WASHROOM FUNCTIONALITY

In addition to aesthetics, product craftsmanship, and quality considerations play a tremendous role in washroom functionality. This is because the washrooms are likely used repeatedly every day by a lot of people, which requires ongoing cleaning and maintenance. Hence, the selection of fixtures, materials, and finishes all need to be specified to suit the demands of the commercial, institutional, or industrial setting where the washroom is located.

In light of their high use, it is a bit of a myth that first cost is always a deciding factor for specifying products in restrooms. It is obviously true that automatic or “touchless” handwashing products typically have higher upfront costs because of their electronics package. However, ongoing maintenance and related costs are considerably less expensive than manually operated models because touchless fixtures are easier to keep clean, maintain, and service than manually activated fixtures. In retrofit situations, automated technologies may require some modifications to the existing plumbing and electrical systems, but that is usually relatively straightforward.

There is also a misperception that touchless models deliver spotty or false activations. Fortunately, the mechanical components used in sensor technology have been improved over the past several years. Specifically, faucets incorporate advanced sensors and options for ultra-low flow demands. While some older touchless models include sensors that deliver unreliable soap and water activations, current designs incorporate innovative sensing technology ensuring continuous washing, and less leftover soap in and around the basin.

One final misconception is that investing in high quality restroom products and designs has a low payback. According to one manufacturer, end users are so sensitive to the appearance and cleanliness of restroom environments, they will even put their money behind it. Recall that the consumer survey indicated that 60 percent of Americans said they would willingly spend more money at a business with clean, well-maintained restrooms. Another 60 percent say that when out running errands they take restroom breaks at a business they know has “good” restrooms.

Durable Materials

When looking at the materials used for handwashing fixtures, popular and attractive finishes are produced with physical vapor deposition (PVD). This is an advanced process that creates a molecular bond to the fixture, creating a resilient coating that will not corrode or fade. In addition to a chrome finish, there is a selection of five popular PVD finishes including brushed bronze, brushed stainless, brushed black stainless, brushed nickel, and brushed brass available. PVD coatings are a more sustainable way to finish metals than traditional electroplating.

Of course, the durability of touchless restroom fixtures is of paramount importance too. In 2021, for example, many schools experienced an uptick in vandalism. This was due to a destructive "Devious Licks" challenge on TikTok, which encouraged students to record and post a video of themselves stealing or vandalizing school property. Unfortunately, bathroom equipment like soap dispensers, faucets, and toilets were targeted. Those that were durable enough to withstand the abuse survived, but many others did not and had to be replaced at the expense of the schools. This certainly helps make the case for schools to use high-quality, durable restroom equipment that holds up against vandalism attempts.

In response to this need, look for trim plates and anti-rotational pins to also discourage faucet vandalism. In addition, many soap and faucet sets are manufactured with hidden sensors to discourage tampering. They are also made with durable cast brass spout construction with PVD finishes that are highly resilient and withstand wear and tear. Similarly, electronic roll towel dispensers are designed with several anti-vandalism features, which also help improve maintenance. These dispensers control the amount of paper towel used, deterring vandalism and reducing waste. For example, sometimes people grab handfuls of towels from a dispenser, toss them in the trash or a toilet, leave them on the sink, or drop them on the floor. An automated towel dispenser delivers a set amount of paper, reducing excessive usage and saving time on refilling. Another anti-vandalism “time out” feature locks out the dispensing of paper towels after being activated three times in a row.

For washbasins, both natural quartz and solid surface materials are cast-formed, so they are able to be specified in many attractive shapes and forms, expanding flexible design options. Both materials can last a lifetime and can easily be repaired and renewed, thus minimizing the need for replacement or disposal. Products made of solid surface are completely molded including bowls, overflows, backsplashes, and aprons, eliminating fabrication waste and the use of sealants and adhesives. Like natural quartz, solid surface is also a nonporous material which means that it will not support mold, mildew, or bacteria accumulation.

Maintenance

Reducing waste and maintenance time is directly related to saving money during building operations. By limiting the amount of products used, like paper towels or soap, less time is spent on refilling and less money ordering new products. Some handwashing models use a smart sense soap system with LED light indicators to display low soap and battery, making maintenance more predictable and efficient. A top-fill multi-feed soap system can also be used with a large capacity 1.3-gallon (5.0 L) tank that can supply up to six soap dispensers at once, which is a time-saver and game-changer for maintenance staff. Using all-in-one units or only using air drying for hands can eliminate the need for any paper towels at all, thus saving on trash and the need for emptying trash containers. In all, well-selected and coordinated restroom fixtures and accessories can require less time cleaning, ordering, refilling, and restocking, all creating opportunities to save money.

Kris Alderson, MBA, LEED AP, senior marketing manager at Bradley, sums things up this way: “In addition to meeting end-user expectations for hygiene, operational efficiency is another key goal for restrooms. Over-stretched maintenance staff are on the lookout for restroom products, technologies, and features that optimize maintenance, cut costs, and make their jobs easier. Sustainable product designs like all-in-one handwashing models that reduce maintenance and paper towels, as well as new top-fill multi-feed soap systems, can help maximize efficiency and simplify maintenance.”

Photo courtesy of Bradley Corporation

High-usage restrooms, such as this one at an airport, can be specified to use state-of-the-art touchless fixtures and accessories while still meeting the needs for a coordinated aesthetic, easy maintenance, and positive user experience.

SPECIFYING STATE-OF-THE-ART WASHROOMS

Based on everything discussed so far, it should be clear that it is quite possible to specify washroom fixtures and accessories that meet the needs of both building users and owners. However, keep in mind that not all products are created equally. It is important to understand the specifics that have been discussed here and specify the most relevant products to suit a project. This means incorporating the proper language for durability, hygiene, maintenance, and other performance requirements as well as the design criteria. Some of the relevant items to address in a standard three-part specification format are highlighted as follows.

Part 1: General

The scope of the specified work can include all preparation, product choices, and final installation. In terms of specifying performance, the appropriate testing standards should be referenced not only for the plumbing products, but also for all accessories that are secured or attached to the walls, floor, doors, or other surfaces.

Submittals for washroom fixtures and accessories should include the usual manufacturer’s data and information for all products used plus samples with color and texture data to confirm that the correct appearance is being achieved.

Quality assurance is clearly an important part of any field-installed system and the same is true here. Installers should have qualifications acceptable to the manufacturer. Evidence of such qualifications can be requested as a submittal, but it is important that the people who are actually in the field are the ones with the qualifications and experience needed.

On-site protection of products should be carried out according to the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations, particularly if any standard limited warranty is called for.

Part 2: Products

When multiple types of washroom fixtures and accessory products are used, then they each should be identified by type in the specifications, and the location of each type needs to be clearly called out in either the drawings or specifications. The details of the specified products can include:

• The specific type of products being called for (i.e., all-in-one fixtures, matching sets, types of accessories, etc.), should be identified for each product used. In addition to the functional description, the design selections for color, finish, style, etc. all need to be identified.
• The specific performance criteria for each product including capacities, sensor types, vandalism resistance, and any other needed criteria can be specified.
• Other requirements including the details of cleaning and maintenance removal for the products can be called out.