That’s a fair point—sometimes the “smart” features just add complexity without much real benefit. I’ve noticed that with touchless faucets too; they’re neat in theory, but if the wiring or sensors get finicky, you’re left troubleshooting instead of just washing your hands. I lean toward fixtures with fewer moving parts for that reason. It’s not just about brand, but also about how much tech you actually want to maintain. Sometimes simpler really is better, especially for stuff you use every day.
“I lean toward fixtures with fewer moving parts for that reason. It’s not just about brand, but also about how much tech you actually want to maintain. Sometimes simpler really is better, especially for stuff you use every day.”
Couldn’t agree more with this line of thinking. Here’s what I’ve learned after swapping out a lot of fixtures over the years:
- Simple mechanical faucets (single handle, ceramic disk) tend to last way longer and are way less hassle. Fewer things to break, and if something does go wrong, replacement parts are easy to find.
- Touchless or “smart” features sound great on paper, but when you’re managing multiple units or even just your own place, troubleshooting sensors or battery packs gets old fast. I had a motion-sensor kitchen faucet in one unit—looked cool, but tenants kept calling about it not working right. Ended up replacing it with a standard lever model after a year.
- Brand does matter for build quality, but even the best brands can overcomplicate things with extra features. I usually stick with mid-range models from reputable brands—nothing too fancy, just solid brass internals and straightforward design.
- Maintenance is a big deal. If you’re not keen on crawling under sinks or fiddling with wiring every few months, go low-tech. The “set it and forget it” approach saves time and money in the long run.
Honestly, I get why people like the idea of touchless—especially in public spaces—but for home use or rentals, it’s just another thing that can go sideways. If you’re looking for reliability and ease of use, sticking to basics is usually the smarter call.
Funny thing is, the tenants almost never notice the difference unless something breaks. They just want it to work every time. That’s what matters most at the end of the day.
Had to laugh reading this because it brought back memories of a “smart” shower valve install I helped with last year. The homeowner was set on this digital panel thing with presets and all sorts of bells and whistles. Looked amazing, but within six months, I was back out there because the touchscreen stopped responding. Ended up being a wiring issue behind the wall—total pain to get at. The old-school thermostatic valve it replaced had been running for 20+ years with nothing more than a cartridge swap.
I get the appeal of new tech, but I’d rather deal with a leaky washer than a dead circuit board. Honestly, the less I have to mess with electronics and batteries in wet spaces, the better. I will say, though, there’s a place for touchless in some situations—like if you’ve got little kids who never remember to turn off the tap. Still, for most folks, it’s hard to beat simple and sturdy.
I hear you on the “smart” fixtures. I’ve been called out to more than one flooded bathroom because a sensor faucet or digital valve glitched out—sometimes it’s just a dead battery, but other times it’s a fried board and you’re tearing into tile. Honestly, water and electronics just don’t mix well long-term. If safety and reliability are priorities, I’d stick with mechanical valves and tried-and-true hardware. Less to go wrong, and if something does, you can usually fix it without ripping half the wall apart. Tech’s cool, but not when you’re ankle-deep in water at 2am...
I get the appeal of all the fancy touchless stuff, but honestly, I just don’t trust it in my own house. Every time I see those “smart” faucets at a friend’s place, I wonder how much it’s gonna cost when something inevitably goes haywire. I’m not saying the tech isn’t cool, but when you’re on a budget and you want things to last, simpler is usually better.
Had a neighbor who put in a digital shower valve—looked awesome, until it started acting up after a year. Ended up needing a specialist and a chunk of drywall replaced. Meanwhile, my old-school handles just keep chugging along. If you’re worried about leaks or surprise repairs, I’d stick with the tried-and-true stuff. Less stress, less money down the drain (literally). Sometimes, “dumb” is just smarter in the long run.
