Installing a Bidet on Skirted Toilets: DIY Made Easy
Got a skirted toilet?
Wanna install a bidet, huh?
But uh-oh, youโre stuck!
Skirted toilets arenโt your usual deal.
Theyโre complex, theyโre tricky and theyโre just plain different.
Feel like youโre wrestling with an octopus?
We get it.
Youโre not alone.
Weโve all been there, trust us.
But donโt sweat it.
Weโve got your back!
Letโs tackle this together, shall we?
This guide will walk you through each step to install a bidet on that skirted beast.
Easy-peasy, lemon squeezy!
And just like that, youโll be a DIY champ! ๐
Table of Contents
Understanding Skirted Toilets
A skirted toilet?
What’s that, you ask? ๐ง Well, it’s not your regular toilet.
A skirted toilet has a smooth design that hides the trapway at the base and the fill valve under the tank.
It’s like putting a sleek suit on your toilet! ๐ฉโจ This design gives the toilet an elegant look, making it easier to clean and adding a modern touch to your bathroom.
But wait, there’s more to it!
Aesthetic and Functional Benefits
Skirted toilets are the James Bond of toilets.
They’re stylish, sophisticated, and oh-so-sleek. ๐ถ๏ธ The smooth skirt design not only adds a touch of class but also makes cleaning a breeze.
No more struggling with those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.
It’s all smooth sailing here! ๐งผโจ But, as with anything that looks too good to be true, there’s a catch.
Common Challenges with Skirted Toilets
Now, here’s where things get tricky. ๐งฉ Skirted toilets may look fabulous, but they come with their own set of challenges.
Let’s break it down:
- Fill Valve Issues: Unlike conventional toilets, skirted toilets tend to have the fill valve concealed behind the toilet. This makes it inaccessible and often too cramped to install a bidet seat’s t-valve. It’s like trying to tie a bowtie in the dark! ๐๐
- Mounting Bolts Dilemma: The mounting bolts for skirted toilets are different from conventional ones. They’re secured from above the bowl using screws that fit into sleeves.
Most bidet seats come with plastic bolts meant for conventional toilets, so this presents a problem.
It’s like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole! ๐ง
But don’t worry, solutions exist for these pesky problems.
From alternative T-Valves to top mounting bolts, there are ways to work around these challenges.
So, fear not, DIY warriors! ๐ ๏ธ๐ช
Preparation and Tools Required
Ready to roll up those sleeves and get to work? ๐ ๏ธ Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need.
Preparation is key, and we’re all about making this DIY project smooth and hassle-free.
So, grab your toolkit, and let’s get started!
Identifying the Right T-Valve
Skirted toilets are a bit finicky when it comes to the T-Valve.
Unlike conventional toilets, the fill valve is often concealed, making it a tight squeeze.
But don’t fret!
There are alternative T-Valves designed specifically for skirted toilets.
Look for a T-Valve that can be installed on your shut-off valve instead of the toilet’s fill valve.
If you’re dealing with a TOTO Washlet, you might need an additional adapter or an extension hose. ๐ฟ๐ง
โ Tip: Check out the t-valve for skirted toilets or the extension hose for a perfect fit.
Necessary Tools and Materials
Got your T-Valve sorted?
Great!
Now, let’s gather the rest of the tools and materials:
- Top Mounting Bolts: Skirted toilets require special mounting hardware that can be tightened from above. Make sure to have top mounting bolts handy.
- Extension Hose: If you’re dealing with a TOTO Washlet or need to extend the 7/8″” connection, an extension hose will be your best friend.
- Screwdriver: For tightening those screws and making sure everything is secure.
- Wrench: To ensure all connections are tight and leak-free.
๐งฐ Note: Some skirted toilets may already have top mounting bolts.
In that case, you can use what you have.
Installing the T-Valve
Ready to tackle the T-Valve installation? ๐ ๏ธ It’s a crucial step in your bidet installation journey, especially with a skirted toilet.
But don’t worry, we’ve got the perfect guide to make it a breeze!
Let’s dive right in.
Choosing the Correct T-Valve
Skirted toilets are a bit tricky, aren’t they? ๐ง The fill valve is often concealed, making it a tight fit for a standard T-Valve.
But fear not, DIY warriors!
There are alternative T-Valves designed just for skirted toilets.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Alternative T-Valve for Skirted Toilets: This special T-Valve can be installed on your shut-off valve instead of the toilet’s fill valve. It’s a perfect fit for most shut-off valves, with 3/8″” compression threads. ๐ฟ๐ง
- Extension Hose for Skirted Toilets: If you’re dealing with a TOTO Washlet, an extension hose might be your best bet. It connects to the fill valve of your skirted toilet and extends the 7/8″” connection. ๐งฐ
- Top Mounting Bolts: Remember those pesky mounting bolts? Skirted toilets require top mounting hardware that can be tightened from above.
If your toilet already uses top mounting bolts, you’re good to go! ๐งโ๐ง
Installation Process
Got your T-Valve and tools ready?
Let’s get started! ๐
- Disconnect Existing Supply Hose: First, disconnect your existing supply hose from underneath the tank.
- Install the Skirted T-Valve or Extension Hose: Depending on your toilet, install the skirted T-Valve or extension hose.
- Connect the Bidet Seat’s T-Valve: Attach the bidet seat’s 7/8″” T-Valve to the end of the hose or directly to the fill valve.
- Tighten All Connections: Grab your wrench and make sure everything is tight and leak-free. ๐งโจ
And just like that, you’ve installed the T-Valve! ๐
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Stuck?
Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us.
Here are some common issues and how to solve them:
- T-Valve Not Fitting: If the T-Valve doesn’t fit, double-check the size and type of your shut-off valve. You might need a different T-Valve or an adapter.
- Leaking Connections: If you notice any leaks, make sure all connections are properly tightened. A little extra elbow grease might do the trick! ๐ช
Mounting the Bidet Seat
Ready to mount that bidet seat onto your skirted toilet? ๐ฝโจ This part is crucial, and it’s where things get real.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Let’s break it down into easy-to-follow steps.
Understanding Mounting Bolts
Skirted toilets are a bit different, aren’t they? ๐ง The mounting bolts for your toilet seat are not the same as your conventional toilet.
With a skirted design, things are done a bit differently.
The toilet seat is usually secured from above the bowl using screws that fit into sleeves.
Most bidet seats come with plastic bolts meant for conventional toilets, so this presents a challenge.
But fear not, DIY warriors!
Solutions exist. ๐ ๏ธ๐ช
โ Top Mounting Bolts: BidetKing carries top mounting hardware that can be tightened from above as opposed to below the bowl.
The black rubber sleeves are inserted into the toilet bowl mounting holes, and the screws are then tightened with a screwdriver from above.
These replace the plastic bolts/nuts that come with most bidet seats.
If your skirted toilet already uses top mounting bolts, you’re good to go! ๐งโ๐ง
Adjusting and Securing the Seat
Got the bidet seat mounted?
Great!
Now, let’s make sure it’s adjusted and secured just right. ๐ฝ๐
- Check Alignment: Ensure that the bidet seat is aligned with the bowl and not tilted to one side.
- Test the Seat: Sit on the seat to make sure it feels comfortable and secure.
- Make Final Adjustments: If needed, loosen the screws slightly and adjust the seat’s position. Then tighten the screws again.
- Enjoy Your Upgraded Toilet: You’ve done it! Your skirted toilet now has a bidet seat, ready to elevate your bathroom experience. ๐
Connecting to Water Supply
Skirted toilets are all about elegance and modernity, but when it comes to bidet installation, they can be a bit of a puzzle. ๐งฉ Connecting to the water supply is a crucial step, and it’s where the skirted design might throw you a curveball. But don’t worry, DIY warriors! ๐ ๏ธ We’ve got the solutions right here.
Let’s dive into the details:
Extension Hose for Skirted Toilets
Got a skirted toilet?
Then you might need an extension hose. ๐ฟ This handy tool connects to the fill valve of your skirted toilet, extending the 7/8″” connection.
It allows you to connect the bidet seat’s original T-Valve to the end of the hose, instead of directly to the fill valve.
It’s like giving your bidet a little extra reach! ๐งฐ
Connecting to Fill Valve
The fill valve of a skirted toilet may be concealed or too cramped to install a bidet seat’s T-Valve. ๐ฝ But don’t fret!
There’s an alternative T-Valve designed just for skirted toilets.
It can be installed on your shut-off valve instead of the toilet’s fill valve.
It’s like finding the perfect key to a tricky lock! ๐
โ Alternative T-Valve for Skirted Toilets: This special T-Valve fits most shut-off valves with 3/8″” compression threads.
It’s a perfect solution for those pesky fill valve issues.
Check out the t-valve for skirted toilets.
Testing and Final Adjustments
Alright, you’ve connected everything, but how do you know it’s all good to go? ๐ง Time for some testing and final adjustments:
- Check for Leaks: Turn on the water supply and check for any leaks. If you spot any, tighten the connections a bit more. A wrench might come in handy here! ๐งโจ
- Test the Bidet Functionality: Give your bidet a test run. Make sure the spray is working as it should. Feel the luxury! ๐ฟ๐
- Make Any Necessary Adjustments: If something’s not quite right, don’t hesitate to make adjustments. Whether it’s the hose length or the T-Valve connection, tweak it until it’s perfect. ๐งฐ๐ช
And just like that, you’ve connected your bidet to the water supply of your skirted toilet! ๐
Common Pitfalls
Here are some common pitfalls.
Misjudging the T-Valve Connection
Skirted toilets are a bit finicky, aren’t they? ๐งฉ The concealed fill valve can lead to a misjudged T-Valve connection.
It’s like trying to thread a needle with your eyes closed! ๐งต๐
โ Avoidance Tip: Always double-check the size and type of your shut-off valve.
A skirted T-Valve or extension hose might be your best bet. ๐ฟ๐ง
Over-Tightening the Mounting Bolts
Those top mounting bolts can be a real puzzle. ๐งฉ Over-tightening them can lead to cracks in the porcelain.
It’s like squeezing a lemon too hard and ending up with juice in your eye! ๐๐ซ
โ Avoidance Tip: Tighten the screws just enough to secure the seat.
Use a gentle touch, and remember, snug but not cracking! ๐งโ๐ง
Ignoring Water Supply Leaks
A small leak might seem harmless, but it can turn into a big problem. ๐ฟ It’s like ignoring a tiny crack in the dam โ eventually, it bursts! ๐ฆ
โ Avoidance Tip: Always check for leaks after connecting to the water supply.
A little extra elbow grease with a wrench might do the trick! ๐งโจ
Expert Tips and Best Practices
Test Before You Tighten
Ever tighten everything up only to find something’s not quite right? ๐ง It’s like baking a cake and forgetting the sugar! ๐
โ Expert Tip: Test the bidet functionality before tightening all connections.
Make adjustments as needed, and then secure everything. ๐ฟ๐
Use the Right Tools
Using the wrong tools can lead to a DIY disaster. ๐ ๏ธ It’s like trying to eat soup with a fork โ messy and frustrating! ๐ฒ
โ Expert Tip: Ensure you have the right tools and materials, like top mounting bolts and extension hoses.
It’ll make your installation smooth and hassle-free. ๐งฐ๐ช
Regular Check-Ups
Skirted toilets and bidets need love too! โค๏ธ Regular check-ups can prevent problems down the line.
It’s like taking your car for regular oil changes โ it keeps things running smoothly. ๐
โ Maintenance Tip: Periodically check connections, bolts, and bidet functionality.
A little TLC goes a long way! ๐งฐโจ
Cleaning and Upkeep
A clean bidet is a happy bidet! ๐ฟ Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance.
It’s like keeping your windows sparkling โ it lets the light shine through! โ๏ธ
โ Maintenance Tip: Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines for your bidet seat.
Use gentle cleaners and avoid harsh chemicals. ๐งผโจ
Wrapping It Up: Bidet Bliss Awaits! ๐ฝโจ
Skirted toilets, huh?
They’re the suave secret agents of the bathroom world, but installing a bidet on them?
That’s a mission you’ve just conquered, DIY warrior! ๐ ๏ธ๐ช From wrestling with the fill valve to mastering the mounting bolts, you’ve navigated the twists and turns of this sleek and sophisticated beast.
No more fumbling in the dark or trying to fit square pegs in round holes. ๐งฉ You’ve got the tools, the tips, and the know-how to make your bathroom a luxurious oasis.
So go ahead, take a seat, and enjoy the upgrade.
You’ve earned it! ๐
Remember, DIY champ, the journey doesn’t end here.
Keep those tools handy, stay curious, and never stop exploring.
Your next bathroom adventure awaits, and we’ll be right here, cheering you on.
Until then, happy bideting! ๐ฟ๐ฉโจ
FAQs
Can you install a bidet on a concealed toilet?
Yes, you can install a bidet on a concealed toilet, but it may require specialized tools and expertise. It’s advisable to consult with a professional plumber to ensure proper installation and compatibility with your specific toilet model.
Can you put a bidet toilet seat on any toilet?
Most bidet toilet seats are designed to fit standard toilets, but there may be exceptions based on the shape and size of the toilet bowl. It’s essential to check the specifications of the bidet seat and compare them with your toilet’s dimensions to ensure a proper fit.
How do you secure a skirted toilet?
Securing a skirted toilet involves attaching it to the floor using mounting bolts and brackets. The process may vary depending on the toilet’s design, so it’s recommended to follow the manufacturer’s instructions or consult with a professional plumber to ensure a secure installation.
What does skirted toilet mean?
A skirted toilet refers to a toilet design where the trapway is concealed, giving the toilet a sleek and seamless appearance. The smooth surface not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also makes cleaning easier as there are fewer crevices for dirt to accumulate.
