Thursday 4 April 2024

Advantages and Disadvantages of Sensor Taps

Now we know the basics of sensor taps. We will now compare them to manual or press taps.

Gold Deck Mounted Sensor Tap


Sensor taps offer many benefits, but others may be more beneficial or less depending on your expectations and needs. These features can be divided into three groups: advantages, disadvantages, and neutral points.

Sensor taps: The advantages

There are two main ways that automatic taps can make the world more sustainable:

Water conservation -

It's important to find ways that you can conserve water. Electronic taps feature a low flow rate, and an aerator at their spout. They are also made of materials that resist leakage. Traditional basin taps can fill between 10 and 15 litres an hour. A dripping tap may lose 300 ml or 1 litre per hour.

The equivalent of 155 full-size baths, 778.60 L/year could be saved by installing a sensor tap in a small office.


Are you looking for long-term energy savings? No matter whether the sensors taps are powered by batteries or hardwired, there will be a cost. E-taps can make a significant difference in activation. Commercial washrooms will appreciate automatic basin taps that keep the temperature constant (cold/warm, or pre-mixed). 

Thermostatic taps are more efficient than mixer lever ones. These settings are more environmentally friendly if they use renewable energies and if there are additional restrictions (aerators flow limits, pressure reducing valves etc.). The tap handle can be modified with additional restrictions (aerators flow limiters, pressure reducing valves, etc.) These gadgets make a smart choice if you still have traditional basin taps.

Water efficiency and energy efficiency can reduce the total cost of a house. An average British household uses 360 liters of water each day. Sensor taps in the bathroom and kitchen can reduce this amount by between 30% and 50%.

An audit of your water supply can reveal how much water you are wasting in your home and what you can do about it. The water calculator can help you estimate how much water your home is using.

Touchless Tap


Motion sensor taps have the ability to adjust water flow. It can be time-consuming to adjust flow repeatedly. What good is it if we can only select the water flow we want for 99% of our time?

A pre-set flow rate means a cleaner bathroom. Splashes are not possible during activation. The tap will not overflow due to the self-closing mechanism.

In sanitary facilities, touch-free taps mean one doesn't need to get dirty by using the same lever/handle twice and there won't even be cross-contamination. Many suppliers offer disposable spouts that can be used with sensor taps. These are intended for healthcare environments and provide hygiene.

The solenoid valves of sensor taps are covered in plastic. They are protected from corrosion by this. Water pressure will not affect the closing of an electronic valve. The press taps can still be opened if water pressure drops (as long as they are not pushed at the same time).

Sensor taps are neutral in their features

It is useful to indicate clearly that the motion sensor tap tap is on.

Each tap filter must be cleaned, even the one in the sensor tap system. It is important to clean the tap filters before using an electronic faucet and after water cuts.

Smart taps run on electricity and will eventually run out. Most models will display LED warnings to inform you that a new battery is required. There are many options for battery types. They are however guaranteed to last at most one year.

Sensor taps are not without their drawbacks

Long-term, touchless tapware is more affordable, especially in commercial washrooms. There is a wide price range and you will always get what your pay for. 

Sensor taps can be more expensive than traditional taps, but they are less expensive to purchase initially. A remote control is needed to change the default settings. You can adjust infinitely many compatible automatic taps with one remote control.

If the water supply is cut, the taps won't work. Mains-operated sensor tapping devices won't function if there is no electricity. We should also consider the frequency with which businesses are affected by power outages every year. Consider the possibility that commercial users may use a commercial restroom during a blackout.

Hands-free tapping can be achieved with an infrared detector. This widget may have problems with reflective surfaces and bright colours. Installers should carefully follow the manufacturer's mounting instructions to avoid mirrors or polished chrome finishes on tap sensors and other built-in sensors. Even if you carefully follow the instructions, sensor taps can make activation mistakes from time to time.

Countertop Basin

You should be aware that automatic taps may be activated by pets when they're installed in a home. Imagine your cat walking across the basin countertop where the sensor tap is located. This will cause feline fear and water waste. E-taps can only open for a maximum of 1 to 2 seconds. This is to protect against vandalism, errors, and other situations.

Even though touch-free taps are designed to prevent cross-contamination, some materials (e.g. rubber solenoid valve diaphragms and internal circuit designs) may encourage bacteria growth. Regular cleaning is recommended for sensor tap components.

Smart taps are easier than traditional faucets, and require fewer parts to be replaced. It is much more likely that the whole unit can be repaired if there is a fault. Most sensor taps have a long warranty.

How to choose the right sensor tap

Electronic taps offer many advantages: they are more cost-effective and environmentally friendly, have constant flow and are easily accessible for all users. However, it is important to consider the pros and specific variables such as how much traffic the washroom sees (is it worthwhile the initial investment). Are there plugs? ).

It is a good idea to review all the options available on the market for automatic taps, paying special attention to details such as power supply type and water pressure. 

Sensor taps for basins can be mounted on walls or decks, mains-operated, or battery-operated. They are constructed of high-quality components and feature a modern design. We also have WRAS-approved sensor taps in our catalog. We are available to answer any questions or provide special requests (lower flow, different finish) by contacting us.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Sensor Taps

Now we know the basics of sensor taps. We will now compare them to manual or press taps. Sensor taps offer many benefits, but others may be ...