Are Smart Faucets and Showers Worth It? Pros and Cons

You’re building or remodeling and daydreaming about that perfect kitchen or bathroom. You’ve heard whispers about smart faucets and showers, but you are on the fence. Are smart faucets and showers worth it? Let’s explore smart plumbing fixtures to help you make an informed decision about these high-tech upgrades.

Are smart faucets and showers a worthwhile investment? Many homeowners ponder this question. This blog post examines the pros and cons of smart plumbing, helping you understand how it can improve your home life.

Smart Faucets: Touchless Tech and More

Imagine turning on your kitchen faucet without touching it. That’s the convenience of smart faucets, simplifying tasks whether your hands are covered in cookie dough or you want to avoid spreading germs. Some brands offer options that respond to voice commands via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

But how practical is voice control? Is asking for precise amounts of water or turning the faucet on and off when your hands are dirty really faster than a touch? Sometimes a simple touch is quicker, like with the Delta Trinsic Pro Touch2O kitchen faucets.

Practical Perks of Smart Faucets

Smart faucets offer practical benefits. The Saybrook Filtered Kitchen Faucet filters lead, chlorine, and other particulates from your tap water. It also allows switching between filtered and regular tap water. Touchless operation improves hygiene and some models activate with a simple tap, useful after handling raw chicken.

Addressing Potential Drawbacks

Like any technology, smart faucets have downsides. One plumber mentioned the average battery pack lifespan is only 2-5 years. Batteries die, leading to replacement costs. However, using an AC adapter eliminates this issue.

Touchless faucets can be unreliable. They might not sense your hand, turning on or off unexpectedly. Adapters make regular fixtures touch-free at an affordable price, like this touchless bathroom adapter, offering an enhanced experience while saving money.

Smart Showers: Personalized Water Experiences

Smart showers offer advanced control over your daily rinse. Preheating the water to a specific temperature is possible with U by Moen’s new smart shower faucet and Kohler’s DTV+ system. Creating custom presets for water temperature, water flow, lighting, and music is also an option.

Smart Showers and Convenience Factor

Preheating is convenient, stepping into a perfectly warm shower without waiting. Smart tech helps regulate shower temperature, promoting water conservation and potentially lower water bills.

Features like automatically shut off after a period and help homeowners reduce water waste. Hands-free operation allows people to start the shower without turning a knob or pulling a handle. It even lets you measure water use in real time.

Balancing Luxury and Cost

Smart showers can be expensive, often requiring professional installation. Simpler solutions, such as the Livin shower head with a water-pause function, offer a balance between high-tech features and affordability. There are more basic shower heads with smart capabilities available as well.

Are Smart Faucets and Showers Worth It: Cost vs. Value

The big question is whether smart faucets and showers justify the expense. The answer, as always, depends. Some features, especially for water conservation and a degree of automation, are beneficial. A smart toilet with a water sensor that lets it flush automatically can save water.

While a $9,000 smart toilet might be excessive, smart leak detectors under $100 provide peace of mind, especially if you have aging water pipes. Smart faucets and shower systems offer varying levels of convenience, hygiene, and potential water savings at a moderate initial cost. For specific temperature control and precise amounts of water on demand, the additional expense of smart taps might be justified. A control panel helps manage custom commands.

Making a Splash with Sustainability

Even simple upgrades often promote sustainability. Faucets and shower heads with LED temperature indicators and pause functions encourage mindful water usage and the conservation of this natural resource. They might use cold water first while the shower warms up.

Supporting eco-friendly options is essential for conscious consumers. While these fixtures might have a higher upfront cost, they can save you money on water consumption over time and reduce water waste, ultimately benefiting both your wallet and the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What smart features should I look for in a faucet?

Consider features like touchless activation, voice control, water temperature control, and metering capabilities.

Can I install smart plumbing fixtures myself?

Some smart fixtures are designed for DIY installation, while others may require professional plumbing repair. Be sure to consider whether you’ll need to change any of your existing water pipes.

Are smart showers more efficient than traditional showers?

Smart showers can help conserve water with features like precise temperature control, and pausing, ultimately reducing water usage.

Do smart faucets require a special power supply?

Smart faucets may require batteries or a connection to your home’s electrical system. If using batteries, it is important to check for ongoing costs of replacement in a touch faucet.

Can I retrofit my existing shower with smart technology?

Some smart shower systems are designed for retrofitting, while others require a full replacement. Be sure to find out what your specific situation will call for and consider calling a plumbing company with any questions about commercial plumbing and potential plumbing repair costs.

Conclusion

So, are smart faucets and showers worth it? It depends on your priorities. Smart technology offers personalized and enjoyable experiences in the kitchen and bathroom. Evaluate whether these upgrades fit your needs and budget, and decide which level of smart fixture is suitable for your home. Each scenario is unique.

Consider what matters most: convenience, water savings, hygiene, or the environment. Make informed decisions about your home plumbing based on your needs and budget. With evolving technology and pricing, there’s likely a fitting choice for every homeowner. Determine if these innovations align with your lifestyle and budget.