Warning: The new 'smart' faucet at the hardware store demo station in Tacoma just sprayed me in the face.

I was checking the motion sensor at the big box store and it activated from a reflection, soaking my shirt and proving you should test these things with water off first.

3 comments

3 Comments

drew96520d ago

Ha, yeah, I learned that lesson the hard way too. Best thing to do is always cover the sensor with your hand before you turn on the water, or just use the manual override if it has one. I've been burned by those things enough that now I just treat every new faucet like it's out to get me. If you're testing one at the store, literally block the sensor with a paper towel or your whole palm before touching the handle. Saves you from getting a face full of cold water and looking like a fool in the plumbing aisle.

rowan21mo ago

My old boss said those sensors can't tell the difference between a hand and a shiny belt buckle.

cameron5381mo ago

Oh man, that reminds me of the automatic paper towel dispenser at my gym. Thing goes off if you just walk past it with your gym bag. I swear it's haunted or just hates saving paper. Watched a guy try to dry his hands for a full minute, waving like crazy, nothing. Then his buddy walks up and it just starts spitting out towels nonstop. Makes zero sense.