We commonly see water filters applied when we intend to drink the water that passes through them, but why would you want the water running through your bidet seat to be filtered?
Filtering the water supply for your bidet is similar to filtering the oil in an engine, it catches particles and other foreign substances that can end up getting stuck inside the components. Left unchecked, substances such as sand, sediment, rust, and minerals found in your tap water can build up inside your bidet and clog nozzles or damage seals. This is especially true for areas with hard water.
Hard water inside pipes
Bidet seat manufacturers recommend water filtration used in conjunction with their bidet, however many consumers choose to leave them out. For users on a municipal water supply, a filter will not make much of a difference as the water is usually quality controlled. The best application for filters is homes with old pipes, well water, or water sources likely to contain large amounts of sediment. However, water filters can do more than remove calcium and rust. They can also sterilize water.
The two types of bidet water filters are:
Carbon - these filters are also known as "sediment filters" that utilize the chemical properties of carbon to draw impurities out of your water supply and bond them to the carbon.
Iodine - these filter are also known as "ion filters" and utilize iodine as a common antiseptic used in medicine to kill bacteria and sterilize the water flowing into the bidet.
Iodine filters typically cost more because they filter and sterilize water. We sell both carbon and iodine filter on House of Bidets, and you can find them in the Accessories and Attachments section.
Installation of these filters is simple, most of them have one 1/2 inch male end and one 1/2 inch female end. You place the filter between the T-fitting off the water supply and the hose leading to your bidet seat. Note that half inch bidet filters will not fit with Toto or other Japanese bidet seats without adapters because they use a 7/8 inch fittings.
It is recommended you replace your filter every six months to maintain its sediment removal and/or bacteria killing abilities.