A non-electric bidet adds a water wash to an ordinary toilet without a power point, batteries or a new toilet. It runs on the water pressure already feeding your cistern, and a knob or dial controls the spray. There are two main kinds: a complete bidet toilet seat, and a slim attachment that sits under your existing seat.
This guide explains how they work, how to choose between the two, how to check the fit, what installation involves and how to look after one.
How a non-electric bidet works
A small T-shaped fitting goes into the water supply that feeds your toilet cistern. One side still fills the cistern; the other feeds a hose to the bidet. When you turn the control, water flows through a nozzle that extends under the seat and sprays upwards. Turn it back and the flow stops, and on a seat with retractable nozzles the nozzle draws back in.
Because there is no heater, the water is the same temperature as your cold water supply. In summer that is refreshing. In a southern winter it is brisk, and worth knowing before you buy.
Most models have dual nozzles, one for a rear wash and one for a front, or feminine, wash, and a control to adjust the water pressure.
Bidet seat or attachment?
A bidet toilet seat
A bidet seat replaces your existing toilet seat and lid completely. The nozzles, hose connection and controls are built into the seat.
- Pros: a tidy, built-in look, a new seat and lid at the same time, and controls within easy reach at the side.
- Cons: it has to match the shape and size of your toilet pan.
The Cefito non-electric bidet toilet seat is an O-shape seat with a soft-closing lid, a one-key rotate control, dual retractable nozzles that self-clean, an anti-backflow system and a 150kg loading capacity. It uses a quick-release lock for easy DIY installation. The Simplus non-electric bidet toilet seat has dual nozzles, a gentle-closing lid and a stainless steel hose 1200mm long.
A bidet attachment
An attachment is a thin plate with a nozzle arm that sits between the pan and your existing seat. You keep the seat you already have.
- Pros: works with most existing seats, and is easy to take off again.
- Cons: the controls sit beside the seat rather than in it.
The Cefito ultra-slim bidet attachment has a 0.23-inch ultra-thin body, so the seat still sits properly on the pan without a gap. It has feminine and posterior wash modes, a push button and a flow knob, and its body slides off, so you can clean the whole toilet bowl and snap it back.
A simple rule: if your current seat is worn out or you want a matching new seat, choose a bidet seat. If you like your seat, rent your home, or want the least change, choose an attachment.
Check the fit before you buy
- Pan shape. Toilet seats come in different shapes, and a bidet seat has to match. The Cefito seat is an O-shape. Look down on your pan and compare it with the product photos and description.
- Seat fixing. Look at how your current seat is attached, and check the bidet seat mounts from the top or the bottom in the same way.
- Space behind the seat. Some toilets have a cistern or wall very close to the back of the seat. Check there is room for the hinge and the hose connection.
- Where the water comes in. Find the stop tap and the flexible hose that feed the cistern. The bidet connects there, so the hose from the bidet has to reach it.
- Something to grip. On an attachment, the plate sits under the seat hinges, so check the seat bolts can be loosened and retightened.
What installation involves
Every model comes with its own instructions, and the steps are broadly the same:
- Turn off the stop tap to the cistern and flush to empty it.
- Remove the existing seat, or loosen it if you are fitting an attachment.
- Fit the bidet seat or attachment and tighten the fixings.
- Fit the T-piece between the stop tap and the cistern hose.
- Connect the bidet hose to the T-piece.
- Turn the water back on slowly and check every join for drips.
If your water connection looks unusual, is old or corroded, or you are not comfortable working on it, ask a plumber to do the connection. A small leak behind a toilet can go unnoticed for a long time.
Using it for the first time
- Start with the pressure turned right down, then turn it up gradually.
- Sit fully on the seat before turning the control, so the spray goes where it should.
- Turn the control fully off afterwards, and on a retractable model let the nozzle draw back in.
Keeping it clean
- Nozzles. Self-cleaning nozzles do most of the work, but wipe the nozzle area gently with a soft cloth now and then.
- The seat. Clean with a mild bathroom cleaner and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh abrasives on plastic.
- Under an attachment. The detachable body on the Cefito attachment slides off so you can clean the area underneath.
- Check the hose and joins every few months for drips or wear.
Quick checklist
- Bidet seat for a built-in look and a new seat; attachment to keep your existing seat.
- Check the pan shape, seat fixing, space behind the seat and hose reach.
- Water is at cold supply temperature: no heating, no power needed.
- Turn off the stop tap to install; use a plumber if the connection is unusual.
See the full range of toilet accessories and bidets, or only the seats and attachments on the bidets page.
Frequently asked questions
Is a non-electric bidet heated?
No. There is no heater, so the spray is the same temperature as your cold supply. A non-electric bidet needs no power point or batteries, because it runs on the water pressure already feeding your cistern.
Should I choose a bidet seat or an attachment?
If your current seat is worn out or you want a matching new one, choose a bidet seat. If you like the seat you have, rent your home, or want the least change, choose an attachment, which sits under it.
How do I check a bidet seat fits my toilet?
A bidet seat has to match the shape of your toilet pan, so look down on your pan and compare it with the product photos and description. The Cefito model is an O-shape. Check how your current seat is attached, that there is room behind it for the hinge and hose connection, and that the hose reaches the stop tap.
What does installing a non-electric bidet involve?
Turn off the stop tap to the cistern and flush to empty it, fit the seat or attachment, then fit the T-piece between the stop tap and the cistern hose and connect the bidet hose to it. Turn the water back on slowly and check every join for drips. If the water connection looks unusual, is old or corroded, ask a plumber to do it.
How do I clean a non-electric bidet?
Self-cleaning nozzles do most of the work, but wipe the nozzle area gently with a soft cloth now and then. Clean the seat with a mild bathroom cleaner and a soft cloth, avoid harsh abrasives on plastic, and check the hose and joins every few months for drips or wear.