Posted: Apr 13, 2021 / 5:29 PM EDTUpdated: April 13, 2021 / 5:29 p.m. EDT
CONSUMER REPORTS – Now that we’ve overcome the fear of toilet paper caused by the pandemic, there may be an ongoing paper problem in your bathroom: flushable wipes. As the name suggests, they do flush, but problems can arise after they leave your toilet bowl
sometimes arise. Consumer Reports explains what can happen to these wipes and offers a spa-like solution instead.
You could say “flushable” or “septic safe,” but any type of wipe can destroy sewers and septic tanks. They don’t collapse like toilet paper. And these videos show what can happen.
But for people who prefer the fresh and clean feel you get from towels, there is another way.
“Bidets have their moment,” said Haniya Rae.
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Haniya Rae of Consumer Reports says the initial cost of a bidet seat could be a bit high, but it could also be worth it.
“Wipes are certainly cheaper than a bidet, but some of the plumbers we’ve spoken to are prone to clogging, even the flushable ones,” Rae said.
Bidet seats differ from free-standing bidet seats. A bidet seat plugs into an existing toilet and uses clean water from your toilet’s supply line and electricity to create a flow of hot water that many manufacturers advertise as being easier than wiping up to clean. This can potentially save you money and also reduce paper waste.
Many come standard with an adjustable nozzle, heated seat and adjustable water temperature, all of which are operated via a remote control or control panel. And if they’re reasonably practical, most can be installed as a DIY project.
Consumer Reports recently asked a few dozen bidet users to provide very honest feedback on their bidet seating experience.
Participants liked this Brondell Swash 1000 and gave it top marks for installation, ease of use and water temperature, water pressure and flow angle settings.
“There are also simple seats that don’t use electricity. But no electricity means no hot water. Think how a cold spray would feel down under, ”said Rae.
Some non-electric seats can plug into your hot water pipe, so it’s always a good idea to double-check. Even so, many satisfied bidet users gave the Tushy Classic top marks for installation, water pressure and ease of use, even without hot water.
Installing a bidet seat attachment requires a bit of plumbing. In some cases, if you don’t have an electrical outlet nearby, you may need an electrician. Check out the how-to video on ConsumerReports.com.
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