Thumbs up for hands-free

BY KRISTIN MEYERS

When you hear the words “hands-free plumbing products,” unfortunately, many envision the faucets seen years ago in airports — where users were required to frantically wave in every direction just to get the water flowing. Fortunately, hands-free products have come a long way since then, as manufacturers have expended numerous resources and utilized state-of-the-art technologies to enhance their efficiencies. Today, hands-free products are used for two primary purposes: 1) water savings and 2) hygienic benefits.

Water savings

As the worldwide population continues to grow and the scarcity of fresh, potable water increases, the demand for sustainable products is becoming ever more necessary. While this is a worldwide epidemic, in the United States alone, water managers in 36 states expect to see water shortages in the next 10 years (according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office). Fortunately, manufacturers are working ahead of the situation, and have developed a wide variety of water-saving and hands-free products which greatly reduce water waste by automatically ensuring proper shut-off.

Resource conservation issues such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste minimization are widely embraced by facility managers in the commercial buildings industry because of both environmental impact and cost reductions to the overall operating budget.

Installing these products saves hundreds of thousands of gallons of water without losing functionality. Hands-free products are practical for public facility restrooms due to the high amount of usage which equals high energy costs, significant health concerns and continuous cleaning and maintenance issues.

Hygienic Benefits

Besides water savings, hygienic benefits are a significant advantage of hands-free faucets. Manual fixtures can become a safety and health hazard when it comes to the spread of germs in public restrooms, due to the fact that you are touching something that countless other people touch, spreading pathogens through bodily fluids, which leads to disease and illness.

With the widespread distress and germ sensitivity regarding H1N1 and the seasonal flu, hands-free technologies have become very popular and practical. These products allow for the promotion of hygiene both for the user and the cleaning crew — which is especially important in schools and hospitals, where disease is easily spread.

Electronic faucets and flush valves also help to keep the public restroom itself cleaner. Whether it is in a school or a hospital, the facility’s overall cleanliness is often judged by the cleanliness of the restroom. If water is displaced all over the sink, it not only looks sloppy; but it’s also the ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Sensor-operated faucets reduce splashing caused by wet hands, as well as eliminate water waste – which keeps operating budgets in check as water and sewer bills escalate.

Likewise, if toilets aren’t flushed properly, both odor and bacteria can grow quickly. Sensor-operated flush valves solve this problem by removing waste and keeping the toilets operable by reducing clogs. n

Kristin Meyers is associate product manager, Moen Commercial.