If you are a designer, an installer, or manage a public space, you know that selecting tapware for public and commercial bathrooms is not just about aesthetics. The right choice can make the difference between an efficient, sustainable bathroom and one that causes continuous waste and operational issues. But how do you navigate between manual, timed, and electronic taps to find the best option for your project?
To answer this question, we interviewed Juergen Schweitzer, Industrial Director of Idral. With his extensive knowledge of the industry and deep understanding of the real needs of designers and facility managers, Schweitzer offers a practical and concrete perspective—perfect for those making strategic decisions.
✔️ How to choose the right tap based on the usage context
✔️ The most efficient solutions to reduce consumption and cut costs
✔️ How to ensure maximum hygiene and improve user experience
✔️ Future trends in tapware for public and commercial bathrooms
💡 If you want to avoid bad decisions, minimize maintenance interventions, and ensure efficiency and safety over time, this guide is exactly what you need. Discover everything you need to make the right choice.
“The choice of tapware strictly depends on the context in which it will be installed,” explains Juergen Schweitzer. “For example, in healthcare environments such as hospitals and clinics, hygiene is an absolute priority. In these cases, touchless taps are the best solution, as they eliminate the risk of cross-contamination thanks to infrared technology or elbow-operated levers.
In high-traffic locations such as stadiums or airports, vandal-resistant and durable solutions are essential. Materials like chrome-plated brass or stainless steel help prevent damage and ensure long-lasting operation. Additionally, in places like nurseries or nursing homes, preventing burns is a priority, which is why thermostatic regulation systems are necessary.
Finally, water savings and maintenance costs are key factors for ensuring long-term economic and environmental sustainability. In high-frequency spaces, choosing the right tapware can significantly reduce operating costs.”
“Each type of tapware has specific advantages depending on the usage context.
Manual taps are ideal for private settings or controlled environments, but their efficiency depends entirely on user behavior, making them less suitable for public spaces.
Timed taps are perfect for schools, gyms, and sports centers, as they automatically shut off the water flow after a pre-set time, reducing water waste and optimizing operational efficiency. In environments with a limited number of taps, they offer a great balance between initial cost and water savings.
Electronic taps are essential in high-hygiene environments, such as hospitals and airports, because they minimize contact with surfaces. In large facilities, the water savings achieved with these taps offset their higher initial cost, leading to significant long-term reductions in operating expenses.”
“Certifications play a crucial role as they guarantee safety and regulatory compliance. The topic is evolving at the European level, and we will explore it further as the regulations become clearer. For now, we can categorize certifications into four main types:
1️⃣ Technical certifications: Ensure product functionality, durability, and resistance.
2️⃣ Drinking water certifications: Mandatory in many countries to guarantee water quality.
3️⃣ Environmental and sustainability standards: Such as WATERLABEL and WELL, which set benchmarks for water consumption and indoor well-being.
4️⃣ Building sustainability certifications: Standards like LEED and BREEAM, which evaluate the overall sustainability of a building.
Choosing certified tapware facilitates building certification processes, increases the property’s value, and reduces operating costs.”
“A proper installation always follows the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure optimal performance.
🔹 I recommend installing inlet filters to prevent impurities from accumulating, especially in electronic models with sensitive solenoid valves and sensors.
🔹 Water pressure regulation is essential to avoid stress on internal components. Pressure above 5 bar accelerates gasket wear and reduces the lifespan of cartridges, so using pressure regulators is highly recommended.
🔹 Limescale buildup is a common issue in hard water areas, as it reduces tap efficiency and functionality. Installing water treatment systems can limit deposits and significantly reduce maintenance requirements.
🔹 Chlorine in water, used for disinfection, can deteriorate rubber seals and internal components faster. To counteract this effect, choosing highly resistant materials and planning regular maintenance ensures long-term durability and efficiency.”
“Maintenance requirements vary by tap type.
🔸 Manual and timed taps require minimal periodic checks, whereas
🔸 Electronic taps need electrovalve checks and periodic battery replacements.
A common mistake is using mineral oils on seals, which causes them to harden and degrade faster. Silicone-based products should always be used to preserve their longevity.”
“The ‘For All’ system, which integrates water, soap, and hand drying into a single station, optimizes user flow in high-traffic restrooms.
🔹 It reduces the need to touch surfaces, improving hygiene.
🔹 It’s particularly beneficial for people with reduced mobility and children, as they don’t need to move between different stations.
🔹 It simplifies maintenance and reduces operating costs, thanks to antibacterial materials and controlled dispensers.”
“Every liter of water saved means less energy used for heating, directly reducing operating costs and CO₂ emissions.
🔹 In large public buildings, low-flow or electronic taps can drastically optimize resource consumption.”
“The future of tapware is linked to innovative materials and smart technologies.
🔹 IoT integration will enable real-time water monitoring and predictive maintenance, reducing waste and operating costs.
🔹 The use of lead-free alloys and stainless steel will increase, ensuring greater corrosion resistance and improving water quality.
🔹 Aesthetic trends will evolve, with more durable finishes such as Powder Coating in black or white and PVD coatings, offering better durability than traditional chrome plating.”
“Choosing the ideal tapware requires careful evaluation of functional and operational criteria.
✅ Selecting the right solutions for the context ensures hygiene, efficiency, and significant water and energy savings while improving sustainability and reducing costs in the long run.”
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Idral S.p.a. a socio unico – Via Isei 8/10 – 28010 Gargallo (NO) Italia
Cap. Soc. € 660.000 i.v. | C.F. e Iscr. reg. imp. NO 00124610031 | REA n° 104665 | C.C.I.A.A. Novara | P.IVA 00124610031
