Piezo Technology in Sanitary Applications: Small in Appearance, Big in Impact

A quiet click, a subtle splash, and the water flows – without a lever, without a knob, without frantic waving in front of a sensor. What appears to be a modern sensor faucet is actually based on a completely different technology in many public restrooms: the piezo effect. In this article, you will learn how piezo technology works and why it has proven so successful in sanitary facilities.

How a piezo faucet works

The term "piezo" comes from Greek and means "to press". Certain crystals and ceramics generate an electrical voltage under pressure – a principle already used in gas lighters or inkjet printers.

In a piezo faucet, this works as follows: A light press on the flush-mounted button generates a voltage pulse that opens a solenoid valve. Water flows for a preset time. Another press of the button stops the water flow prematurely if necessary. The electronics are protected within the faucet body.

Piezo, sensor technology, or self-closing – advantages and disadvantages compared

Each of the three common faucet technologies has its strengths and weaknesses. Here's an honest comparison:

Mechanical self-closing faucets

Advantages: - Operate without electricity – no batteries, no mains connection - Lower acquisition costs - Simple, proven technology

Disadvantages: - Mechanical wear of springs and pressure mechanism with intensive use - Flow time only restrictively adjustable - No automatic hygienic flush - Surface contact during operation – hygienically suboptimal

Sensor faucets (infrared)

Advantages: - Completely touchless operation – highest hygiene standard - Programmable hygienic flush possible - Comfortable and intuitive

Disadvantages: - Sensor optics can become dirty, iced over, or damaged - False triggers with reflective surfaces, dark clothing, or unusual lighting conditions - Higher acquisition costs - More susceptible to vandalism

Piezo faucets

Advantages: - No moving parts in the button – minimal wear - No sensitive sensor optics – immune to dirt and lighting conditions - Clear triggering by deliberate button press (no false triggers) - Vandalism-proof design with solid stainless steel cover plate - Programmable hygienic flush and adjustable flow time - Long lifespan even with intensive use

Disadvantages: - Operation requires contact with the button (not completely touchless like sensor technology) - Higher acquisition costs than mechanical self-closing faucets - Power supply via battery or mains connection necessary

Conclusion of the comparison: Those who prioritize the highest hygiene through completely touchless operation are well advised to use sensor technology. Those looking for maximum robustness, vandal resistance, and reliability under harsh conditions are better off with piezo. Mechanical self-closing faucets remain the most cost-effective solution for simple applications with moderate usage frequency.

What distinguishes piezo faucets in practice

Beyond the pros and cons, it's worth taking a closer look at some piezo-specific features:

• Hygienic flush against legionella: If a faucet remains unused for a long time, water in the pipe stagnates – a breeding ground for bacteria. The programmed hygienic flush runs automatically and effectively prevents stagnation.
• Water saving through clear limits: The preset flow time prevents water from running unnecessarily. Combined with a flow-restricting aerator (6 l/min for washbasin faucets), this results in noticeable savings compared to conventional solutions.
• Easy adjustment during operation: Flow time, hygienic flush, and other usage parameters can be adjusted using the optional SLD 04 remote control – without dismantling, without tools, directly on site. This saves time during commissioning and allows for quick fine-tuning if requirements change during operation. For properties with many faucets, it goes a step further: With the Sanela Smart Sanitary System, electronic sanitary devices can be centrally controlled and monitored via a web interface. The system allows, among other things, remote parameterization of faucets, triggering hygienic flushes, monitoring water consumption and frequency of use, automatic notifications via email or SMS, and detailed analyses for optimizing building operation. Especially for hospitals, schools, hotels, and large public properties, this is a valuable tool for legionella prevention, reducing water and energy consumption, and efficient management. Contact us – we will be happy to clarify which control option suits your project.

Typical areas of application

Piezo solutions play to their strengths wherever high usage frequency, demanding hygiene, and vandal resistance converge: in schools, hospitals, sports facilities, train stations, and public toilets. In correctional facilities and security-critical areas, suicide-resistant piezo versions are state of the art.

Piezo solutions in the Armatron shop

In the Armatron shop, you will find tested piezo solutions with a vandal-resistant stainless steel cover plate (3 mm) and security screws:

• Wall-mounted faucet, concealed, for cold or pre-mixed water, with piezo button – washbasin faucet with flow-restricting aerator (6 l/min), hygienic flush, suicide-resistant spout, and adjustable flow time (2–62 sec.). Suitable for prisons and security-sensitive areas.
• Concealed shower control, piezo-controlled, for cold or pre-mixed water – shower control with hygienic flush and adjustable flow time (10–310 sec.). Also vandal-resistant and suitable for use in prisons.

Both solutions can be conveniently adjusted with the optional SLD 04 remote control.

Conclusion

Piezo technology shows how a simple physical principle can achieve great things in practice: hygienic, economical, and almost indestructible. Are you planning a new building or renovation? We will be happy to advise you on the right solution – by phone at +41 44 825 62 62 or by email at info@armatron.ch.