Depending upon the type of bidet you install fitting need not be any more complicated than it is for any other bathroom appliance, although as matters of hygiene are involved one does have to adhere to the appropriate Building Regulations. There are basically two types of bidets, the rim-supply type and the over-rim-supply type.

An over-rim-supply bidet is simple to install because it is in all essentials just another basin. It is fitted with taps as a basin is and is plumbed in the same way. It does not usually have a douche spray attachment and the rim is not heated - so if you're fussy about getting a cold backside, this probably is not the right choice for you!

A rim-supply bidet is more complicated and expensive but with a corresponding increase in luxury. Because they are fitted with a douche spray head they are a more thorough cleaning and satisfying experience. However, because they spray head is submerged when the bidet is full, it is important that a rim supply bidet takes it water directly from the supply reservoirs in order to avoid potential contamination of the domestic water supply that is also intended for appliances such as dishwashers, for which water cleanliness is vital. you can see therefore that installing a rim-supply bidet is a significantly bigger operation than installing an over-rim-supply bidet. You actually have to install two dedicated pipes - one of which must be run from the bathroom and fitted to the storage tank, and the other of which must be tapped into the hot water storage cylinder.

However an over-rim-supply offers other advantages. One of these is that the warm water is plumbed to circulate around the inside of the rim, keeping it nice and warm and protecting you from the disturbing sensation of having to sit on cold china. Once the dedicated supply pipes are installed, the actual plumbing is not that complicated. When installing the bidet itself remember it needs to be as firmly fixed and rigid as a WC. If anything, bidets need to be more firmly fixed down because getting up off one requires a greater degree of leverage than getting off a WC. So make sure it's firmly screwed down. You will also need to ensure that there is sufficient knee room to allow easy mounting and dismounting. That means a total of at least 700mm free width in the space being used. It is also a good idea to make a careful decision about the type of tap you fit to a bidet: very angular or awkwardly shaped taps may dig into users' backs unpleasantly and cause severe discomfort.

Some water suppliers have regulations governing the installation of bidets above and beyond the stipulations laid down in the Water Regulations. Be sure to check these before you begin installation - if you use a plumber to do the work (as is recommended if installing a rim-supply bidet) he should be aware of the regulations in particular areas.

Bidets should be cleaned with the same regularity as toilets, however ensure that potentially corrosive materials such as bleach are fully flushed away from the spray head before using the appliance again.