Legal or Not? Installing The evekare Water Powered Bidet Toilet Seat

Yes, you can legally install the evekare Water Powered Bidet Toilet Seat sold in Australia by Bunnings in your home. 

No, you cannot install it yourself, hire a family member, or hire a handyman to do it.

To comply with the applicable laws in Queensland, a bidet toilet seat must be installed by a licenced plumber such as Whywait Plumbing. A QBCC Form 4 compliance certificate must be issued to be a compliant legal installation as it is notifiable work under part 2 of Schedule 1 of the Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019.

In general terms, a bidet toilet seat is a sanitary appliance designed to enhance personal hygiene by using water dispensed through a douche spray. Typically installed onto toilet pans in various settings, these seats offer comfort and convenience that traditional toilet seats cannot match.

The rising popularity of bidet toilet seats or toilet douche seats has highlighted the need for stringent backflow prevention measures to avoid contamination of the drinking water supply. 

All plumbing and drainage work in Queensland must comply with the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 (PDA) and the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA), which mandates suitable certification under the WaterMark Certification Scheme for all plumbing products.

1. Water Connection: According to the PCA, Part B1P1, all fixtures intended for personal hygiene, including bidet toilet seats, must be connected to a drinking water supply. This ensures that the water used for hygiene purposes is safe and uncontaminated.
2. Backflow Requirements: The PCA specifies that high-hazard backflow prevention is necessary if the bidet seat outlet is not 25mm above the toilet pan’s overflow level. This prevention can be achieved only through the two methods below.
3. Integral Backflow Protection: Some bidet seats have built-in high-hazard protection, such as an Air-Gap (AG) or Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB), compliant with AS 2845.2 and AS/NZS 2845.1, respectively. These integral devices eliminate the need for additional backflow protection.
4. External Backflow Protection: If the bidet seat lacks integral protection, a high-hazard backflow protection device, like a Reduced Pressure Zone Device (RPZD), must be installed on the water supply inlet.

Under the Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019, local councils must register and monitor the maintenance of all testable backflow prevention devices.

However, bidet seats with integral AG or AVB do not require registration or annual testing, as per AS/NZS 3500.1. This means the evekare bidet seat does not require annual backflow testing or being registered with your council.

All bidet toilet seats or toilet douche seats must be certified under the WaterMark Technical Specification-051 (WMTS-051:2021). Certification details, including integral backflow devices, must be listed in the product description. 

If you’re considering upgrading your bathroom with an evekare water powered bidet toilet seat, it’s essential to understand the installation process and the regulatory requirements that we have listed above.

Ensuring compliance and optimal functionality is critical to avoid having insurance protection denied should the evekare water powered bidet toilet seat fail and flood your home.

One of the most critical aspects of installing the evekare water powered bidet toilet seat is ensuring it meets the relevant Australian standards. 

We can confirm that the evekare bidet toilet seat is WaterMark certified, which meets the rigorous requirements of the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB). 

Specifically, it is a “Smart Bidet Toilet Set with integral AS/NZS2845.1 Compliant High Hazard Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB) backflow prevention device as per AS/NZS3500:1:2021”. This certification ensures that the product is safe for your home and compliant with Australian plumbing standards, allowing a licensed plumber to install it legally.

When installing the evekare Water Powered Bidet Toilet Seat on an existing toilet pan, specific modifications and adjustments are required to ensure a proper fit and function.

1. Removing the Bridging Piece: The bridging piece between the cistern and toilet pan must be removed for many existing installations. This step is necessary to accommodate the bidet seat and allow it to be securely attached to the toilet.
2. Adjusting the Cistern Tap Location: Another consideration is the location of your existing cistern tap. Typically, the Evekare bidet seat installation diagram indicates that the tap should be on the right side. This could pose a challenge if your current setup has the tap on the left side. The standard 600mm bidet seat hose might not reach, necessitating an additional flexible hose to connect the water supply.

The evekare bidet seat is designed to operate with a maximum water pressure of 500 kPa. Exceeding this pressure can damage the bidet’s internal components or result in suboptimal performance.

In many homes, the water pressure can exceed 500 kPa, particularly in areas with high water pressure systems. A pressure-limiting valve should be installed at the cistern tap to safeguard your bidet seat and ensure it operates within its designed parameters. This valve reduces the water pressure to a safe level, preventing potential damage to the bidet seat.

As highlighted above, installing a bidet seat is classified as notifiable work under Schedule 1 of the Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019. 

We reiterate that for your protection, ensure that the installation is reported to the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) and that a Form 4 compliance certificate is issued. This form verifies that a licensed plumber has completed the installation and meets all relevant safety and plumbing standards.

Your budget must include the cost of issuing a Form 4 compliance certificate and the associated QBCC fees. The potential need for a pressure-limiting valve and an extra flexible hose will also add to the overall installation cost.

An incorrectly installed bidet toilet seat that floods your home could cost you thousands of dollars, especially if insurance protection is denied due to non-compliance with the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 (PDA) and the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA). This is why it’s crucial to ensure that a licensed plumber installs the evekare Water Powered Bidet Toilet Seat and issues a Form 4 compliance certificate.

Considering all the factors discussed—such as the potential need for additional components like a pressure-limiting valve and an extra flexible hose—the total cost of installing the evekare Water Powered Bidet Toilet Seat is manageable in most homes.

Based on a typical scenario for installing an existing toilet pan, the price is estimated to be between $300.00 and $500, including GST. This includes all parts, labour, and the necessary regulatory fees, making it a cost-effective choice for your home.

Upgrading to a bidet toilet seat like the evekare Water Powered Toilet Seat model offers numerous benefits, including improved hygiene and comfort. 

However, knowing the installation requirements and potential costs is essential. By ensuring compliance with Australian standards and considering the specific installation needs of your toilet model, you can enjoy the full benefits of this modern bathroom upgrade.

If you’re considering this installation, consulting with Whywait Plumbing first is crucial to ensure it is feasible and everything is installed correctly and in compliance with Queensland law. 

With the proper preparation and professional assistance from the experts at Whywait Plumbing, the evekare Water Powered Bidet Toilet Seat can be a valuable addition to your bathroom.