A bidet attachment is the most affordable way to add water-based cleaning to a toilet you already own — no new seat, no electronics, just a slim add-on that brings a fresh-water wash to your existing setup. This guide explains how attachments work, their pros and cons, the options at The Bidet Shop, and the Australian install rules to know.
What Is a Bidet Attachment?
A bidet attachment is a thin panel or fitting that sits under (or alongside) your existing toilet seat and adds a washing nozzle controlled by a simple dial. It's a budget-friendly, low-profile upgrade that turns a standard toilet into a bidet without replacing the seat.
How It Differs from a Bidet Seat
A bidet seat replaces your toilet seat entirely and is usually electric, adding warm water, a heated seat and drying. A bidet attachment keeps your current seat and adds just the washing function — simpler, cheaper, and usually non-electric. If you want to keep things minimal, an attachment is the path of least resistance.
How Bidet Attachments Work
An attachment taps into your toilet's water supply and routes it to a retractable nozzle beneath the seat. Turn the control dial and a stream of water cleans you; turn it off and the nozzle tucks away.
The Main Parts
A typical attachment is refreshingly simple, with only a few components working together.
Nozzle & Control Dial
The nozzle delivers the wash, and a side-mounted dial controls the flow (and, on some models, nozzle position). With no electronics, there's little to go wrong and nothing to power.
A Note on Cold vs Warm Water
Most attachments are cold-water only, drawing straight from the toilet line — many people find this refreshing, particularly in summer. Warm-water attachments exist but need a nearby hot-water connection, which a licensed plumber can arrange.
Pros & Cons of Bidet Attachments
✓ Advantages
- ✓ Cheapest plumbed bidet option — from around $98–$250
- ✓ Slim and discreet — keeps your existing seat
- ✓ No power point required — non-electric
- ✓ Nothing electronic to maintain or replace
- ✓ Removes cleanly if you move or rent
– Trade-Offs
- – Usually cold water only — no heated wash
- – No heated seat — can feel cold in winter
- – No warm-air drying — still need paper or towel
- – No remote control — dial is manual
Bidet Attachments at The Bidet Shop
Slimline Cold-Water Bidet
~$250
A neat, low-profile attachment that adds fresh-water washing to your existing toilet without replacing the seat.
View Slimline →Cold-Water Handspray Kits
From ~$98
Prefer to aim the water yourself? A versatile handspray add-on in Standard and Complete kits. See our handheld sprayers guide for full detail.
Cold Water Range →Pressure Reducing Valve
~$48
High mains pressure can make a non-electric bidet feel too forceful. This 350 KPA valve softens the spray and protects the fittings.
View Valve →Attachment or Electric Seat? How to Decide
Choose an attachment if…
Budget is the priority
You want the lowest-cost plumbed upgrade, don't mind cold water, or have no power point near the toilet. Removable and renter-friendly.
Choose an electric seat if…
Comfort is the priority
You want warm water, a heated seat and warm-air drying — especially important in winter. Electric seats from around $890.
If you don't want any installation at all, a portable bottle bidet is the no-plumber option — it doesn't connect to plumbing. See our portable bidets guide for more.
Installation & Australian Compliance
Despite their simplicity, bidet attachments still connect to your drinking-water supply — so the same legal requirements apply as for any plumbed bidet.
Australian Compliance Requirements
- ✓ Licensed plumber required — attachments connect to water supply; DIY plumbed install illegal
- ✓ Backflow protection mandatory (NCC Volume Three · AS/NZS 3500.1 · AS/NZS 2845.1)
- ✓ WaterMark certified products only — The Bidet Shop range WMTS-051 Lic. No. 20094
- ✓ No electrician needed (non-electric) — unless adding warm water from hot line
The Bidet Shop's certified team can fit a cold-water attachment quickly, making it one of the fastest compliant bidet installs on offer.
How Much Do Bidet Attachments Cost?
Attachments are the budget tier: around $250 for the Slimline cold-water bidet, or from around $98 for a handspray kit, plus a $48 pressure-reducing valve if needed — and licensed-plumber installation. That makes them one of the most affordable ways to add bidet hygiene. Prices change with sales, so check the live product pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most fit standard Australian toilets, but pan shape and seat dimensions vary — especially with D-shaped or compact pans. Check compatibility with The Bidet Shop's team before buying, or bring your toilet model details when calling 1300 243 387.
Most are cold-water only. Warm-water versions need a hot-water connection, which a licensed plumber can set up. For built-in warm water at the touch of a button, an electric bidet seat is the better choice.
No. Even a simple attachment connects to the water supply, so a licensed plumber must install it with backflow protection. DIY plumbed installation is illegal in Australia. The only no-plumber option is a non-plumbed portable bottle bidet.
The Bottom Line
A bidet attachment is the most affordable way to upgrade the toilet you already own — slim, simple and effective, if you're happy with a cold-water wash. The Bidet Shop's Slimline cold-water bidet and handspray add-ons make it easy, and a quick licensed-plumber install keeps it compliant. Browse the range or call 1300 243 387.
Upgrade Your Toilet — From $98
WaterMark certified · Cold-water attachments & handsprays · Certified installation available
Shop Cold Water RangeAbout The Bidet Shop — Australia's largest bidet specialist, with its own retail stores, warehouse and factory-certified repair team. All plumbed products WaterMark certified to WMTS-051 (Lic. No. 20094). Ph: 1300 243 387