Nobody walks into a restroom wanting to touch the toilet handles, soap dispensers, and faucet handles that are likely covered in germs. But for many years, we didn’t have a choice because there were no other options. However, thanks to advancements in technology, things have changed for the better. We now have touchless bathroom fixtures that allow us to keep our hands to ourselves.
How Do Touchless Faucets Work?
Faucets are essential for maintaining good hygiene, especially after using a toilet or urinal. The only problem is most faucets require you to lift and push down a lever that has been touched by multiple people throughout the day. Touchless technology has eliminated this now unnecessary hurdle, but how does it work?
Despite their sleek and simple look, touch-free sink faucets are anything but simple. Underneath the hood is complex technology that makes these fixtures a modern marvel. To turn on and off automatically, touchless faucets rely on four components including the sensor, power source, spout, and solenoid-controlled valve.
- Power Source: Possibly the biggest difference between a touch vs touchless faucet is the need for a power source. The sensor and electromagnet can’t operate without power. The faucet can be powered by electricity or with a battery pack.
- Sensor: Although you may wave your hand to turn an automatic fixture on, the sensor isn’t actually seeing movement. What’s actually happening is the sensor is detecting a nearby object. An infrared light that sits next to the sensor sends light through the window. When that light bounces off your hand, the sensor detects it and signals the solenoid-controlled valve.
- Solenoid Valve: Once signaled by the sensor, the solenoid valve pushes or pulls an electromagnet connected to a rubber disk. When the rubber disk is moved, it opens a pathway for water to flow out.
- Spout: The spout is the exterior of the faucet and contains all the technology inside it. When the sensor is activated, water flows through the spout and exits the nozzle, giving you access to the water.
Why Use a Touchless Faucet?
Nowadays, smart faucets are a common sight in commercial restrooms. Their rise in popularity can be attributed to the value they provide over traditional faucets. Here are a few reasons why you should consider installing touchless faucets in your public restroom.
- Healthier Restroom Experience: No other area in your commercial building is nastier than the public bathroom. These spaces are a magnet for germs, bacteria, and viruses. And every time someone flushes the toilet, these contaminants are spread around the room. As a result, the less surfaces a person has to touch, the healthier the experience. By getting rid of the need to turn a faucet on or off, the less of a chance there is to pass on an illness.
- Convenience: While cleanliness is the biggest advantage to having a touchless faucet, it’s far from the only benefit. Putting your hand next to a sensor is a lot more convenient than fiddling around with knobs or levers. It’s also a great option for children and the elderly who may have difficulty manipulating a normal faucet.
- Higher Efficiency: Cutting costs where possible is an important aspect of any business. Since running water costs money, reducing the amount of water you use would be beneficial. Smart faucets increase usage efficiency by only delivering the necessary amount of water and shutting off shortly after your hands leave the sight of the sensor.
- Reduced Maintenance: People can be hard on fixtures. It’s not uncommon for visitors to whack the handle or put their weight on it, resulting in an accumulation of wear and tear that requires repair services. With no need for touch, wear and tear can be avoided.
Get Professional Plumbing for Your Office
A&G Services is a professional mechanical, plumbing, and piping services company located in the Fort Worth, Texas, area. As highly trained experts, we take pride in specializing in a variety of services that range from boiler maintenance to drain cleaning. If you’re interested in installing automatic faucets for your commercial office, let our team help.
Want to learn more about our services? Contact us today to set up an appointment.
