The Contemporary American Toilet

Americans often resist change, especially in areas like bathroom fixtures. While other countries have embraced innovative bathroom technology, many in the U.S. remain attached to traditional porcelain toilets. My first encounter with a high-tech toilet seat and bidet was during a trip to Thailand nearly a decade ago. At that time, I viewed it as a quirky cultural difference rather than a potential upgrade for my home. I didn’t recall my parents ever replacing our toilets, nor did I ever hear discussions about what constitutes a good or bad toilet. It's simply not a common topic in American conversations.

Why not rethink our approach to toilets, bidets, smart showers, and new methods to transform the bathroom experience into something as modern and luxurious as other facets of our lives? Let’s truly innovate!

A few years ago, I installed the Tushy Bidet in my bathroom. You may have seen their playful advertisements online, which aim to make bathroom experiences more enjoyable.

The Tushy Bidet

Photo Courtesy of Tushy

The Tushy Bidet offers an incredibly straightforward plumbing installation. With just a few twists and adjustments, it connects to your existing toilet's waterline. It doesn’t require electricity, which simplifies installation and eliminates the need for a heated seat or warm water. It features a simple knob to adjust the bidet's intensity, making it an affordable and accessible choice for homeowners and renters alike. It serves as an ideal entry-level accessory for those wanting to explore the world of high-tech toilets.

Section 1.1: My Journey to Modernizing the Bathroom

Last year marked a significant milestone as I became a homeowner, prompting me to contemplate upgrades for my bathroom. I hoped this year would usher in a wave of bathroom technology advancements—not just for myself but across the industry. Perhaps that was a bit optimistic, but I was eager to find a modern toilet for my new place.

Selecting a toilet is more intricate than it seems, with various sizes, colors, shapes, and water efficiency ratings to consider. Ultimately, we chose sleek models to replace the outdated toilets in our home. However, during my research, I kept encountering mentions of the Toto Washlet. Various models of this bidet seat caught my eye, some equipped with remotes, others wireless, and some boasting features I never thought I’d need—all with surprising price tags.

While I wasn’t prepared to spend excessively on a bidet, I began contemplating the importance of the spaces we inhabit. Since we spend so much time sleeping, investing in a good mattress makes sense. Why not apply that same logic to toilets? If you’re using it daily, it’s reasonable to consider a few modern features.

The Toto Washlet Experience

Photo courtesy of Toto

I eventually decided to invest in the Toto Washlet, opting for the more budget-friendly C5 model, which comes with a detachable remote. Was it worth the expenditure? Absolutely.

Installation required some electrical work to add a power outlet near the toilet for all those advanced features. While the setup process took some adjustment, it was largely straightforward. Let’s explore the advantages:

Experiencing a perfectly warm toilet seat is a subtle luxury that you come to appreciate. Customizing your bidet experience is invaluable, allowing you to tailor every aspect to your preferences. Although this may seem overwhelming, the user-friendly remote makes it easy to navigate.

Conclusion

I won’t delve deeper into my bathroom experiences, but I encourage you to consider areas of your life that may benefit from a technological upgrade—like your toilet. I enjoy writing about such topics that spotlight aspects of our lives in need of a refresh.

Even if a bidet doesn’t pique your interest, I hope you found this piece entertaining and thought-provoking. Are there fellow Washlet enthusiasts out there? What other areas of your home could use a modern touch?