costs, but there is no guaranteed payback period.

Are bidets legal in Australia?

Yes, bidets can be installed legally in Australia. Products connected to the drinking water supply need WaterMark certification and installation by a licensed plumber, with appropriate protection against backflow. The ACCC’s bidet installation guidance explains these requirements.

Backflow can allow contaminated water to enter the drinking water supply. Your plumber must assess the product and installation, including any built-in protection and additional devices required. WaterMark certification does not mean a product can simply be connected to an existing toilet outlet without that assessment.

Before buying, ask for the product’s WaterMark licence details and installation instructions. Have your plumber confirm suitability under the plumbing requirements that apply in your state or territory.

What it takes to install one

Plan the water, waste and electrical requirements before ordering. What is needed depends on the fixture and your existing bathroom layout.

1. Standalone bidet. Check the manufacturer’s installation drawing for dimensions, clearances, water connections and waste position. Your plumber should confirm whether the layout works and quote for any new pipework or alterations.
2. Electronic bidet seat or smart toilet. Check the power requirements and whether there is a suitable outlet. A licensed electrician should assess bathroom electrical zones and carry out any new outlet or wiring work. An outlet being within reach does not establish that its location is compliant. See the NSW guidance on sockets in wet areas.
3. Hard water. Check the manufacturer’s water-quality and maintenance requirements. Follow the model’s instructions for cleaning, descaling and any recommended filtration.
4. Bidet attachment or handheld spray. A connection to the household water supply requires a licensed plumber, including for a removable attachment. Confirm toilet compatibility, connection requirements and backflow protection before purchasing.

For broader fit-out planning, our bathroom renovation guide covers sequencing of plumbing, electrical and tiling.

What bidets cost in Australia

Bidet prices depend on the format, brand and included features. These Blue Leaf product examples give a more concrete starting point for your budget:

• Handheld spray: Linkware Bidet Trigger Spray in Brushed Gold — $168.
• Electronic seat: Caroma Livewell Electronic Bidet Seat — $1,218.
• Separate ceramic fixture: Parisi Degrade Wall Hung Bidet — $877.
• Smart toilet suite: Parisi Aqua Intelligent Toilet Suite, Bottom Inlet, Gloss White — $3,290.

Product prices in AUD, checked on 14 September 2026. These are individual examples, not minimum prices or market-wide ranges. Prices and availability can change. See the bidet collection and bidet spray collection for current listings and inclusions.

Installation is quoted separately. Allow for plumbing, backflow protection, any electrical work, delivery and accessories not included with the selected product. A ceramic fixture may also need separately purchased tapware or waste fittings; check its inclusions.

For an under-seat attachment, compare the certified product price with the installation quote before deciding it is the cheapest option. The connection and backflow work can materially affect the total.

If you are comparing brands, explore the Caroma range alongside the other bidet options. Obtain a complete installation quote before purchasing.

Which type suits your bathroom

Match the product to your bathroom and the features you will actually use.

Renting? Check with your landlord or property manager before arranging an installation. A removable seat or attachment still requires a licensed plumber if it connects to the household water supply. Confirm compatibility and any reinstatement requirements before buying.

Existing bathroom, no renovation planned? A compatible bidet seat may let you retain your current toilet. Check the pan shape, mounting-hole spacing, clearance behind the seat, water connection and any power requirements.

Renovating or building? This is a useful time to plan for a smart toilet or a separate bidet because plumbing and electrical work can be coordinated with the fit-out. Include these items in the quote; they are not automatically covered by the renovation budget. If considering wall-hung toilets, check whether the specific model includes a bidet function.

Hard water area? Compare maintenance requirements and any manufacturer-specified descaling or filtration needs.

Not sure which product fits? Share your toilet model, measurements and bathroom photos with our team for help comparing options. Your installer should confirm plumbing, electrical and compliance requirements before installation.

Frequently asked questions

Are bidets illegal in Australia?
No. Use a certified product and a licensed plumber for any connection to the household water supply. The installation must include appropriate backflow protection.

Do bidets replace toilet paper completely?
Not always. You may still use a small amount of toilet paper for drying, while some electronic models include an air dryer. How much paper you save depends on your routine and the model you choose.

Are bidets sanitary?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and cleaning. Nozzle-cleaning features vary between models and do not replace routine maintenance. Correct installation and backflow protection are also essential.

Do bidets waste water?
Water use depends on the model, pressure setting and wash duration. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for the product you are considering. Reducing toilet paper use does not establish a fixed water-saving figure for every household.

Can I install a bidet myself?
Use a licensed plumber for a bidet that connects to the household water supply, including an under-seat attachment or handheld spray. Portable squeeze bottles that do not connect to the plumbing are different. See the ACCC installation guidance.

Are bidets only for women?
No. Bidets can be used by people of any gender. Some models offer separate front and rear wash settings; check the product’s controls and instructions.

Do electronic bidet seats work with hard water?
Check the manufacturer’s water-quality requirements for the specific model. Follow its guidance on cleaning, descaling and any recommended filtration. A nozzle self-cleaning feature does not necessarily include descaling.

Related reads

• Different types of toilets and which suits your bathroom layout.
• What is a rimless toilet and how it compares to traditional pans.
• Wall-hung toilet maintenance for anyone considering a concealed cistern setup.
• Toilet dimensions for planning space around a bidet or standalone fixture.

References

• ACCC Product Safety — supplying and installing bidet products
• NSW Government — switches and sockets in wet areas
• Blue Leaf — bidet product listings and prices
• Blue Leaf — bidet spray listings and prices