How to Install a Bidet in an RV

If you already have a bidet at home, you already know its advantages to your health, the environment, your plumbing system, and even your pocket. A bidet provides more hygienic and thorough cleaning on your rear areas than tissue paper. It is also eco-friendly, saving the trees and water used to create tissue papers.

On top of its hygienic qualities, bidet’s use is gentle and comfortable on your skin, and it is also convenient for people with mobility issues. You can bring all these advantages to your RV when you are going out and make those trips as comfortable as your home. What's more, bidets do away with any clogging tissues may cause, thus sparing you any expensive RV plumbing repairs. Here is a guide on installing a bidet in an RV on your own.

Materials you will need:

• Your preferred bidet
• A screwdriver
• A wrench
• ½ inch PEX T-connector
• ½ inch PEX male adapter
• An extra PEX tube

1. START BY REMOVING THE OLD SEAT

Use the screwdriver to remove the old toilet seat, and you will also need it when fixing the bidet on the toilet. Be sure the bidet set matches your current toilet seat's size. Cover the rig using a sewer cap to prevent foul odors from getting into your vehicle and interfering with your work at the start of your work. Ideally, get rid of the old toilet seat from your workspace by placing it in an industrial-strength waste bag to avoid any mess.

2. MEASURING AND CUTTING THE PEX PIPE

Measure and mark the spot where you won't cut on the PEX pipe. Place the bidet on the toilet seat so that you can measure the length of the PEX pipe you need to reach the bidet’s pipe. Mark this spot. Do not worry much if you do not get the precise spot, as you can fix it later. Cut the two spots cleanly to prevent any uneven or unbalanced surface. Cutting will also help prevent gaps in the tubing.

3. ATTACH THE TEE CONNECTOR TO THE PIPES

The next step is to use the tee connector to attach the two cut PEX pieces you cut in step two above. Attach the two cut pipes each on either end of the straight edge of the tee connector. The two pipes will now be connected, leaving the push to connect the end of the tee connector free. Take the extra PEX pipe and attach it to this free end, creating a complete T of PEX pipes the connecter at the middle.

On the loose end of the extra PEX pipe, connect the 1/2 male adapter. Make sure the extra PEX pipe is long enough because it will connect with the pipe from the bidet. With the male adapter in place, you have a strong setup for connecting with the bidet’s pipe.

4. CONNECT THE T-SHAPED PIPES WITH THE TOILET

The next step is to attach the pipes to the toilet. One end goes to the water supply inlet, while the other goes to the toilet’s water tank. You will need a bucket and a towel for this part as some water will spill out even after closing the shut-off valve. The bucket collects the water while the towel dries the hands. Remember to use hand tightening where the plastic material is involved.

5. MOUNT THE BIDET SEAT

Often bidets come with a mounting plate which you attach to the toilet first and then slide the seat in place. Be sure to get a matching bidet seat in size and the bolt holes for easy attachment. Most come with a straightforward attachment manual, so follow that. Match the holes and fit them in the respective nuts and bolts.

6. ATTACH THE BIDET TO THE WATER SUPPLY

With the bidet in place, check for its water supply hose and connect to the open end of the male adapter. Double-check your connections to ensure they are a snug fit, then open the shut-off valves to let the water fill the tank. Then you can proceed to test the bidet to be sure it is functioning properly and there are no leaks at the connections.

Things to remember:

• Be sure your RV uses PEX pipes, most do, but in case they don't make the required adjustment.
• Avoid cutting too much PEX as the corrective measures are more than if you just cut a little. Take measurements of your toilet before shopping bidet attachments.
• If your toilet has a hump built in it, it may prevent the bidet from fitting correctly, so you will have to choose between modifying the hump or cutting the bidet.
• If you install an electric bidet, make plans for an electric outlet.

BIDET OPTIONS FOR YOUR RV

Unlike your home, the setup for a bidet in the RV is different. You cannot just buy any bidet, especially with the space considerations. Other kinds of bidets may not match your RV. Here are some available options:

• The portable bidet offers the most advantage, especially convenience-wise. It is essentially a hand spray bottle you use in place of tissue. You do not have to install anything or mess up your existing setup. You get both manual and rechargeable electric options.
• A rechargeable handheld battery is another option with no installation needed. It operates like a conventional handheld bidet sprayer, but you can use a sink or a bucket instead of getting water from the main supply. You can easily hang it on the wall, so it does not take much space.
• A traditional handheld bidet is a more permanent option since you connect it to the main supply. It does not need a bucket for operation and is available in various options.
• A bidet attachment is the one that calls for more installation, which this article has covered above. It is more reliable and, once installed, does not require further attention like recharging or aligning, or filling with water.

Installing a bidet in your RV adds to the convenience of helping you make the RV more homely. It brings the advantages you enjoy at your house to the RV. Since it is a straightforward DIY installation, you should consider it, and it will be a worthy investment.