Do Touchless Faucets Offer Any Benefits?

When upgrading and remodeling a kitchen to create a new aesthetic, installing new faucets is an idea often overlooked. However, new touchless models have surfaced as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional options. While these are still relatively recent additions to the market for residential homes, their benefits can be tempting.

Here’s what you need to know about touchless faucets versus traditional counterparts.

What is the difference?

Unlike traditional options, which require the user to pull or push a handle or turn a knob, touchless faucets rely on motion sensors to detect movement in front of them. The difference boils down to increasing user-friendliness and minimizing the actions needed to turn the tap on or off.

All you need to do to turn a touchless faucet on is to pass a hand in front of the sensor. The fixture will detect it and open the tap. If, after a short while, the sensors detect no movement in front of them, the faucet will automatically shut off the water.

Three benefits of a touchless faucet

Hygiene

Since there is no contact involved, people won’t spread their germs onto the faucet while operating them. When using a traditional tap, there’s always a risk of spreading or contracting germs and dirt that sticks around the fixture. Even worse, when turning the fixture off, the now clean hands get those same germs transmitted back to them from the handle.

During flu season, everyday household objects such as faucets become the primary vectors for infecting other family members. In these circumstances, a touchless fixture can significantly improve cleanliness and prevent unnecessary illnesses.

Convenience and ease of use

Touchless fixtures are great for people who suffer from arthritis or have a hand injury since no knobs need turning. Taps can be turned on with ease when your hands are full, which can be a real time-saver when preparing a complicated meal in the kitchen. Kids can also use a touchless fixture more easily.

Less wear and maintenance

Since a touchless design has fewer moving parts, it wears down less over time compared to traditional faucets. Faucets with knobs can often get stained and worn down due to constant use, and having a sensor-based system reduces the odds of a knob getting stuck.

Water conservation

Since these fixtures turn the tap off automatically when there’s nothing in front of the sensor, the water will not run unnecessarily. Cleaning dishes or brushing teeth can often lead to a significant water loss if the water is running during the entire process.

Touchless faucets downsides

There are a few downsides to touchless fixtures to consider. Namely, since they require electricity to operate, the installation process is more complicated. Furthermore, if the fixture operated on direct electrical power (and isn’t battery-powered), an outage will also effectively cut off a part of the water supply. Another problem with these fixtures can be unintended activations.  The sensors don’t distinguish intentional from unintentional motion, and pets can turn on the tap accidentally.

If you’re interested in getting a new touchless fixture for a remodeled kitchen or bathroom, contact a reputable plumber. They’ll be happy to answer any questions and provide a quote on best options.

If you need honest and experienced professional plumbing services for residential and commercial plumbing needs in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Enterprise give us a call at 702-766-3320.