The Plumber #1: How to Install a Bidet Spray

Bidet sprays (or "bum guns") are a staple in many Asian households but remain a rarity in the UK. For many of us, especially the Vietnamese students, they are an absolute bathroom essential.

In this tutorial, I'll walk you through how to install a bidet spray attached to your sink tap. This method is non-invasive, requires no drilling or complex plumbing, and is perfect for rented accommodation.

Step 0: Gather the Right Tools

First, you'll need a bidet spray kit that attaches to a sink faucet. You can find these easily on Amazon or eBay. Look for a "Bidet Spray" kit.

• Bidet Kit: Recommended Kit

Bidet Spray Kit, source: Amazon

Check your tap:

In many modern UK rental properties (student accommodation, apartments), the bathroom sink tap has a recessed aerator that is flush with the spout. You often cannot unscrew this by hand or with a standard wrench.

• Aerator Key: If your aerator is flat against the tap, you will likely need a set of Aerator Keys to unlock and remove it.
• PTFE Tape (Plumber's Tape): A roll of white Teflon tape to help seal the threaded connections and prevent leaks.

Aerator Key and PTFE Tape (optional)

Step 1: Remove the Old Aerator

1. Identify the Aerator: Look at the tip of your tap where the water comes out. If there's a small mesh screen, that's the aerator.
2. Unscrew It:
   • If it protrudes, try unscrewing it clockwise (looking from the top) or counter-clockwise (looking from the bottom).
   • If it's recessed, select the correct size key from your Aerator Key set. Insert the key into the grooves and twist to unscrew.
3. Clean: Wipe the threads on the tap clean to ensure a good seal for the new connection.

Removed Aerator

Step 2: Install the Diverter Valve

The bidet kit comes with a "diverter valve"—this is the T-piece that splits the water between the sink and the spray.

1. Find the Adapter: Your kit should come with several thread adapters. Find the one that fits your tap's threads (where the old aerator used to be).
2. Attach the Diverter:
   • Apply PTFE Tape: Wrap the PTFE tape 2-3 times clockwise around the threads of the adapter (and the tap threads if necessary). This ensures a watertight seal.
   • Screw it on: Screw the diverter valve onto the adapter. Make sure to use the rubber washers provided as the primary seal. Hand-tighten it.
   • Tip: Don't overtighten, as you might strip the plastic threads.

Step 3: Connect the Spray Hose

1. Connect one end of the flexible hose to the side outlet of the diverter valve.
2. Connect the other end of the hose to the bidet spray head.
3. Ensure washer seals are in place at both ends.

Step 4: Hang the Spray

Since this is a rental-friendly guide, we want to avoid drilling holes in the wall.

Most kits come with a tank mount or a holster that can hook onto the toilet tank. Alternatively, you can use strong double-sided tape (like 3M Command strips) to stick the holder to the tile wall.

Mounted Spray

Step 5: Test and Use

1. Turn on the tap water.
2. The Diverter Switch: There should be a lever on the diverter.
   • Down/Up: Water flows into the sink as normal.
   • Turned: Water is diverted to the spray hose.
3. Test the spray into the toilet bowl or sink to check for pressure and leaks.

All done