I’m with you on the paranoia—after a surprise leak under the sink last year, I’m all about prevention now. Pressure regulator sounds smart, but I keep wondering if it’s overkill for a basic setup. Anyone found a cheap fix that actually works long-term, or is it just luck of the draw?
Pressure regulator isn’t overkill if your pipes are older or your water pressure’s all over the place. I’ve seen more hoses pop than I care to admit—bidets are sneaky like that. If you’re on a budget, those braided steel hoses last way longer than the plastic ones, and they’re cheap. Not exactly high-tech, but hey, less chance of an unexpected shower under the sink...
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been called out for leaks under the sink, and nine times out of ten it’s someone running a bidet off a plastic hose with no pressure regulator. People underestimate how much pressure those lines can see, especially in older homes where the main pressure isn’t consistent. You get a spike, and suddenly you’re mopping up the bathroom at 2am.
Braided steel hoses are definitely the way to go if you’re looking for reliability without spending a ton. They’re not fancy, but they hold up. I’d still recommend a pressure regulator if your supply pressure is over 60 psi or fluctuates a lot. It’s not just about the hoses—your shutoff valves and the bidet’s internal parts will last longer too.
As for spray strength, I always tell folks to start low and work up. Some of these bidets come with settings that’ll blast grout out of tile if you’re not careful. You want enough pressure to get the job done, but not so much you’re risking damage to the fixture or, well, yourself. I’ve seen people crank it up thinking more is better, and then they’re calling me because something blew apart or they got an unpleasant surprise.
If you’re not sure what your water pressure is, pick up a cheap gauge at the hardware store and check it at a faucet. It’s a five-minute job and can save you a lot of hassle down the line. And if you’re installing a new bidet, double-check the manufacturer’s recommendations for max pressure—some of the cheaper models aren’t built to handle much.
Bottom line: don’t skimp on the hoses, and don’t assume your water pressure is “fine” just because nothing’s burst yet. Prevention’s a lot cheaper than repairs.
I get the whole “don’t skimp on hoses” thing, but honestly, I’ve had a basic plastic line on my bidet for years with zero issues. Maybe it’s luck or maybe it’s just not cranking the pressure up to firehose levels? I’m more worried about wasting water than blowing out a hose. If you’re not blasting away, those plastic ones can last a while—just check them every so often for cracks. Not everything needs to be steel and overbuilt, especially if you’re trying to keep your environmental footprint down.
Honestly, I think you’re spot on. I’ve swapped out a few bidet hoses over the years and the plastic ones hold up fine if you’re not cranking the valve wide open. Just like you said, a quick check for cracks every now and then is all it takes. No need to go full industrial unless you’ve got crazy water pressure or kids who love to mess with the controls. Sometimes simple works best.
