Bathroom Vanity Faucets

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Approach to Bathroom Vanity Faucets

We approach bathroom vanity faucets from the point of view of Universal Design and aging-in-place. Universal Design has what they call the “closed fist test.” That is, can the control be operated with a closed fist?

In other words, if you have to use a hand grip, or a thumb or finger to operate the thing, it fails the test.

This means we take advantage of easy-operation lever-type faucets and touchless faucet technology.

It also means that we avoid the type of faucet that requires a hand grip for operation. Elderly people can find these hard to use.

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Given this approach, bathroom faucets should be hands-free, pedal-operated, or the “easy on, easy off” lever type. The availability and type of these bathroom fixtures vary. It depends on whether you are looking at vanity faucets, tub faucets, or bathroom shower faucets.

• Related post: Bathrooms for the Elderly

Lever Type Faucet Operation

These are the “easy on, easy off” type and are lever or single handle faucets, rather than the knob twist variety. These are difficult and even painful for older and perhaps arthritic hands to grip and turn.

Lever-type faucets make it easier to adjust water temperature quickly just by pushing or pulling on the lever. These should be placed as close to the front of the sink as possible.

Lever-Type Faucets on Amazon

Touchless or Hands-Free Bathroom Faucets

Touchless or hands-free faucets have been around for quite a while in the commercial world and are very common in restrooms everywhere.

They are now available for domestic kitchens and bathrooms.

How Do Touchless Faucets Work?

These faucets are motion activated and contain a sensor at their base. Many can be programmed to produce a certain rate of water flow and a predetermined temperature. A battery pack provides power.

When you pass your hand directly in front of the faucet, the water flows. And when the unit senses your hand is no longer there, it shuts the water off.

Some of these faucets come with regular lever handles as well.

Temperature Control with a Touchless Faucet

On the older type of touchless faucet, you use a dial-type temperature control below the sink to preset the desired temperature. Later types use the handle to control the temperature while it is in the “off” position.

Why Would You Want a Touchless Faucet?

• They are convenient. This is obvious. In both a kitchen and bathroom setting, if you have something else in your hands, you don’t have to put it down to turn on the water.
• They are hygienic. Since you don’t have to use your hands to turn on the faucet, you are reducing the risk of leaving germs on the hardware and having them spread by other people. This translates into cleaner bathrooms.
• No more accidentally leaving the water on and wasting it or causing a flood.
• Easy on the hands. No more having to grip and turn knobs. This is very beneficial in an aging-in-place scenario.

Important Safety Recommendation: Install an anti-scald device at your water heater to avoid injury to fragile skin from scalding water anywhere in your home.

Touchless Bathroom Faucets on Amazon

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