Touchless plumbing fixtures and bathrooms were already on the horizon before the pandemic started. But after COVID-19 hit, they became more important than ever. Recent data from Bradley Corp’s Healthy Handwashing survey shows that 86% of Americans are more conscious of coming into contact with germs than before. In that same survey, respondents reported increased feelings of anxiety using public restrooms. 13% completely avoided them, while 37% used them but felt uncomfortable doing so.
In a post-COVID-19 world, commercial plumbing fixtures and restrooms may change. People are increasingly turning to touchless sinks, hand dryers, and other designs proven to cut down on contact surface germs. Touchless fixtures are even starting to be used in residential homes. More people want the ease and peace of mind that comes with touchless, automatic fixtures and plumbing features.
So what features should you consider for your next commercial project? Here are a few we recommend:
- Touchless sinks are number one on the list. Automatic sinks triggered by motion sensors are an easy way to cut down on cross-contamination. Many new models even offer soap dispensation and drying in one fixture to avoid further spreading of germs.
- Automatic flushing toilets. These are fairly standard in newer commercial builds, but they are still a hot ticket item. Toilet handles are covered in germs and bacteria, and automatic flushing cuts down on the filth.
- Self-cleaning sinks. Newer automatic models are being designed with a self-cleaning function that cleans between uses. This could be a bold new way to cut down on germs and the spread of bacteria.
- Improved bathroom layouts. New bathroom layouts for commercial restrooms are also on the horizon. The goal with new designs is to reduce traffic flow and in-person interaction. Some of the new features that are becoming popular include fully enclosed partitions, separate entrances and exits, more space between sinks, and wider doorways.
There are plenty of new plumbing and bathroom fixture innovations on the horizon. People are more concerned than ever with safely using clean public restrooms. Further data from the Bradley Corp’s Healthy Handwashing survey shows that 84% of people want businesses to install touchless fixtures, and 70% of people would return to a business with touchless fixtures. This trend isn’t going anywhere.
As a leading commercial and multi-unit builder, we know how important it is to pay attention to new design and fixture trends. At UMC, Inc., we constantly focus on learning new things and provide top-notch recommendations to our building partners. You can count on us!
