No-touch, automatic-flush toilets are pretty much standard in public restrooms because, well, you know, people are nasty, but more manufacturers are adding the technology to their residential products.
Piscataway, New Jersey-based American Standard is the latest to do so. The company says its new ActiVate technology provides a hygienic, no-touch toilet flush by a simple wave of a hand within 2 inches of the sensor. “No touching means fewer germs and that equals healthier living,” the company’s press release reads.
The company designed the product with straight, smooth sides, making it easy to clean and included EverClean antimicrobial additive that inhibits the growth of stain, odor-causing bacteria, mold, and mildew. And it does this while using only 1.28 gallons of water per flush as opposed to 1.6 gallons for standard toilets.
Four AA batteries power the sensor, and they should last for up to two years, assuming an average of 12 flushes per day. Plus, a low-power indicator lets you know when it’s time to replace the batteries.
This all sounds good–assuming the toilet works like it’s supposed to work (and that’s a big assumption, because this is technology after all). If you read the comments ( here) on Lowes.com, users have some questions about consistency.
The good thing is that even if the electronic feature doesn’t work, a manual flush button also will do the job.
American Standard Brands is a subsidiary of LIXIL Corporation.
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