Can I do a DIY Bidet Installation?

Bidet products are sanitary fixtures or attachments connected to the drinking water supply; they are commonly used to reduce the amount of toilet paper used.

With the recent panic buying of toilet paper leaving supermarket shelves empty, a bidet installation is an effective alternative during the toilet paper shortage. Melbourne has seen a large increase in sales on Bidet’s and bidet products such as handheld sprays and toilet seat bidet douches.

DIY installations on bidet products are NOT recommended, an incorrect installation could contaminate our drinking water with faeces.
As disgusting as that sounds, it can happen and one that could cause a very real concern to public health.

Public Health Risk

Standards Australia is now advising Australians interested in installing bidet facilities in their home to only have a plumbing professional install the product. In the interest of public health, there is a very real need to have bidet’s and bidet items installed by a Licensed plumber in Melbourne with the correct backflow prevention device installed and tested. Without a correct backflow prevention device faecal matter can enter and contaminate our public water supply, causing infectious disease within our communities.

Legal Obligations

In Australia, our legal obligations are to have all bidet products installed and connected to the public water supply by a licensed plumber. A licensed plumber in Melbourne will issue you with a certificate of compliance on completion of the installation, providing piece of mind that your bidet product has been installed correctly as per the Australian Standard. Not sure how to determine who is a licensed plumber? Read our blog ‘What is the difference between a Licensed & Registered Plumber?’.

Bidet Products

All bidet products that are certified to be fitted will also need to be approved by the WaterMark Certification Scheme and will be marked with a licence number. You must be sure the product you purchase has an approved WaterMark certification or your plumber will not be able to install it.

With over 60,000 plumbing professionals across Australia the safety of workers and the correct use of plumbing related products is extremely important.

What Countries Commonly Use Bidets?

Bidets are common in Europe, West Africa and in the Arab world but are now catching on in Western countries.

Environmentally, one study found that less water is consumed through using a bidet than through the process that is required to manufacture toilet paper.

Who Can Install my Bidet?

It’s great that people are inspired to start projects and are looking for solutions during this difficult time, however it is extremely important the installation of Bidet products are left to a licensed plumbing professional. Only a licensed plumbing professional can legally install your bidet or bidet product in Melbourne, and we can help!

What are the Alternatives to toilet paper?

Put simply, there are NO safe alternatives to toilet paper when we talk about flushing it down the toilet. Toilet paper is specifically designed to break down quickly in the sewer systems. Flushing wipes down the toilet, whether labelled ‘flushable’ or not, can cause problems with your plumbing, contribute to blocked sewers and be expensive to repair. See our blog ‘What NOT to Flush Down Your Toilet During the COVID-19 Toilet Paper Shortage’ to learn more.

Bidets are the ONLY ALTERNATIVE to toilet paper but must be an approved WaterMark product and installed by a Master Licensed plumber.

When to Call a Plumber: If you need a Bidet or Bidet product installed then Essendon Plumbing Services is your Melbourne licensed plumber ready to help. Call our friendly team on 1300 231 976 or book online 24/7, 365 days of the year.