On a recent overseas holiday to Hong Kong it was very interesting to see just many hand basins and toilet facilities such as pans and urinals were all hands free operated. This is a very hygienic way of using these devices and is helping to minimise the spread of germs. Although this technology is in use across Adelaide and other parts of Australia it is nowhere near as prevalent in the plumbing market as it was overseas.

water taps

Hands Free Fixtures

The operation of these fixtures is quite simple.  There are sensors fitted to the device whether it be a tap, flush o meter or a sensor in the ceiling for large wall mounted urinals.  When the sensor registers movement it will then disperse water.  These fixtures can be calibrated to allow cold water or warm water through them and have the sensitivity adjusted along with the amount of water discharged adjusted accordingly.

In Adelaide, you will typically find brands such as Britex, ZIP, Brodware, Schell, Flowmatic, Enware, Grohe, Auto Flo, Geberit, Sanitron, Franke, Global Tapware, Enviro-Tech, Mitchell Engineering, Auto Taps and RBA.  Our technicians at Mayfair Plumbing and Gasfitting are experienced with all these brands along with all their variations in models.  Many of these sensor taps or hands free devices have a battery for operation and over time this will need replacing.  The operation of flushing devices used in toilets and urinals is controlled via solenoid which over time can also require maintenance due to its continual use.

The use of hands free plumbing fixtures will slowly grow in Adelaide and with the building of new research centres and the NRAH along North Terrace and West Terrace you will see a lot more of this type of technology being introduced to help eliminate the spread of germs which in turn helps maintain extremely high hygiene practices.

Aaron Stewart

Aaron Stewart is the found and owner operated of Mayfair Plumbing & Gasfitting based in Adelaide, South Australia.

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