Faucets have historical roots in ancient times. Throughout history, they have always ensured water is accessible to homes conveniently. They are simple machines with a screw or lever to control the force and flow of water.
Bathroom and kitchen faucets account for about 20% of the water usage in your home. In fact, bathroom faucets operate on average for eight minutes and consume 20 gallons daily. For units with bathtubs, the figures can increase.
The current modern faucets have sophisticated styles and added functionalities. They are subtle drivers of efficiency and convenience.
For example, demand for intelligent faucets is rising due to the growing home automation market. They have water and temperature gauges alongside efficiency sensors. Also, they’re integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) for advanced monitoring of leaks and reporting.
Some are touchless and calibrated with water efficiency requirements. As a result, they improve hygiene and eliminate water and energy wastage.
The global smart faucet market will increase to over $830 million by 2027. It was worth $380 million in 2020. Knowing vital facts about modern faucets is critical to understanding these growth figures.
Here are some important facts about modern bathroom faucets.
- They Increase Performance and Efficiency
The average household wastes about 180 gallons of water weekly. Annually, US households waste 900 billion water gallons. And bathrooms, especially toilets, significantly contribute to the waste.
With climate change making water a rare commodity, there are strict rules on water usage. It includes even state water requirements that faucets must meet to enhance efficiency. For example, California State caps bathroom sink faucets at 1.2 GPM. Showerheads are rated at 1.8 GPM and toilet flush volume should be 1.28 gallons per flush or below.
The faucets are accurately calibrated to meet these strict regulations. Modern bathroom faucets thus help meet water efficiency standards. So, they improve performance and make your home water efficient. Also, with better water flow control, you’ll be saving on water and energy bills too.
One way your modern sink faucet achieves water efficiency is through aerators. Aerators reduce water flow without sacrificing performance. It saves you some liters of water per flow in the process.
Thus, modern bathroom faucets, like modern single-hole sink faucets, are water and energy-efficient.
- Modern Faucets Improve Bathroom Functionality
Faucets were initially designed to improve access to water at home. Also, they are made to regulate the temperature of the bathroom water. It is worth noting that the modern faucets traced their history back to Alex Moen in 1937.
Moen burnt his hand while operating a hot and cold convectional faucet. As a result, he invented a single handle that could efficiently regulate the temperature of the water. Several iterations by other inventors, like Landis Perry, Wolverine Brass, etc., set the foundation for modern faucets.
We now have bathroom faucets that are not only flexible, electric, and smart. Modern bathtub faucets ensure better access to water with state-of-the-art temperature and water flow control.
Additionally, features like touchless faucets further enhance hygiene by reducing exposure to germs.
- They Define Your Bathroom Style
As with the changing consumer behavior, modern bathroom styles capture and show owners’ taste and lifestyle. In the era of mass personalization, bathroom faucets also come in several styles.
They also come in different exquisite colors and finishes. Hence, it allows bathroom designers and homeowners to make a bold style statement with their space. Modern faucets are made of different materials and designs to meet dynamic preferences.
Here are some of the finishes of modern bathroom faucets:
- Chrome
- Satin brass
- Gold
- Matte Black
- Polished Nickel etc.
Additionally, they have varying ergonomic designs with different sprout lengths to meet different needs. For example, widespread faucets have different heights and designs that complement your space.
Also, vessel sink faucets come in various finishes and spout lengths to complement a specific vessel bowl.
Literally and figuratively, modern bathroom faucets allow you to express your lifestyle boldly.
- Faucet Prices Increase With Complexity in Design, Materials, and Functionality
Modern bathroom faucets’ prices vary based on many factors. Its material, design, functionality, and flexibility determine its price. Hence, you are the only person that can choose what’s best for you.
Here are some of the things to consider when choosing modern bathroom faucets.
What to Consider When Choosing Bathroom Faucets
- Get the Right Installation Type
Whether a new build or renovation, the installation type is the first step to consider. Here are some installation types worth checking out:
- A single-hole faucet has one handle for water temperature control.
- A widespread bathroom faucet is a customized faucet with separate spout and handles components.
- Wall-mount faucet that is attached to the wall instead of on the countertop or sink. It also applies to vessel sink faucets.
Your choice of installation type depends on how you want to curate your bathroom sink or tub.
- Know the Features You Need
After settling on the installation type, the next thing is to know the features it should have. Some of the factors to check out include convenience, water efficiency, quality, hygiene, regulation, etc.
For example, it should meet water conservation requirements in your state. Do you want a touchless feature to reduce contact and the spreading of germs? Or do you need a faucet with exceptional durability?
Whatever your needs are, ensure your modern bathroom faucet of choice meets them.
- Select the Perfect Style
The last part is the style and the finish that speaks to your lifestyle. It should also complement the bathroom space and the elements in it. So, the showerheads, sink, and bathtub faucets should have matching colors or atleast complement each other.
Modern bathroom faucets have sharp and angular designs that you can select based on personal appeal. You can choose metallic or matte finishes. Alternatively, you can go with chrome, bronze, gold, and nickel for materials.
In short, let your faucet style and finish complement or contrast other elements in your bathroom space.
In Conclusion
Modern bathroom faucets have a long history. It has always factored convenience and functionality into its current advanced features. With climate change and changing consumer behavior, modern faucets are leveling up to meet these challenges.
A significant amount of water is wasted in the bathroom, with the toilet being a primary culprit. Following strict standards by states to conserve water and adapt to climate change have greatly improved our perception and use of bathroom products.
Modern bathroom faucets are accurately calibrated to control water flow to adhere to water efficiency. Smart faucets are taking the challenge further by allowing water leaks detection. There are also temperature controllers and more features for added convenience.
For satisfactory installation, consider your faucet type, style, and needs.
