How does a sensor tap timeout feature benefit your washroom?

Reading time: 4 minutes

Specifying sustainable touch free taps that save water and energy is a hot focus in the industry, and designers are looking at these washroom fittings to achieve their sustainability goals. But, more is expected from sensor taps now as they must also complement the design, add value to the user experience, prevent the risk of legionella, and prevent vandalism or misuse.

A sensor tap timeout feature is the most valuable mechanism integrated into touch free taps because of its security functionality that prevents misuse and saves water and energy. Each touch free tap in the Dolphin tap range has these automatic tap control systems that are also integrated with SMART washroom technology to solve these concerns.

We will explain what a sensor tap timer is, how it prevents vandalism, how it saves water and energy, and how it adds value to a positive user experience.

What is a sensor tap timer?

The default security timer is a device built into the sensor of the touch free tap that automatically shuts off the water supply even if a user’s hands are in front of the sensor.

Upon activating the sensor tap, the timer starts the countdown until it has reached the end time before automatically cutting off the water supply. SMART washroom technology allows

you to programme the timer and set the minute or second depending on how long you want the water flow to run.

With its automatic functionality, the sensor tap timeout feature can:

1. Prevent vandalism or misuse
2. Save water
3. Save energy
4. Save time at the washstation

To find out more about washroom design, please click here to go to our learning hub.

Other vandalism risks without a sensor tap and security timer

Washrooms with only manual taps are at high risk for vandalism and misuse. We know of a disturbing incident in an office building south of England where a disgruntled employee sabotaged the washroom and left a devastating scene that destroyed not only the room but also the main areas in the building.

Late on a Friday afternoon, once everyone had left the building, the culprit blocked the washbasin drains with paper towels, turned on just three taps, and left the water running for the weekend. By Monday, many floors had flooded, damaging furniture, fixtures and the structure of the building, resulting in thousands of pounds for repairs.

Although manual taps are cost effective compared to touch free taps, it is worth considering investing in a sensor tap with a timeout feature to eliminate this risk.

How does a tap timer save energy?

With the same concept of saving water, sensor tap timeout features save energy due to the controlled time of activating the water flow. Whether the sensor tap is battery operated or connected to the mains, the energy from both sources is still saved and not drained out by prolonged use.

Sensor taps are renowned for saving energy in general as they enable the water system to keep a constant temperature of heated water compared to manual taps. It takes a lot of heat to increase the water temperature with manual taps, which means more electricity is required. Read more about touch free taps vs manual taps here.

Why have a sensor tap with a security feature?

There are numerous articles on the internet promoting touch free taps and how the modern washroom fitting is a favourable investment if you desire a sustainable, functional, hygienic, and cost effective solution.

But to make sure you are getting value for money, specifying a sensor tap timeout feature will help save water and energy, prevent vandalism or misuse, and encourage quick and efficient handwashing.

Saving water and energy also means saving money on utility bills which is one of the many bonuses you get from SMART washroom technology.

Do you want to know more about sustainable washroom solutions and how washroom technology can benefit your project? Read our blog to find out the benefits of going SMART.