Are Touchless Faucets Worth It? 3 Reasons Why They Are

If you want to transform your bathroom from outdated to modern, one easy fix is a touchless faucet. These fixtures offer convenience, better hygiene, and water conservation, making them worth it for homes and businesses alike. 

Whether you want to reduce germ spread, save on your water bill, or upgrade your space with a sleek look, a touchless faucet delivers multiple benefits. Below, we’ll go over the top reasons for installing a faucet with touchless technology.

How Do Touchless Sink Faucets Work?

Most touchless faucets use infrared sensors to recognize motion. When a person places their hands under the sensor, it sees the light reflecting off them and is triggered. It then sends a signal to the solenoid valve to turn on the water.

Some touchless faucets come with ultrasonic field sensors instead. Instead of being triggered by light reflections, they monitor a field under the spout. Any time something enters the field, they trigger.

Touchless faucets also come with automatic shut-off technology to prevent water waste. For example, they may allow water to flow for one minute, after which they’ll automatically shut off.

Unlike traditional faucets, which require physical contact, touchless faucets reduce the spread of germs by eliminating the need to touch handles with dirty hands. This makes them especially useful in public restrooms, hospitals, and food prep areas.

1. Touchless Faucets Improve Hygiene and Reduce Germ Spread

A major advantage of a touchless faucet is its ability to reduce germ transmission. Every time you touch a traditional faucet with dirty hands, bacteria and viruses transfer to the surface. With a touchless bathroom faucet, you eliminate this issue.

Key benefits for hygiene include:

• Less cross-contamination: No need to touch handles before or after washing.
• Ideal for public spaces: Used in restaurants, hospitals, and schools to improve sanitation.
• Perfect for homes: Reduces the spread of germs in kitchens and bathrooms, especially for families with kids or elderly individuals.

For homeowners, installing a touchless sink faucet can be a simple yet effective step toward a cleaner, healthier home environment.

2. Touchless Faucets Help Conserve Water and Reduce Waste

Are touchless kitchen faucets worth it for water savings? Absolutely. A faucet touchless system helps conserve water by automatically shutting off when not in use, preventing unnecessary waste.

Water-saving advantages include:

• Reduces waste from forgotten running taps: One study found that automatic water faucets could reduce water consumption by as much as 54% compared to a manual faucet.
• Meets eco-friendly standards: Many models are WaterSense-certified, meaning they meet EPA guidelines for water efficiency. Large brands like Delta, KOHLER, and American Standard all make touchless models with WaterSense certification that can reduce your water consumption by 30%.

For additional ways to conserve water, consider implementing five easy ways to cut water usage in your daily routine.

3. Touchless Faucets Offer Convenience and Modern Aesthetic Appeal

A touchless sink faucet also enhances the look of your kitchen or bathroom with a sleek, modern design. Plus, it makes everyday tasks easier.

Convenience factors include:

• Hands-free operation: Great for cooking, cleaning, and handling messy tasks.
• Easy for all ages: Ideal for children, elderly individuals, or those with mobility issues.
• Smart home integration: Some models connect to voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant.

If you’re looking for more stylish upgrades, check out waterfall bathroom faucets for another elegant option.

Are Touchless Faucets Worth It?

For busy households or those focused on hygiene and sustainability, a touchless faucet is a great investment. These faucets offer clear advantages in hygiene, convenience, and water conservation.

However, they do come with a higher upfront cost that might be hard to swing if you have a limited budget. You might also need to pay a plumber to install them.

That said, these upfront costs will pale in comparison to your long-term savings on water and maintenance. Imagine your water bill is $50 a month, but your new touchless faucets help you save 50% of that. You’ll be pocketing $25 a month in savings, meaning the faucet will pay for itself in a year or two. 

How to Choose the Right Touchless Faucet

Not all touchless bathroom faucets are the same. Here’s what to look for when selecting one:

• Upfront cost: In addition to the cost of the faucet, you also have to consider the cost of installation. Typically, this is higher than standard faucets, but there’s a much higher potential for long-term savings.
• Sensor sensitivity: A high-quality sensor ensures smooth operation without false activations. Finding the right sensitivity for your needs can help you save water in the bathroom.
• Power source: Battery-operated models offer flexibility, while hardwired versions provide continuous power.
• Material and finish: Choose durable materials like stainless steel or brass for longevity.
• Installation requirements: Some models are DIY-friendly, but others may require a plumber.

How to Install a Touchless Faucet

If you're comfortable with plumbing, installing a faucet touchless system can be done as a DIY project. Most models include a straightforward installation kit. While the steps may vary depending on your model, here’s a basic overview:

1. Turn off the water supply: Always start by shutting off the water to the sink.
2. Remove the old faucet: Disconnect water lines and mounting hardware.
3. Install the new touchless faucet: Secure it in place and connect the sensor wiring or battery pack.
4. Reconnect water lines: Ensure there are no leaks before use.

If you're unsure about installation, hiring a professional plumber can ensure a hassle-free setup. Proper installation prevents leaks and ensures your faucet works efficiently. In this video, we break down what you will need to know before investing in a smart faucet. Watch now to learn more! 

Roto-Rooter can ensure your new touchless faucet works great from day one. Why waste time tinkering with your plumbing, especially if you’ve never done it before? Schedule your appointment with a Roto-Rooter plumber today.