Hands free plumbing technology has come out of the shopping malls and other public spaces and is now readily available to be used in Canadian households. If you are thinking about adding a new faucet to your kitchen or bathroom, first, take time to do some research on this home technology, to see if a touchless faucet is the right option for your household.
Touchless (also called hands free) faucets can be installed in both the kitchen and bathroom. They are available in many different styles and finishes and can be found at a variety of different price points.
How Touchless Faucets Work
Touchless faucets are often fitted with a small infrared sensor (sometimes motion-activated) that detects when your hands are beneath the spout. The deflection of the infrared light off of your hand then activates an electromagnet, which then open to allow the flow of water.
This type of faucet is typically battery-powered. This means that no electrical wiring is required and that they are installed as simply as a standard faucet, but with the addition of a battery back that must be accessibly mounted beneath the sink.
Keep in mind that while the water flow is activated by hands-free sensor, the water temperature still needs to be manually adjusted, via a small handle.
The Benefits of Installing a Touchless Faucet
There are many ways in which adding a touchless faucet can prove beneficial to different members of your household. Some of those benefits are based on convenience; however, there are several ways in which they can benefits a person’s health and accessibility.
Avoid Messes
Whether you’ve been digging in the garden, working in the garage or preparing a meal in the kitchen, when your hands are messy, you won’t have to worry about transferring the dirt, grime, food or anything onto the faucet when it comes time to get cleaned up.
Reduce Germ Transference
While we use them to get clean, the reality is that faucets can be germy. When you install a touchless faucet, you will limit the opportunities for germs to be transferred from one person to the other. You will find this especially useful during cold and flu season, and also when preparing raw meats in the kitchen.
Improve Accessibility
Installing a touchless faucet is also a great way to improve accessibility for small children, the elderly, or any individuals who struggle with arthritis.
Conserve Water
Since this style of faucet turns on and off based upon the presence of your hand under the faucet, you won’t have a problem with water being left running while someone is brushing their teeth, or washing up.
Touchless faucets are just as attractive as they are highly functional. They tend to be sleek and modern in appearance, making them an excellent addition to your kitchen or bathroom reno, or as a high-tech room update all on their own. As for whether o not they can make your home healthier –at this time of year, we say they fewer things that transfer cold and flu germs, the better!
