Optimizing Longevity: A Quick Guide to Maximizing the Lifespan of Your Commercial Bathroom Faucets

Keeping up with plumbing maintenance needs can be a daunting and unrelenting cycle, particularly in large or busy facilities where faucets are subject to heavy wear and tear.

But it doesn't have to be this way. A few simple steps can help facilities get the most life from their faucet fixtures.

Reducing the constant churn of repair and replacement starts at the beginning, with selecting the right fixtures for the job, and continues through proper installation to ongoing maintenance.

Q: What is the key determinant of fixture life, and how does initial quality impact the durability of fixtures in high-traffic environments?

A: The most significant factor influencing fixture life is initial quality.

Durable restroom fixtures that are designed to withstand the heavy use and occasional abuse they'll be subjected to in high-traffic environments are more likely to last, both reducing periodic maintenance needs and extending the time between faucet replacements.

Q: What are some basic features I should look for?

A: The first basic choice is between manual and sensor faucet fixtures. Sensor faucets are the most commonly preferred option in restrooms and other public spaces because of their touchless, hygienic solutions.

But some facilities, notably schools, may prefer a manual faucet that's less likely to tempt users into vandalism, like trying to scratch away the sensor eye. In those environments, a metering faucet fixture may be a good choice because the faucet can't be turned on and left to run. 

For facilities selecting sensor faucet fixtures, choose between above- or below-deck configurations. Below-deck options hide the electronics and provide a more compact presence; above-deck versions allow easier access to batteries for replacement.

Consider a hydrogenerator or hardwire option to eliminate periodic battery changes, further reducing maintenance needs.

Think also about planning for the future as much as possible. Anticipating potential changes will make future updates or replacements less likely - or at least less frequent.

Q: How significant is the role of aesthetics in my facility's design?

A: Simply put, aesthetics play a significant role in shaping a user's experience.

Facility managers contemplating an upgrade should strategically tailor the design to complement the overall theme of the space. By leveraging the diverse options provided by T&S Brass, such as the WaveCrest commercial sensor faucet and the LakeCrest manual faucet collections, managers can cater to a scope of aesthetic preferences, ranging from modern and classic to contemporary styles. While WaveCrest focuses on advanced technology, LakeCrest employs a common-sense design approach to enhance visual appearance and hygienic efforts.

Q: What preventive maintenance do my commercial faucets need?

A: For manual faucets, routinely flush aerators to remove any debris that has accumulated and replace cartridges if they start to fail. Cut down on maintenance by choosing ceramic cartridges with a lifetime warranty.

For sensor faucets, regular battery changes and periodic cleaning of the debris filter are required. Another aspect for ensuring their longevity is the integration of sustainability features, aligning with environmental consciousness and minimizing maintenance requirements. Planning for future technological integrations, like Bluetooth capabilities, ensures proactive control, streamlined maintenance and valuable insights into water usage.

Q: Are there common mistakes that I should avoid in selecting or installing faucets?

A: In manual faucets, ensure the selected cartridge is appropriate for the application. If the water in the area is sandy or silty, it's best to use compression cartridges. In all other cases, ceramic cartridges are the preferred choice for their long-lasting performance.

For sensor faucets, installers should ensure the sensor range is adjusted properly to provide expected, reliable function for users.

Installers and maintenance personnel also need to be aware of whether the sensor faucet has an auto-purge function and if it is on. If so, the faucet will run for 30 seconds after a period of inactivity - often 12 hours - to prevent stagnation in the water lines. If facility managers do not know about this feature, they may assume a faulty faucet.

Some sensor faucets may also enter a "sleep mode" to conserve battery life if they are not used for a period of time. If this happens, holding your hands in front of the sensor beam for about 1.5 seconds will reactivate it. Again, facility maintenance personnel should be made aware of this feature so they don't assume a problem with the faucet.

Q: Is there anything I can do to extend the life of faucets?

A: Always follow the preventive maintenance guidelines set by the manufacturer and monitor for leaks to prevent unnecessary water waste.

Find helpful step-by-step guides for repairing or updating T&S products in our library of how-to videos.