• Hygiene: No handles = fewer cross-touch points. Sensor faucets encourage handwashing consistency.
• Cost control: Automatic shutoff prevents running taps; metered dosing reduces soap waste.
• Compliance & user experience: Easy for all ages/abilities. Supports high-traffic facilities and cleanliness perception.
• Data & maintenance: Smart SKUs offer usage metrics and low-battery/low-soap alerts to cut downtime.

Start with our overview: Touchless Faucet Basics and Automatic Soap Dispensers.

• Deck-mounted: Installs through the countertop or basin. Easiest retrofit path; good for vanities and drop-in sinks.
• Wall-mounted: Spout exits from wall; leaves deck clear for cleaning and integrates elegantly with solid-surface troughs. Requires in-wall rough-ins.
• Pre-tempered vs mixed-temperature: Some models accept pre-tempered supply; others integrate mixing via built-in or remote valves.

See examples and layout ideas in Commercial Faucet Gallery.

• Battery: Typically AA/CR-type packs. Quick to deploy; plan a replacement cadence and keep spares on hand.
• Hard-wired (AC): Central transformer(s) serve multiple devices; lowers battery maintenance. Coordinate with electrical/GFCI provisions.
• Hybrid/turbine: Flow-powered generators extend battery life; still include a battery backup.

Pick based on labor access, outlet availability, and ownership model (tenant vs landlord). More in Powering Touchless Fixtures.

Most devices use infrared (IR) or time-of-flight sensors to detect hands in a set range. Best practices:

• Calibrate range to basin geometry so the beam sees hands, not shiny surfaces or passersby.
• Mounting & lighting: Avoid direct sunlight glare; provide stable lighting to reduce IR noise.
• Time-outs: Set sensible run-on and lockout periods to balance comfort and conservation.
• Signage: A small icon helps first-time users understand where to place hands.

See our setup guide: Sensor Calibration & Aiming.

Public lavatories typically deliver tempered water for comfort and safety. Common approaches:

• Point-of-use mixing: A small thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) under each sink.
• Central tempered loop: A building-wide system with a master mixing valve feeding multiple fixtures.
• Anti-scald protection: Valves with hot-limit stops and thermal shutoff features add a safety layer.

Coordinate with your mechanical engineer to ensure hot water recirculation, balancing, and legionella mitigation protocols. Overview: Tempered Water for Public Restrooms.

• Typical lavatory range: ~0.35–0.5 gpm for high-traffic, water-saving applications; some jurisdictions allow up to 0.75–1.2 gpm depending on code and fixture type.
• Aerated vs laminar: Aerated feels “softer” but can mist; laminar streams minimize splash and aerosolization—often preferred in healthcare.
• Serviceable inserts: Choose models with tool-less aerator access for quick descaling and swaps.

Selection guide: Choosing Aerators for Public Restrooms.

• Solid metal bodies and metal shrouds for electronics and supply lines.
• Security fasteners and tamper-resistant housings.
• Concealed supply (wall-mount) and anti-rotation deck hardware.
• Aggressive water quality: If hard water, specify finishes and cartridges designed for scaling resistance.

See examples in Vandal-Resistant Commercial Fixtures.

• Rough-ins: Confirm centerlines, hole diameters, and minimum/maximum deck thickness; check valve box clearances behind walls for wall-mount units.
• Power routing: For AC or hybrid systems, pre-plan transformer placement and low-voltage wiring paths.
• Countertop materials: Solid surface troughs pair well with wall spouts; ensure slope to drain to prevent standing water.
• Retrofits: Battery deck-mount models often swap with minimal rework; reuse supply stops when in good condition.

Step-by-step worksheets: Install & Retrofit Guide.

1. Monthly: Descale aerators, check filters/strainors at supply inlets, wipe sensors, test run-on/timeout.
2. Quarterly: Replace batteries (if usage is heavy) or test voltage on AC supplies; verify mixing temperature at outlet.
3. Semi-annually: Inspect seals/O-rings, re-aim sensors if countertop reflections or basin geometry changed.
4. As needed: Swap cartridges/solenoids (keep spares), update firmware on smart hubs, recalibrate flow.

Download a printable plan: Commercial Restroom Maintenance Checklist.

• Foam vs liquid: Foam feels richer and often reduces water needed to rinse; liquids can be more universal and cost-effective.
• Bulk-fill: Lowest consumable cost but risk of contamination if staff refills improperly; train and provide funnels.
• Sealed cartridges: Faster swaps, consistent viscosity, reduced contamination risk; higher unit cost offset by labor savings.
• Countertop vs wall: Countertop models pair with deck-mount faucets; wall models reduce deck mess and simplify cleaning.
• Dose control: Adjustable 0.4–1.2 mL typical; optimize to reduce waste while keeping user satisfaction.

Pairing tips and model picks in Soap Dispenser Buying Guide.

Yes. Many enterprise SKUs expose data via gateways or APIs for dashboards—battery/soap levels, usage counts, and alerts. Benefits:

• Predictive maintenance reduces outages and labor “walk-arounds.”
• Resource planning aligns staff schedules with peak usage periods.
• Sustainability reporting with water and soap consumption trends.

Explore integration options in Smart Building Integrations.

• Reach ranges: Mount sensor windows and soap nozzles within forward/side reach for seated users.
• Clear knee space: Coordinate trap covers and supply stops to maintain wheelchair clearance under lavatories.
• Activation force: Sensors eliminate grasping; ensure timeouts allow adequate use without re-triggering.
• Visual feedback: LED indicators help users know when the device is active or dosing.

Mounting details and diagrams: Accessible Restroom Design.

• Mount type: Deck / Wall; hole size & deck thickness verified
• Power: Battery / AC / Hybrid; transformer location & circuit noted
• Sensor: range set; timeout/lockout; LED feedback; ambient light checked
• Flow: target gpm; aerator type (laminar/aerated); serviceable insert
• Mixing: point-of-use TMV or tempered loop; hot-limit stop set
• Finish & body: vandal-resistant features; security fasteners; warranty
• Soap: foam/liquid; bulk vs cartridge; dose mL; fill access; drip tray/containment
• Integration: dashboard/gateway; battery/soap alerts; data retention
• Accessibility: reach ranges; knee clearance; visual indicators
• Maintenance: spare cartridges/solenoids; aerator keys; battery stock; descaling plan

Download a pre-filled template: Commercial Restroom Spec Template.

• No flow (faucet): Check battery/AC power; clean inlet strainers; confirm solenoid click; recalibrate sensor range; verify mixing valve isn’t closed.
• Constant trickle: Debris in solenoid; flush lines; replace diaphragm/solenoid kit; verify time-out settings.
• Weak flow: Clogged aerator; low building pressure; partially closed stops; scaling in cartridge.
• Soap not dosing: Refill or reseat cartridge; check viscosity compatibility; clean nozzle; recalibrate dose/time; replace peristaltic pump if worn.

See full diagnostic trees in Troubleshooting Portal.