Hands-free plumbing fixtures are no longer reserved just for restaurants and airports. These specialty faucets and toilets are becoming more and more mainstream as they gain in popularity and make their way into the average home. Though they evoke a sense of luxury, the reasons for installing these types of fixtures are, in fact, quite logical. In this article, we look at hands-free faucets.
Sensor faucet, touchless faucet, and automatic faucet are other terms used to describe this type of faucet, and there are models for use in both kitchens and bathrooms. Faucets come with an infrared sensor that opens the faucet’s valve to turn the water on when hands move in front of it and shuts the valve to turn the water off when the hands move away.
Advantages to Having Hands-free Plumbing Fixtures
- An automatic faucet is environmentally friendly and helps reduce water waste. Do you have any of these problems in your household? Old faucets that leak or drip water? People who leave the water running while they brush their teeth? Children who rush through washing their hands and accidentally forget to turn off the faucet? These water waste problems are all solved when you use touchless faucets because when hands are pulled away nothing remains in front of the sensor that keeps the water running. As a result, you use less water and receive a lower water bill each month.
- Reduces the spread of germs and bacteria. Because there is no need to come into contact with the faucet, family members don’t have to worry about picking up each other’s germs by touching the faucet at the sink they share – especially helpful in bathrooms. Likewise, in the kitchen, the potential transfer of bacteria from the cook who handled raw food to other family members is minimized, as the cook no longer needs to touch the faucet to wash her hands.
- Convenient, effortless use. The mere ability to be able to turn water on at the sink without having to touch anything is helpful for anyone who gets their hands completely dirty or steps up to the sink with full hands – children, gardeners, cooks, artists, painters, contractors – even the elderly will appreciate having to do nothing more than place their hands under the tap.
Considerations When Using a Hands-free Faucet
- Energy cost. Many models of hands-free faucets work on batteries to make the sensors work. So, even though your water expense may go down, you may see an increase in your energy cost. Some models come with rechargeable batteries that can help to offset this increased cost.
- Temperature and water flow control. When using a faucet in hands-free mode, the water temperature and water flow will be set at what it was on the prior use. If you want the water to be hotter or colder or run out faster or slower, you simply manually adjust the temperature and flow as you would normally. To avoid temperature extremes, and ensure the water is just the right temperature for hand-washing, just set
the water temperature to what is most comfortable for you so that it flows every time you put your hands in front of the sensor. - Installation. Touchless faucets are installed a bit differently from conventional faucets. Though you do not need an electrician, you will want to make sure your plumber is aware all the requirements of your specific faucet model.
Sensor faucets add a sleek, modern look to any sink where they are used. Beyond the aesthetics, these faucets put the latest technology to work and deliver ease, convenience, and efficiency to what is usually a routine and mundane task. If you’re considering purchasing a hands-free faucet, speak with a plumber or general contractor who has experience installing them.
Sovereign Construction Services is available to answer all your questions regarding using and installing hands-free faucets. Contact Sovereign Construction today at 610-639-2986 or via email at steve@sovereignconstructionservices.com.