In selecting bathroom faucets for a remodel project, we recommend adopting the approach of Universal Design and taking advantage of touchless faucet technology.
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For a Universal Design and certainly an aging-in-place application, bathroom faucets should be hands-free, pedal-operated, or the “easy on, easy off” type. The availability and type of these bathroom fixtures will vary depending on whether you are looking at vanity faucets, tub faucets, or bathroom shower faucets.
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, which 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 bathtub faucets on Amazon
Lever-type vanity faucets on Amazon
| Lever Type Vanity Faucet |
Description | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
 |
BWE Waterfall Bathroom Sink Faucets Commercial Single Handle Hole Lever Faucet Chrome Matching Pop Up Drain With Overflow |
Not Stated |
 |
KES Modern Bathroom Faucet Single Handle Vanity Sink Faucet SUS 304 Stainless Steel Rust Free, Polished Chrome L3156ALF-CH |
Not Stated |
 |
Row 3, Content 1 | 5.3 x 6 x 6.7 |
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.
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.
Why would you want one?
- 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
- Related component: Bathroom Vanities and Remodeling
