A washlet is an electronic seat that replaces your toilet seat and needs a nearby power point, while a traditional bidet is a separate fixture that uses extra floor area and plumbing. A bidet spray is a hand-held cold-water spray that mounts next to the toilet with minimal space and no electricity. For most Melbourne renovations, a washlet offers the best comfort and integrated design if you plan for power during the rough-in stage.
01What each option actually is
A washlet is an electronic bidet seat that replaces your existing toilet seat. It connects to the toilet water supply and a standard power point. When you press a button or use a remote, a wand extends and sprays warm water, then warm air dries you. The term Washlet is a TOTO brand name, but many people use it generically for any electronic bidet seat.
A traditional bidet is a separate low basin, usually installed next to the toilet. You straddle it after using the toilet, fill it with water and wash yourself. It needs its own floor space, tap, waste and waterproofing. They are common in parts of Europe, but less so in Australian homes.
A bidet spray, also called a hand-held bidet or shattaf, is a small spray gun with a hose that attaches to the toilet water supply. You aim it manually and squeeze a trigger for a cold water rinse. It takes up almost no room and does not need electricity.
- Washlet: electronic seat, warm water, needs power
- Traditional bidet: separate fixture, needs space and drainage
- Bidet spray: hand-held, cold water, no power
02Space and bathroom layout
A washlet adds very little footprint because it sits on the toilet pan you already have. The seat is slightly thicker than a standard seat, but the pan and cistern stay in place. This makes it ideal for ensuites, powder rooms and compact bathrooms where you cannot spare floor area.
A traditional bidet is the most space-hungry option. It needs roughly 600 mm by 400 mm of clear floor space next to the toilet, plus room to sit and move around it. That often means sacrificing a cabinet, towel rail or shower entry space. In a small Melbourne bathroom, a traditional bidet is rarely practical.
A bidet spray is the most space-efficient. The spray head clips into a small wall holder beside the toilet, and the flexible hose hangs below. It can be added to almost any existing toilet without relocating anything, making it a good retrofit choice.
03Power and plumbing requirements
A washlet needs a 230 V power point within about a metre of the toilet, installed by a licensed electrician to the Wiring Rules and protected by an RCD. Most Australian bathrooms do not have a power point near the toilet, so you may need to run a new circuit or spur from an existing outlet. This is easier during a renovation before tiling, but possible later with surface-mounted conduit though less tidy.
Plumbing for a washlet is straightforward: a T-piece connects the seat to the toilet cistern supply. A licensed plumber should do the water connection and check the flexible hose complies with local plumbing standards. Never use an extension lead or power board in a bathroom.
A traditional bidet needs both water supply and waste. It typically requires a 40 mm or 50 mm trap connected to the sewer, plus hot and cold taps or a mixer. The floor around it must be waterproofed to AS 3740 in a wet area. This is a significant plumbing job and should only be done by a licensed plumber.
A bidet spray connects to the toilet water supply through a diverter valve. No electricity is involved. Installing the T-valve can be DIY if you are confident and use thread tape, but a licensed plumber can fit it quickly and make sure the backflow prevention device meets regulations, which protects drinking water from contamination.
04Comfort and usability features
Washlets are the most comfortable option. Heated seat, adjustable warm water temperature and pressure, oscillating or pulsating spray, warm air dryer, and a remote control are common. Many models include user presets, a night light and a deodorising filter. They are helpful for people with limited mobility, arthritis, recovering from surgery, or anyone who wants a hands-free clean.
A traditional bidet offers warm water if you install a mixer tap, but you must fill the bowl, sit, splash water by hand and then dry with a towel or toilet paper. The crouching and leaning can be difficult for older people or those with balance issues. Cold-water-only bidets are uncomfortable in winter.
A bidet spray delivers cold water only unless you run a hot water line and install a mixing valve, which is rarely worth the cost. Pressure is controlled by how hard you squeeze the trigger. There is no dryer, so you still use a small amount of toilet paper to pat dry. It is simple and effective, but not luxurious.
05Hygiene and cleaning
A washlet typically has a self-cleaning wand that rinses before and after each use, and some TOTO models have a CeFiONtect glaze on the bowl that resists waste sticking. Because it reduces toilet paper use, there is less dust and less chance of irritation. You still need to wipe the seat and outer surfaces with a mild cleaner, but avoid harsh chemicals on the electronics.
A traditional bidet must be cleaned like a second basin. Because it holds water and can splash, it needs regular scrubbing and disinfecting. Soap scum and body oils can build up, and the drain needs occasional attention. It does reduce toilet paper, but the cleaning effort is higher than a washlet.
A bidet spray nozzle and hose can harbour bacteria if not wiped down. Water can drip from the head after use, so keep the holder over the toilet or a drip tray. The spray is cold water, which is less effective at dissolving body oils than warm water, so you may use more toilet paper than with a washlet.
06Renovation implications and which to choose
The best time to decide is before you finalise your bathroom layout and rough-in. If you want a washlet, run a dedicated power point near the toilet while walls are open. If you want a traditional bidet, your plumber will need to set the floor waste and water points before waterproofing and tiling. A bidet spray can be added after the renovation without major work.
Think about who will use the bathroom. For a family bathroom or an ensuite where comfort matters, a washlet is the strongest choice if you can accommodate the electrical work. For a guest powder room or a rental-friendly update, a bidet spray is a practical, low-cost option. A traditional bidet is worth considering only if you have a large bathroom and specifically want that style.
If you are planning a bathroom renovation in Melbourne, the team at Baroco Interior Innovations can show you working washlets and bidet options in the Mount Waverley showroom. Call ahead on 0426 520 859 to arrange a time, and talk through what will suit your space and plumbing.
- Decide before rough-in
- Washlet: add power point
- Traditional bidet: extra floor space
- Bidet spray: retrofit-friendly
Planning this for your home? See how we design, supply and build it, or visit the Mount Waverley showroom.
TOTO at Baroco · Try the AI bathroom previewRelated questions
Still unsure? Call 0426 520 859 and talk to someone who actually installs this stuff.
Do I need a power point for a washlet?
Yes. A washlet needs a standard 230 V power point within about a metre of the toilet, installed by a licensed electrician and protected by an RCD. If you are renovating, plan this before tiling. If you cannot add a power point, consider a bidet spray instead.
Can I install a bidet spray myself?
You can if you are comfortable with basic plumbing and follow the manufacturer's instructions. However, a licensed plumber should install the diverter valve and backflow prevention device to avoid leaks and protect your drinking water. In a rental, check with the owner before modifying plumbing.
Is a traditional bidet worth it in a small Melbourne bathroom?
Usually not. A traditional bidet needs about 600 mm by 400 mm of floor space next to the toilet, plus clearance. In a small bathroom or powder room that space is better used for storage or a larger shower. A washlet gives a similar clean without extra floor area.
Does a washlet fit any toilet?
Most washlets fit standard Australian toilet pans, but you must check the shape and mounting hole spacing. Some elongated pans or rimless designs may need a specific model. At the Baroco showroom you can see different TOTO washlets and get advice on compatibility before you buy.
