If you've ever stayed at a luxury hotel in Japan or visited a high-end spa, chances are you've experienced the exceptional cleanliness and comfort of a bidet toilet seat. TOTO, the world's largest plumbing manufacturer, has been pioneering this technology since 1980, and their WASHLET line has transformed bathroom experiences for over 60 million users worldwide.
At Plumbing Planet, we're proud to offer three of TOTO's most advanced WASHLET bidet seats: the S5, S7, and S7A. Whether you're new to bidets or looking to upgrade your current setup, this guide will help you find the perfect fit for your home.
Why Choose a TOTO WASHLET?
Before diving into our product lineup, let's address the elephant in the room: why should you consider a bidet seat at all?
Traditional toilet paper can be rough and often ineffective at providing a thorough clean. TOTO WASHLETs use warm water cleansing at the touch of a button, leaving you feeling genuinely refreshed rather than just wiped. Beyond the comfort factor, bidet seats significantly reduce toilet paper consumption—good for both your wallet and the environment.
For individuals with mobility challenges, medical conditions, or age-related limitations, a WASHLET can be genuinely life-changing. The simple press of a button delivers a level of cleanliness that might otherwise require assistance.
TOTO's Core Technologies: What Makes WASHLETs Special
All three WASHLETs we carry feature TOTO's innovative technologies that set them apart from competitors.
PREMIST automatically mists the toilet bowl with water before each use. This thin layer of moisture prevents waste from adhering to the ceramic surface, resulting in a cleaner bowl and more effective flush. It's a simple feature that makes a significant difference in day-to-day maintenance.
EWATER+ is TOTO's electrolyzed water system that transforms ordinary tap water into a powerful cleaning agent. This technology automatically sanitizes the spray wand before and after each use—no harsh chemicals required. You can feel confident that your WASHLET stays hygienic without any extra effort on your part.
Instantaneous Water Heating means no more waiting for warm water or worrying about running out mid-wash. Unlike older tank-based systems, all three of our WASHLET models provide an endless supply of consistently warm water on demand.
Our TOTO WASHLET Lineup
TOTO WASHLET S5 (SW3446#01)
The S5 represents TOTO's entry point into their premium instantaneous-heating lineup. Don't let the word "entry" fool you—this is a fully-featured, luxury bidet seat that delivers exceptional performance.
Key Features:
- Instantaneous tankless water heating for unlimited warm water
- PREMIST bowl coating technology
- EWATER+ wand self-cleaning system
- Heated seat with five temperature settings
- Warm air dryer with adjustable temperature
- Air deodorizer to neutralize odors
- Soft ambient nightlight illuminating the bowl
- SoftClose seat and lid (no more slamming)
- Wireless remote control with four user memory presets
- Rear cleanse, front cleanse, and soft rear spray modes
- Oscillating and pulsating spray options for thorough cleaning
- 19% slimmer profile than previous generation models
- CLEAN RESIN coating resists dirt and bacteria buildup
Best For: Homeowners seeking premium bidet features at a mid-range price point. The S5 delivers the core TOTO experience—endless warm water, excellent hygiene features, and personalized comfort—without the additional bells and whistles of the higher-tier models.
Warranty: 1 year limited
TOTO WASHLET S7 (SW4726AT40#01)
The S7 builds on everything the S5 offers while adding enhanced cleaning capabilities and a more refined design. This is TOTO's premium tier for users who want expanded functionality without the fully automated experience.
Everything in the S5, Plus:
- Extended EWATER+ coverage: cleans the wand, bowl, AND the area under the seat
- Wide front wash option in addition to the standard front cleanse
- Ultra-slim profile at just 4.1 inches in rear height—one of the slimmest bidet seats available
- Premium illuminated touch-button remote with magnetic mounting bracket
- Enhanced nightlight that illuminates from the side as well as inside the bowl
- Auto Flush compatible when paired with a TOTO WASHLET+ toilet and auto flush kit (sold separately)
- AIR-IN WONDER WAVE technology infuses air into the water stream for a gentler, more effective clean
- Five distinct spray settings for customized cleansing
- Power deodorizer function for extra odor elimination when needed
- Manual EWATER+ bowl misting button on remote
Best For: Users who want the complete premium experience with enhanced hygiene features. The expanded EWATER+ coverage—particularly under the seat—provides an extra level of cleanliness that's noticeable in daily use. The slimmer profile also gives your bathroom a more modern, integrated appearance.
Warranty: 2 years limited
TOTO WASHLET S7A (SW4736AT40#01)
The S7A is TOTO's flagship bidet seat, representing the pinnacle of bathroom technology. It includes everything from the S7 with one significant addition that transforms the daily experience: a fully automatic lid.
Everything in the S7, Plus:
- Automatic open/close lid with motion sensor that detects when you approach and depart
- Hands-free operation from start to finish
- When combined with auto flush kit, the lid closes automatically before flushing for improved hygiene
Best For: Those who want the ultimate in convenience and hygiene. The automatic lid is more than just a luxury feature—it's genuinely practical. No touching the seat with your hands, and the auto-close before flush keeps aerosols contained. Once you experience a hands-free bathroom visit, it's hard to go back.
Warranty: 2 years limited
Quick Comparison
| Feature | S5 | S7 | S7A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instantaneous Water Heating | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| PREMIST | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| EWATER+ Wand Cleaning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| EWATER+ Bowl Cleaning | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| EWATER+ Under-Seat Cleaning | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wide Front Wash | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Seat | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Warm Air Dryer | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Air Deodorizer | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Nightlight | Bowl only | Bowl + Side | Bowl + Side |
| Auto Open/Close Lid | — | — | ✓ |
| Auto Flush Compatible | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Profile Height | Standard | Ultra-slim (4.1") | Ultra-slim (4.1") |
| User Presets | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years | 2 years |
Who Benefits Most from a WASHLET?
Families: With four user memory presets on each model, every family member can save their preferred settings—water temperature, pressure, and position—and access them with a single button press.
Aging in Place: For seniors or those with limited mobility, a WASHLET provides independence in personal hygiene that might otherwise require assistance. The warm water, heated seat, and air dryer handle everything automatically.
Post-Surgery Recovery: Many people discover bidets during recovery from surgery when traditional wiping is painful or impossible. A gentle water spray is far more comfortable during healing.
Anyone with Sensitive Skin: If you've ever dealt with irritation from toilet paper, the switch to water cleansing can be transformative. It's simply gentler.
Eco-Conscious Homeowners: The average American uses 100 rolls of toilet paper per year. A WASHLET dramatically reduces that consumption, saving trees and the water used in paper manufacturing.
Installation Considerations
All three WASHLET models are designed for DIY installation on most standard elongated toilets. Here's what you need to know:
Electrical Requirements: You'll need a GFCI-protected electrical outlet within three feet of the toilet. If you don't have one, we recommend having a licensed electrician install a dedicated 20-amp circuit.
Toilet Compatibility: These models fit elongated toilet bowls. If your toilet has a "French curve" (where the tank meets the bowl on a slope rather than at a 90-degree angle), the WASHLET may not fit properly. Measure the space between your toilet's mounting holes—you'll need 5½ inches of clearance.
WASHLET+ Compatibility: The S7 and S7A models work with both standard toilets and TOTO's WASHLET+ ready toilets. The WASHLET+ system conceals the power cord and water supply hose for a cleaner, more integrated look.
Making Your Decision
Choose the S5 if: You want premium TOTO technology at the most accessible price point. The S5 delivers the core bidet experience beautifully—endless warm water, excellent hygiene, and genuine comfort. The one-year warranty is shorter than the S7 models, but TOTO's reliability is well-established.
Choose the S7 if: You want the enhanced hygiene of full EWATER+ coverage (wand, bowl, and under-seat), the sleeker ultra-slim profile, and the ability to add auto-flush capability down the road. The two-year warranty provides extra peace of mind.
Choose the S7A if: You want the complete hands-free experience. The automatic lid isn't just about luxury—it's about hygiene (no touching) and convenience (especially during nighttime bathroom visits). If budget allows, the S7A represents the best TOTO has to offer.
Ready to Transform Your Bathroom?
Browse our complete TOTO WASHLET collection at Plumbing Planet. All orders over $50 ship free, and our customer service team is here to answer any questions about compatibility, installation, or features.
Once you experience the clean, refreshed feeling of a TOTO WASHLET, you'll wonder how you ever lived without one.
Have questions about a specific product or installation? Our team at Plumbing Planet is here to help. Contact us anytime.
Sources:
-
TOTO USA official product pages for WASHLET S5, S7, and S7A Elongated Bidet Seats (totousa.com)
-
Ferguson Home product specifications for SW3446#01, SW4726AT40#01, and SW4736AT40#01 (fergusonhome.com)
-
BidetKing detailed product reviews and specifications for TOTO S5, S7, and S7A WASHLET models (bidetking.com)
-
ManyBidets product guide and feature comparison for TOTO S5 WASHLET (manybidets.com)
-
Premier Bidets installation guide and specifications for TOTO S7A WASHLET (premierbidets.com)
-
Bath4All product descriptions comparing S7 vs S7A features and compatibility (bath4all.com)