Plumber: Looking for high-tech toilet features

Dear Ed: I just saw a toilet from the future on TV that had very cool features. I’m a new homeowner on a budget and cannot afford an expensive toilet plus installation. Is there anything I can do to convert my present toilet to a high-tech toilet?

— Bill, Ohio

Dear Bill: The bad news is your present toilet most likely cannot be converted.

The good news is if your present toilet is an elongated model (longer bowl) and if a licensed electrician can install a code-approved GFCI electrical outlet near your toilet, you do have an option.

New high-tech bidet toilet seats are available that can be installed on existing toilets. These electronic seats have many of the features found in dedicated high-tech toilets. Features like a seat heater, warm water washing jets, remote control operation, LED night lighting, warm air drying and deodorizing are just some of the available options.

Bottom line: If you want to pamper your bottom on your present toilet, get a high-tech toilet seat from the future.

Master contractor/plumber Ed Del Grande is author of the book “Ed Del Grande’s House Call,” the host of TV and Internet shows, and a LEED green associate. Visit eddelgrande.com or write eadelg@cs.com.