System thinking for durability and uptime

In enterprise facilities, a touchless faucet is a small device that creates a large operational footprint. Failures typically come from predictable causes such as debris on first flush, poor basin pairing that creates splash, low voltage at the control box, or missing access for service. A spec that addresses these failure modes can reduce maintenance tickets and improve user experience without turning the document into a product brochure.

Durability for high traffic environments

Materials and finish performance

Select finishes and housings based on abrasion resistance, chemical exposure, and cleaning methods. In commercial restrooms, daily wipe downs with disinfectants can degrade low quality coatings. Specify a finish performance expectation, not only an aesthetic label.

Vandal resistance and serviceability

Specify tamper resistant fasteners where applicable and require a replaceable, field serviceable valve module and sensor window. If batteries are used, require a defined replacement method and clear access that does not require fixture removal.

Sustainability and water efficiency

Water savings are not only a fixture attribute. They are a system outcome tied to flow rate, sensor behavior, and commissioning. Many jurisdictions and owner standards align to EPA WaterSense specifications for faucets, and high performance buildings often push lower flow targets where basin geometry supports it. Reference the governing criteria and require submittals that include rated flow and performance range. Use the same rigor for soap consumption by requiring adjustable dispense volume and reservoir monitoring where applicable.

System integration: plumbing, electrical, and controls

Plumbing coordination

Touchless fixtures can be cold only, pre tempered, or mixed. In many commercial restrooms, centralized thermostatic mixing is preferred for consistent setpoint control and to reduce adjustments at the fixture. State the mixing strategy in the fixture schedule and in the plumbing diagrams so bidders do not assume a different approach.

Electrical and low voltage coordination

Define power method and routing. If hardwired, state voltage class and protection requirements, including wet location considerations. If battery, state expected interval or performance expectation and require that access is not blocked by millwork.

System monitoring and enterprise standards

Some portfolios require asset tracking, standardized parts, and predictable maintenance cycles. Even without full BMS integration, you can require standardized adapters, consistent mounting, and uniform sensor settings across restroom groups.

BIM and submittal package requirements

What BIM is for in this scope

BIM content supports coordination, not marketing. For sensor fixtures, the BIM model is most useful when it includes correct spout reach, sensor envelope, control box placement, and maintenance access needs. Require BIM references as part of the submittal set when your project uses coordinated models and clash detection.

Verified BIM and technical resource links

Sample CSI Division 22 specification language

The following is performance based sample language you can adapt. Confirm code, agency requirements, and owner standards for each project. Where a model is named, treat it as an identified basis of design and preserve the performance requirements for substitutions.

22 40 00 Plumbing Fixtures

SECTION 22 40 00  PLUMBING FIXTURES

PART 1  GENERAL
1.1 SUMMARY
A. Provide electronic, touchless lavatory faucets and automatic soap dispensers including accessories, power supplies, control modules, and installation requirements.
B. Coordinate plumbing, electrical, and architectural requirements for mounting, service access, and commissioning.

1.2 SUBMITTALS
A. Product data: Include rated flow at 60 psi, operating pressure range, sensor settings, power requirements, and maintenance instructions.
B. Shop drawings: Include mounting details, rough in dimensions, spout reach, and control box location and service clearance.
C. BIM: Provide Revit family or BIM object for selected fixtures when project uses coordinated models. Include control module envelope where applicable.
D. Closeout: Provide O and M manuals, parts list, and recommended preventive maintenance schedule.

1.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE
A. Plumbing supply fittings: Comply with ASME A112.18.1 and CSA B125.1, as applicable.
B. Lead free: Provide lead free compliance for potable water applications where required by code and jurisdiction.
C. Accessibility: Install to satisfy ADA 2010 and applicable local accessibility requirements.

PART 2  PRODUCTS
2.1 TOUCHLESS LAVATORY FAUCETS
A. Type: Infrared sensor activated or equivalent touchless activation.
B. Performance:
   1. Flow: Maximum 0.5 to 1.5 gpm at 60 psi as scheduled. Provide laminar outlet where splash control is required.
   2. Pressure: Operate within 20 to 80 psi or as submitted by manufacturer and accepted by Engineer of Record.
   3. Control: Adjustable shutoff delay and maximum run time limit. Provide stable operation under variable lighting and reflective basins.
C. Temperature control:
   1. Provide cold only, pre tempered supply, or mixed supply as indicated on drawings.
   2. Where centralized mixing is required, coordinate with thermostatic mixing valve schedule and setpoint requirements.
D. Power:
   1. Battery, hardwired, or hybrid as scheduled.
   2. Provide clear service access to batteries, solenoids, and filters without removal of lavatory or cutting millwork.
E. Installation accessories:
   1. Provide inlet strainers or debris protection to protect solenoids from construction debris.
   2. Provide mounting hardware and tamper resistant fasteners where required.

2.2 AUTOMATIC SOAP DISPENSERS
A. Type: Touchless, sensor activated soap dispenser, wall mount or deck mount as scheduled.
B. Performance:
   1. Adjustable dispense volume.
   2. Drip control and stable actuation to minimize false dispense.
C. Service:
   1. Reservoir capacity as scheduled.
   2. Provide refill method and level visibility suitable for maintenance workflow.
D. Power: Battery or hardwired as scheduled. Provide service access.

PART 3  EXECUTION
3.1 INSTALLATION
A. Coordinate fixture location with basin geometry to minimize splash and false activation.
B. Verify power routing, clearances, and access panels prior to close in.

3.2 COMMISSIONING
A. Set sensor activation range and shutoff delay.
B. Verify flow meets schedule target and does not cause splash.
C. Verify soap dispense volume and drip control.
D. Provide settings and as installed configuration in closeout documentation.

MEP checklist for plans, install, and closeout

Design and bidding phase

• Confirm fixture schedule includes flow target, mounting type, finish, and power strategy.
• State temperature control approach: cold only, pre tempered, or mixed with centralized control.
• Define basin pairing intent: spout reach and outlet type aligned to minimize splash.
• Call out service access for control modules, batteries, soap reservoirs, and filters.
• Identify where electrical scope is required and whether power is low voltage or line voltage as applicable.

Construction phase

• Flush lines before connecting solenoids. Use debris protection or temporary strainers during construction.
• Verify pressure is within operating range at each restroom group, not only at building entry.
• Confirm sensor calibration in actual lighting conditions after mirror and wall finishes are installed.
• Verify soap dispense is set for the selected soap type and is stable after refill.

Closeout and commissioning

• Record sensor settings for each restroom group: activation distance, shutoff delay, and maximum run time.
• Record flow measurement at representative fixtures at stabilized pressure.
• Provide battery type and replacement interval expectations where battery powered fixtures are used.
• Provide spare parts list and recommended stocking for solenoids, sensor windows, and seals.

Verified links and technical references