How Visiting Japan Changed My Mind About Bidets

To be completely honest, I’ve never been interested in bidets. And hand sprayers? They gave me the ick.

Working in plumbing, I’d seen them, heard about them, and even written about whether you can install a bidet yourself. But I never felt the need to have one in my own home.

Then we travelled to Japan.

And everything changed…

Japan Completely Changed My Perspective on Bidets

If you’ve ever been to Japan, you’ll know that bidets aren’t just a luxury, they’re part of everyday life. From hotels to restaurants to shopping centres, the toilets are next level. My daughter was particularly fond of the Toto toilets that played music when occupied.

The first time I used one, I was curious.

The second time, I was impressed.

By the end of the trip, I was completely sold. My whole family was.

The comfort, hygiene, and convenience were on another level. It genuinely made me question why they aren’t more common in Australian homes.

And as a plumbing business owner, I started looking at them through a different lens, not just as a product, but as a practical upgrade for modern homes.

Should a Plumber Install a Bidet?

Not long after returning, we installed bidet seats in our own home.

And yes, they were installed by my licensed plumber husband. You’ll need one of these to ensure your installation is legal and complies for insurance purposes (the plumber, not the husband…).

That’s important, because while these products can look simple to install, they must be installed correctly and in accordance with Australian plumbing regulations.

After some research, we chose the Tudaloo, which is an Australian-owned product that delivers a great balance between quality and affordability. The only thing wrong with it according to the 11-year-old is it doesn’t play music like the kawaii ones in Japan did.

After experiencing the premium Toto toilets throughout Japan, I still think they are the gold standard. But for Australian homes, the Tudaloo is a really practical and accessible option. Prices start from $249 for a non-electric bidet toilet seat, to a $3,899 complete toilet system with sensor lid and auto-flush. Installation costs are extra.

We settled for the Tudaloo Pro (RRP $799 but we bought during their Black Friday sale). The Pro is an electric seat, so we called our electrician friends to come and install a power point at each toilet. It has adjustable water temperature, seat temperature, water pressure, dryer, night light self-cleaning, automatic deodorisation, and nozzle position control. And, given this is a blog about toilets and bottom cleaning, I’ll also mention the model comes with a defecation clean option for a concentrated spray designed for a deeper clean and a Menstrual Mode with targeted settings optimised for menstrual hygiene and increased comfort. Sorry, not sorry.

A Critical Safety Requirement Most People Don’t Know About

This is the part many people don’t realise (and scoff at the cost of installing!).

In Australia, bidets and hand sprayers are considered a high hazard risk to drinking water if installed incorrectly. That means proper backflow protection is essential.

Depending on the product, this may require:

• A high hazard backflow prevention device (RPZD) installed at the water meter, OR
• A bidet seat that already includes compliant backflow protection within the unit.

This is not just a recommendation; it’s a plumbing regulation requirement. If a plumber says ‘nah, you don’t need that’ get a new plumber. Seriously.

One of the big benefits of the Tudaloo Pro (I should say, we aren’t sponsored we have just tried and tested the product) is that the backflow protection is built into the product. This can potentially save homeowners hundreds of dollars, as it may remove the need to install a separate RPZD at the meter.

That’s a significant factor when comparing options.

Why You Should Always Use a Licensed Plumber When Installing a Bidet

I know it can be tempting to treat bidet seats like a DIY add-on.

But in Australia, installing a bidet or hand sprayer involves connections to your drinking water supply. If not installed correctly, there is a real risk of contamination. To you and your neighbours.

A licensed plumber will:

• Ensure the installation is compliant with regulations
• Confirm correct backflow protection is in place
• Protect your home’s water supply
• Provide a BPC certificate of compliance where required

It’s not just about fitting the seat,  it’s about protecting your health and your home.

So… Are Bidets Worth It?

Before Japan, I would have said they were a ‘nice extra’ and not really for me.

Now? I’m a total convert.

They’re more hygienic.
They’re comfortable.
And once you get used to one, it’s hard to go back.

That’s why we now have two installed in our home. I just close my eyes and pretend I’m still on holiday in Kyoto…

Thinking About Installing a Bidet?

If you’ve been curious about bidets, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most searched topics on our website, and interest continues to grow as more Australians discover the benefits, particularly those residing in West Melbourne where we are based.

But the key things to remember are:

• Choose a quality product
• Make sure it complies with Australian standards
• Always have it installed by a licensed plumber
• Confirm correct backflow protection is included or installed

Asia, Europe and the Middle East may have led the way in recent years, but we’re starting to see more homeowners here embracing the same level of comfort and hygiene.

And speaking from personal experience, once you try one, you might not look back either. Now, if only I could find a replica Japanese convenience store…