Smart home devices are appearing everywhere nowadays, and one of the most practical—and unexpectedly hip—new additions to the roster is the smart faucet. If you’ve ever attempted to turn on the tap with grimy hands or fretted over wasting water, then these ultra-modern fixtures could be your new kitchen or bathroom must-have.
So what, precisely, constitutes a “smart” faucet? Unlike standard faucets, smart faucets require a power source to operate their features. Some operate on battery power, while others have an outlet installed under the sink. Most families can count on their faucet’s battery pack to last between two to five years, according to Joseph Wood, master plumber and founder of Boston Standard Company. Standard AA or C batteries are used by most brands for long life. And don’t worry—if the power is out or the batteries run out, the faucet just defaults to manual mode, so you’ll never be without water.
At the heart of a smart faucet is a solenoid valve, essentially a magnetic switch that regulates water flow. The technology exists in everything from washing machines to car doors, but in a faucet, it allows you to turn the water on or off simply by waving, touching, or even speaking to the faucet.
Let’s discuss features, because this is where smart faucets truly come alive. One of the greatest benefits is touchless operation. Imagine this: you’re working with raw chicken or dough and don’t want to get your greasy hands on the faucet. Some models have infrared sensors to sense motion, and others are voice-activated, such as a smart speaker. There are even touch-activated faucets that respond to your body’s natural electrical charge, like how your phone screen picks up your fingers. As Wood puts it, “You can turn it on using your wrist or elbow rather than your dirty dough-covered hands.”
But you can do more than simply turn the water on and off with smart faucets. Some even measure the water for you. James Walsh, American Standard vice president of product management, cites the Beale MeasureFill Touch Faucet as one example. It can release set amounts of water—up to 40 ounces per release—and you set it with a simple dial, eliminating guessing once and for all.
Timers and leak detection are also convenient features. Some smart faucets will turn themselves off after a set time, which is convenient when your hands are full or someone refuses to turn the tap off. Others alert you to turn the water off when brushing your teeth or signal if a leak is found, detecting small problems before they become costly issues.
Water quality is another aspect where smart faucets truly shine. While many standard faucets come equipped with filters, smart faucets usually come with real-time water quality information. Walsh points out the Saybrook Filtered Kitchen Faucet, which eliminates 99.6 percent of lead, 96.9 percent of chlorine, and 92.6 percent of particulates. It even has an LED indicator that lets you know when to replace the filter.
Design-wise, there’s something for everyone. Some smart faucets replace your current one altogether and are available in finishes such as chrome, brushed nickel, polished brass, and matte black. Others are just basic add-ons that retrofit your existing faucet and are generally under $50. Just be sure to check compatibility beforehand before purchasing.
Most users who give smart faucets a try end up becoming huge fans, particularly for the ease of installation and the daily convenience. Consider the Himimi Touchless Faucet, for instance. This inexpensive unit comes with two motion detectors (the base and nozzle) and three spray modes and features a swiveling head that rotates 360 degrees. One user proclaimed it “looks great and works as advertised,” while another exclaimed that the touchless functionality was “super exciting.” Families particularly appreciate the automatic shut-off, which turns water off after three minutes—ideal if you have children or curious pets.
So why go for a smart faucet? To begin with, it makes your environment neater and cleaner by reducing touch-ups with dirty hands. As Wood describes it, “Imagine just moving your hands into position or tapping with your forearm—no more clunky elbow movements or letting the water run.” And with leak detection and auto shutoff, they’re a good way to conserve water, which benefits the planet as well as your bill.
Of course, smart faucets do cost more, often more than twice the price of a standard one. But if you’re someone who loves smart home tech and values convenience, cleanliness, and efficiency, the investment can pay off in the long run.