Smart Faucet Installation Requirements
Switching to a smart faucet is a convenient way to conserve water, while also improving hygiene. Per NYC Environmental Protection, installing a smart faucet will save you 3 gallons of water each time you wash your hands. This represents a 75% reduction in water usage.
Daytona Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is here to explain how smart faucets work, along with their installation requirements. Read on to discover whether smart faucets are right for your home.
How Does a Smart Faucet Work?
A smart faucet combines electronic sensors and traditional plumbing to detect motion or voice-activated controls. Additionally, you’ll typically be able to control temperature adjustments and water delivery by voice or by using your forearm or wrist to nudge the faucet.
Smart faucets require either an AC adapter or AA batteries. In turn, these get plugged into an outlet that’s located underneath your sink.
Key Features
- Automatic shut-off: Most models have a built-in, automatic shut-off feature. This prevents water waste by shutting the faucet off after a preset amount of time.
- Temperature sensing: Many models come with LED lights that change colors to tell you how warm the water is.
- Voice controls: If you’ve got a smart home system and WiFi, you can purchase an advanced smart faucet. You’ll be able to tell your faucet to dispense a certain amount. Alternatively, you can tell it to start and then stop, as needed.
How Does a Smart Faucet Help?
With today’s economy, we’re all looking for ways to save money. Fortunately, by saving an average of 700 gallons of water annually, a smart faucet can help. Although it might initially cost more money, you’ll quickly begin to reap the benefits.
The average cost of a smart faucet ranges from around $300 to $400. Meanwhile, traditional faucets typically cost between $260 and $480. As you can see, the difference can be minimal, but the savings are worthwhile.
Is it Difficult to Install Smart Faucets?
Installing a smart faucet is quite similar to a traditional faucet installation. It takes between 30 and 60 minutes, and it requires spending this time in a tight, cramped space. It’s also necessary to have tools handy, including a screwdriver, adjustable wrench and plumber’s tape.
For most homeowners, it’s much easier to work with an experienced plumber, rather than attempting to do it yourself. At Daytona Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, our experts can quickly and accurately install smart faucets.
Common Issues with DIY Installation
If you choose to move forward on your own, be aware of the following DIY installation issues:
- Sensor misalignment: False triggers could start your faucet when you’re not even in the room. These triggers are often caused by poor installation or nearby reflective surfaces.
- Over-tightening connections: From the very beginning, there are a few problems that DIY installation can cause. Over-tightening your connections is among them, and it can lead to warped rubber seals, cracked plastic fitting and leaks.
- Solenoid valve failure: If you find yourself getting no water flow at all or a constant leak, it’s probably due to a solenoid valve failure. This happens when the valve becomes clogged with miscellaneous debris.
- Improper grounding: Installing a smart faucet on a composite or plastic sink may not provide a clean electrical ground. This can lead to problems with proper operation.
Pros of a Smart Faucet
There are many pros involved with choosing a smart faucet. Let’s examine a few of them.
Water Efficiency
As previously stated, using smart faucets correctly can save you a significant amount of water. Estimates range from 30-50% in total, which will make a noticeable difference in your water bills. Plus, you’ll save approximately 75% when you wash your hands.
Boosts Hygiene
Reduce the spread of germs and cross-contamination by keeping your hands off of any faucet handles. This is especially useful in the kitchen, where you might have raw meat-covered hands.
Reduce Cleaning
Smart faucets enable you to avoid cleaning water spots, fingerprints and smudges on the fixture. Your faucet will need less cleaning, which saves you time.
Precise Measurements
You won’t need to use measuring cups for water anymore. Instead, simply use a voice command to dispense the amount necessary. For example, saying, “one cup,” in a voice command.
Safety Features
Prevent accidental burns by pre-setting the temperature. This is especially helpful for those who have small children.
App Integration and Voice Control
Receive usage data through your smartphone and connect your smart faucet to a smart home assistant.
Accessibility
Those who have limited mobility, arthritis and more can use a smart faucet more easily than a traditional faucet. Installing smart faucets now allows you to age-in-place more comfortably.
Cons of a Smart Faucet
Where there are pros, there must also be cons. Here are a few points to consider.
Higher Initial Cost
Many of these faucets come with a higher initial cost. As stated above, the difference typically ranges from $40 to $140.
Occasional False Activation
Does your cat like to jump up to your sink? This type of movement may cause a false activation.
Power Issues
It’s important to keep your smart faucet properly powered. Otherwise, dead batteries can make it stop working. If you use a power adapter instead, it can stop working during a power outage.
Daytona Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Makes Smart Faucet Installation Easy
Rather than getting frustrated with the installation process, turn to the experts at Daytona Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. Our team is well-versed in how to install a smart faucet, so you won’t have to worry about sensor misalignment, improper grounding or overly tightened connections. Instead, your smart faucets will be installed quickly and correctly.
Are you looking to have smart faucets installed? Contact Daytona Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today! And remember: If there’s any delay, it’s YOU we pay.
