#USA #Chicago #Chicago Faucets #water management #Auto-Drain

Chicago Faucets Expands Auto-Drain® Shower System

In a significant move, Chicago Faucets is expanding the reach of its innovative Auto-Drain® Shower System, which is now designed for a broader array of public and commercial buildings. This expansion comes as a critical response to the growing need for effective water management strategies, particularly in facilities where usage is sporadic. With its automatic drainage capabilities, the system addresses the often-overlooked issue of water stagnation that can lead to health risks.

Addressing Water Stagnation Risks

Public facilities such as schools, gyms, and recreation centers often face fluctuating water usage that can leave standing water in pipes, creating a breeding ground for pathogens like Legionella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The Auto-Drain® Shower System automatically eliminates residual water from shower supply lines after each use, effectively deterring the growth of harmful microorganisms. It includes a diverter model that also clears water left in hoses used by handheld spray attachments.

Richard Nortier, the Vice President of Products and Marketing at Chicago Faucets, highlighted the unique challenges faced by public and commercial structures: “Many non-healthcare facilities face the same water quality risks as hospitals, but they often lack the necessary oversight or resources.” The introduction of the Auto-Drain® offers a proactive solution to mitigate these risks and extend water safety measures across diverse infrastructures.

Enhancing Water Safety and Compliance

The importance of addressing stagnant water can’t be understated, as research shows it poses similar health threats in non-medical environments. By automatically draining standing water from valves and hoses, the Auto-Drain® Shower System aims to reduce the need for manual flushing protocols, ensuring compliance with industry standards such as ASHRAE 188 and CDC recommendations. This approach also supports building water management programs, essential for maintaining water quality in facilities with variable usage patterns.

Key Features and Benefits

The Auto-Drain® system delivers several advantages:

• - Automatic Drainage: System drains all stagnant water promptly after each use, ensuring no residue remains.
• - Reduced Manual Maintenance: This efficiency cuts down on the reliance on labor-intensive flushing practices commonly used in less frequently occupied facilities.
• - Applicability for New and Existing Buildings: The system can be seamlessly integrated into both new projects and retrofit applications.
• - Compatible with Various Shower Types: The Auto-Drain system is available in configurations that include both fixed and handheld showerheads to ensure comprehensive drainage.
• - Efficiency Standards Compliance: Some models are compliant with EPA WaterSense® criteria, ADA regulations, and various plumbing codes.

By introducing this advanced system, Chicago Faucets provides a vital tool for specifiers seeking reliable solutions for water stagnation. As building codes and public health guidelines continue to evolve, the necessity for systems like the Auto-Drain® will undoubtedly gain prominence.

Conclusion

Chicago Faucets’ Auto-Drain® Shower System exemplifies a significant leap toward enhancing public safety and water management across various facilities. As it celebrates 125 years of innovation in plumbing fittings, the company remains committed to addressing pressing concerns related to waterborne pathogens and stagnant water. Building owners, engineers, and facility managers looking to enhance their water safety measures should definitely consider incorporating this state-of-the-art technology into their maintenance strategies.

For more information about how to implement the Auto-Drain® Shower System in your facility, visit Chicago Faucets’ official website or download their product brochure.