Touch vs. Touchless Faucet

What are touchless faucets?

Touchless faucets are precisely what their name implies: they operate without requiring physical touch. These faucets use motion sensor technology to detect movement and start or stop the flow of water practically automatically. Most touchless models are powered by batteries or a hardwired connection.

When your hands or an object (like a dish or utensil) pass within the sensor's range, it triggers the valve to open and release water. Once the motion stops, the faucet automatically shuts off. Some advanced models even allow you to customize settings like water temperature and flow rate.

How do touch faucets compare?

Before touchless faucets, touch-activated faucets were the pinnacle of convenience. Touch faucets use capacitive sensing; this means they detect a change in electrical charge when your hand contacts the faucet. With a light tap, you can turn the water on or off.

Touch faucets are particularly popular in households that appreciate a balance of modern technology and traditional interaction. They allow for hands-free functionality without the need for batteries or sensors to detect precise movements.

Touch vs. Touchless: A side-by-side comparison

Let’s compare your two options based on a few criteria:

• HYGIENE: Touchless faucets are the clear winner when it comes to hygiene. By eliminating physical contact, they significantly reduce the transfer of bacteria and germs. While touch faucets are more hygienic than traditional knobs or levers, they still require contact to activate.
• CONVENIENCE: Touchless faucets provide an effortless experience. The water flows with a simple wave of your hand. However, a desensitized sensor can be frustrating. Touch faucets strike a balance between convenience and control. They allow hands-free operation with a tap but avoid the potential sensor misfires.
• WATER CONSERVATION: Designed to stop flowing automatically when motion ceases, touchless faucets excel at minimizing water waste. Touch faucets offer water-saving benefits as well, but they depend more on the user remembering to tap them off.
• MAINTENANCE: Since touchless models rely on sensors, they may require periodic recalibration or troubleshooting. Touch faucets are generally less complex and require less maintenance.

Which faucet to choose?

If you’re considering a faucet replacement, then you’ve got to first recognize your priorities and lifestyle. If hygiene and cutting-edge technology top your list, then a touchless faucet is an unbeatable option. If you prefer a faucet that blends traditional functionality with modern convenience, a touch faucet might be the better fit.

Hire a uniformed plumber today

Whether you need an expert’s opinion, a professional faucet installation, or routine plumbing service in Waco, the uniformed plumbers at Mr. Rooter are here to help. Call or message us at any time of the day to get in touch with a member of our team.