Summary
Japanese toilets or washlets are increasingly successful in Europe, so much so that some parts are sold individually to transform your classic toilets into high-tech and 100% comfortable toilets. Among these accessories, we find Japanese toilet seats but also shower kits.
See our selection of Japanese shower heads
Japanese toilet shower kits are the most economical of these toilet installations. You can find them for less than 100 euros. These are kits to install on the bowl of your toilet to transform it into a Japanese toilet. Installation is easy, by inserting the shower kit between the seat of your toilet and the seat.
Japanese toilet shower kits are equipped with a small shower head, with one or two jets depending on the kit chosen (anal and/or uro-genital water jet), and which can be directed to clean one's private parts or hands. Some kits have other additional features, such as adjusting the temperature and pressure of the water jet, the massaging jet, and/or a blast of hot air for drying. These shower kits are primarily intended for women, even if Japanese toilets are for mixed use.
There is a difference between a Japanese toilet shower kit and a Japanese toilet seat : this replaces your toilet seat and has many more features, in addition to the shower and drying option (heated seat, presence detector, etc.). The Japanese toilet seat can be purchased independently of the toilet and fixed to a conventional toilet; it is accompanied by a control panel, often a control arm fixed to the side of the toilet seat.
The Japanese toilet shower kit is also to be distinguished from the classic shower kit , which takes the form of a flexible hose that can be directed as desired and which can be used to wash your private parts or your hands, but also your toilet, the floor of your bathroom, etc.
Who are Japanese toilet shower kits primarily intended for?
Japanese toilet shower kits are intended to all . In Japan, three-quarters of homes are equipped with Japanese toilets with integrated shower kits, as well as 90% of public places. However, their use is primarily aimed at women, the elderly and the disabled.
Indeed, the primary purpose of Japanese toilet shower kits is to wash (and dry) private parts: this is why these accessories are primarily intended for women. Depending on the type of Japanese shower kit, two types of jets are available: the anal water jet (mixed), and the uro-genital water jet (for women).
Japanese toilet shower kits allow you to clean themselves effortlessly , which is why they are also very useful for the elderly or for people with disabilities. Thanks to these accessories, it is possible to transform a classic toilet into a 100% comfortable toilet, and above all to regain a certain autonomy.
What are the advantages of a Japanese toilet shower kit?
The main advantage of Japanese toilets is the fact that they are more hygienic and limit contamination by microbes or bacteria. This advantage is found in Japanese toilet shower kits: they allow you to wash your private parts naturally, thanks to a directional jet, and to dry yourself without using toilet paper, which has a chemical composition and is therefore aggressive for your private parts.
Another advantage of Japanese toilet shower kits that can make a difference: its price. Indeed, compared to a complete Japanese toilet, or even a simple Japanese toilet seat, the shower kit will cost you cheaper and it is possible to find some for less than 100 euros. A criterion that makes the difference when you know that the main functions of a Japanese toilet – namely washing and drying your private parts – will be well integrated.
A Japanese toilet shower kit is also available Very easy to install . Simply insert it between the bowl and the seat of your toilet: no need to call a technician for it to work. It is just as easy to remove for cleaning.
Finally, Japanese toilet shower kits have the advantage of working without electricity . The water jet is triggered by a dial that you adjust yourself. It is supplied with water by the same pipe that supplies the flush, or by the hot/cold water inlets of your sink, depending on the model chosen. The on/off button allows you to turn off the Japanese toilet shower kit when you are not using it.
The disadvantage of the Japanese toilet shower kit compared to the Japanese toilet seat or the complete Japanese toilets, is the fact that it offers fewer features. In addition to washing, drying, massage jet and adjustable and orientable jet, Japanese toilets can offer many other options, including a heated seat, music to cover unwanted noises, etc.
Do they carry any risks?
More hygienic and more comfortable than conventional toilets, toilets equipped with Japanese toilet shower kits nevertheless carry some risks of which you should be aware.
Indeed, it is possible on most Japanese toilet shower kits to adjust the temperature of the water jet. Often set by default to a lukewarm temperature, improper handling can quickly lead to scalding water, with the risk of burning yourself. The same goes for water pressure: if you increase it too much, you can hurt yourself. It is essential to read the instructions carefully or test them on your hands (which are less sensitive), for example, before making adjustments.
How to install the shower kit?
Japanese toilet shower kits can be attached to any standard toilet , between the bowl and the toilet seat: the shower kit will adapt to the width of the bowl thanks to an adjustable slider. Installation is very simple and only takes a few minutes: you will not need to call a plumber. Depending on the shower kit, the installation may be different, but in general a detailed guide will help you to carry out the operation successfully.
In particular, you need to connect your Japanese toilet shower kit to the water supply of your toilet, since, on the majority of models, the water that supplies the water jet is that of the flush . To do this, use the connectors supplied with the Japanese toilet shower kit and connect them between the water supply and the toilet tap.
Here is a video that explains, for example, how to install a Hygienale brand WC shower.
How to clean a Japanese toilet shower kit?
It is very easy to clean a Japanese toilet shower kit: in fact, This one unclips very easily and you can remove and replace it as many times as you want without damaging it. To clean it, you can brush it with soap and water, rinse and wipe with a microfibre cloth: it will be like new and ready to use again. However, Japanese toilet shower kits often have self-cleaning nozzles and therefore remain clean over time.
