A bidet is a plumbing fixture that enables users to wash their genitalia, perineum, and inner buttocks with water rather than with toilet paper. Typically, a bidet resembles a bowl or receptacle designed to be sat on and is often plumbed in with a faucet. Bidets have been used extensively in Europe for centuries so you may be wondering: Why are they so rarely found in the United States?
Bidets, which first appeared in France in the 1700s, have become increasingly popular around the world. You can purchase a standalone bidet that sits next to your toilet, or a bidet seat that attaches to your existing toilet. These attachments are cheaper than full-sized bidets but vary in price based on the features you want and your bathroom’s configuration.
It may seem rather strange to use a nozzle that sprays water on your genitals, but it’s actually a pretty effective alternative to toilet paper. Plus, it can help prevent hemorrhoids and other issues by cleaning the perianal area more thoroughly than using toilet paper. And it can save a significant amount of water, as well. A toilet can waste up to 5 gallons of water in flushing each time, while a bidet only uses about 1 gallon of water per use.
Well, if they’re so useful and beneficial, why doesn’t the U.S. embrace this bathroom trend? First of all, US plumbing systems tend to have lower water pressure and temperatures than other regions, making it difficult for bidets to operate properly. Additionally, most US bathrooms are too small to accommodate a bidet. Moreover, most Americans grew up with toilet paper as their main bathroom tool. That’s a habit they probably don’t want to break any time soon.