Control Your Kitchen With Just a Wave of Your Hand
If you've ever struggled to turn off a messy, dirty faucet while cooking, or cringed at the thought of spreading germs every time you touch handles after raw meat, a touchless kitchen faucet may be the solution. Touchless faucets allow you to easily control water flow with just a wave of your hand, promoting convenience and cleanliness.
What Are Touchless Kitchen Faucets?
Touchless kitchen faucets feature motion sensor technology that allows water to turn on and off without ever having to touch the faucet. They detect hand movements within a set proximity of the sensor and activate water flow automatically. As soon as hands are removed and out of sensor range, the water shuts off.
How Do Touchless Faucets Work?
Touchless faucets contain infrared sensors that emit an invisible light field around the faucet. When hands break the light field by entering the detection zone, the sensor signals the faucet control mechanism to open the water flow valve. Water will run as long as motion is detected. Once hands exit the detectable range, the sensor prompts the valve to close, ceasing water flow.
Types of Touchless Faucet Technologies
The two main touchless technologies are infrared motion sensors and ultrasonic motion sensors:
- Infrared sensors use light waves to detect motion
- Ultrasonic sensors emit sound waves to detect movement
Infrared models tend to have better accuracy, while ultrasonic faucets are better suited for metallic sink materials that may interfere with infrared technology.
Benefits of Touchless Kitchen Faucets
Improved Hygiene and Cleanliness
One of the biggest advantages touchless faucets provide is enhanced cleanliness by minimizing dirty contact with handles after handling raw poultry, meat, fish, or eggs. Touchless operation helps reduce the spread of bacteria and germs around the kitchen.
Increased Convenience and Ease of Use
Day to day, touchless faucets offer great convenience by eliminating the need to manually turn them off and on every time you wash your hands or dirty dishes. The hands-free functionality allows for seamless, mess-free usage.
Water Conservation from Automatic Shutoff
Touchless models promote water savings through sensors that automatically shut water off, whereas manual faucets are more likely to be left running accidentally. Over time, the auto shutoff helps conserve water.
Handling Raw Meat and Other Messy Cooking Tasks
For messy prep like raw meat, fish, and poultry, touchless operation lets you turn water on and off without ever touching the grimy faucet handle, avoiding cross contamination around your sink and kitchen.
Accessibility for Disabled or Elderly
For elderly, arthritic, or disabled homeowners who may have difficulty grasping and turning faucet handles, touchless models allow complete water control with zero physical effort or dexterity required.
Features to Look for When Choosing a Touchless Faucet
If you decide to install a touchless kitchen faucet, here are some key features to consider:
Adjustable Sensor Range
Look for faucets with a sensor detection range that can be adjusted to your liking, preventing false activations.
Manual Handle Override
A manual handle allows you to override the touchless functionality when desired for finite control.
Temperature Control Options
Models with touch controls for adjusting exact water temp may be preferred over those with pre-set temps.
Power Source (AC or Battery)
Units powered by your home's electric system avoid battery changes.
Appearance and Finish
Choose a faucet design and finish that matches your kitchen's decor and sink type.
Pros and Cons of Touchless Kitchen Faucets
Pros
- Enhanced hygiene and cleanliness
- Hands-free convenience
- Water conservation
- Accessibility for disabled/elderly
Cons
- Higher upfront costs
- Dependency on battery or electric power
- Limited manual control
- Learning curve for some users
Cost Comparison to Standard Faucets
Although higher in initial price, touchless models can save money over time through water efficiency. Catering to your priorities and budget determines whether increased convenience and hygiene merits the cost differential.
Purchase Price
Touchless faucets range from $250-$700, while quality standard faucets cost approximately $100-$350 before labor.
Installation Cost
Expect to pay a plumber around $200 to install a new kitchen faucet, with minor electrical costs added for touchless functionality.
Long Term Ownership and Payback Period
Factoring in automatic water savings of 15-20%, the payback period for upgrading to touchless can be less than 2 years.
Step-By-Step Installation Guide
Handy homeowners can install their own touchless faucet with these fundamental steps:
Selecting Faucet Location
Consider sink size, potential backsplash interference, and existing hole configuration when choosing the ideal faucet spot.
Necessary Tools and Materials
Gather plumbing tools like adjustable wrenches, basin wrench, Teflon tape, and emery cloth before starting.
Shutting Off Water Supply
Locate supply lines under the sink and twist shutoffs clockwise to prevent leakage.
Removing Old Faucet
Take apart supply tubes, mounting hardware, and the drain lever before lifting the old unit out.
Installing New Touchless Faucet
Carefully lower the new faucet through the existing holes or drill new openings per dimensions. Secure firmly underneath.
Completing Water Connections
Attach flexible supply tubes from shut off valves to faucet inlets. Leak test before turning water back on.
Testing New Faucet
Activate touchless function and make any sensor adjustments needed. Verify proper drainage.
Touchless Technology Beyond the Kitchen
Motion sensors now expand beyond faucets into other areas like:
Bathroom Faucets
Touchless bathroom faucets prevent germ transmission after restroom use and offer accessibility.
Automatic Soap and Towel Dispensers
Touchless dispensers in public restrooms replace manual contact with hands-free sanitation.
Motion-Activated Lights
Hands-free lights conserve electricity and provide safety, security, and convenience.
With benefits like enhanced cleanliness, water savings, and easy accessibility, touchless kitchen faucets are useful upgrades that can simplify time spent cooking and cleaning. Although installation and purchase costs run higher, convenience and hygiene perks can provide long-term value in busy, messy kitchens.