The downside: Touchless toilets can come with a hefty price tag
In a world where technology reigns supreme, the latest craze among homeowners is smart plumbing. Prepare yourself to witness a surge of touchless toilets transforming once-ordinary bathrooms into high-tech havens. Embracing advanced technology, touchless toilets offer a plethora of benefits. Say goodbye to germ-related fears and the unpleasant task of touching the flushing handle after every bathroom visit. These toilets handle the flushing for you, eliminating the need to reach out and press the handle.
Many smart toilets come equipped with additional features like built-in bidets, self-cleaning functions, and temperature controls. Apart from maintaining a germ-free environment in your bathroom, a touchless toilet can leave a lasting impression on guests and spark conversations at gatherings. However, before you dive into purchasing a touchless toilet, it's essential to weigh the cons against the pros.
Smart home technology can enhance the healthiness of your living space, but be prepared for the hefty price tag that often accompanies these futuristic upgrades. Upgrading to a new toilet can already be a significant investment, even without any high-tech features. The cost of installing a standard toilet typically ranges from $200 to $800, depending on whether you opt for a DIY approach or hire a professional for the job. However, if you're eyeing a smart toilet with touchless technology, be ready to shell out between $600 and $2,000 for this advanced convenience.
Furthermore, the installation process for a smart toilet can get complicated. According to Dan DiClerico, the director of the Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, if your bathroom lacks an electrical outlet near the toilet, you may need to budget a few hundred dollars to hire an electrician for the installation. Additionally, if the electrical outlet is battery-powered, ongoing battery replacement costs should also be factored in. Before being seduced by the allure of a hands-free flushing experience, remember that the convenience of smart toilets comes with its own set of inconveniences in terms of maintenance and expenses.
Are smart toilets really worth the high price tag? That's a question many consumers are asking themselves. Not to mention, the functionality of high-tech home items, like touchless toilets, may not always live up to the hype. This can be particularly frustrating with older sensor models, as certain clothing materials, such as black or softer fabrics, can pose detection challenges. According to Bill Strang, President of Operations for luxury toilet brand TOTO, "If you got a flush valve that might be an electronic sensor from 20 years ago, it's likely you may have a bit of a challenge."
On the other hand, a user on Quora raised concerns about touchless toilets, with others echoing similar sentiments. Common complaints included toilets flushing unnecessarily and being too noisy. Before investing in a touchless toilet, it's advisable to test one out in a public restroom to gauge its performance. This trial run can help you determine if it aligns with your preferences, justifies the cost, and suits your bathroom needs.
