Are touchless taps durable for everyday use? (Kitchen | Appliances & Fixtures)

If you’ve been scrolling through kitchen renovation ideas lately, you’ve probably noticed touchless taps popping up everywhere—showhomes, design magazines, and even your neighbour’s newly renovated kitchen in Sydney’s Inner West. They look sleek, they feel high-tech, and they make you feel like you’re living in a futuristic smart home. But the big question every Sydney homeowner asks is: are touchless taps actually durable for everyday use, or are they just another fancy gadget waiting to break?

Let’s break it down in a simple, down-to-earth way, without the confusing tech jargon—because nobody needs a lecture when they just want to wash their veggies.

1. The short answer: Yes, touchless taps ARE durable — if you choose the right one.

Most modern touchless kitchen faucets are designed to handle daily family life in Sydney homes—messy kids, constant cooking, non-stop washing, and the never-ending cycle of “someone spilled something again”. Good brands have built these taps with long-lasting sensors, corrosion-resistant materials, and strong internal cartridges that hold up just as well as traditional mixers.

But durability depends on:

• The quality of the tap (cheap versions often fail early)

• The type of sensor

• The installation quality

• The environment (busy kitchens vs low-use kitchens)

• The water quality (Sydney’s water is fine, but older pipes can affect longevity)

In other words, it’s like buying shoes: the $20 pair might look cute today, but don’t enter a marathon with them.

2. What makes a touchless tap durable?

Sydney homeowners are often surprised that most touchless taps are built with the same internal mechanisms as high-end standard taps—just with added technology.

Here’s what gives them long lifespan:

a. Advanced infrared sensors

Modern sensors are not the old “wave your arm around like you’re summoning a spirit” type. They’re:

• More accurate

• Less sensitive to water droplets

• Designed to handle heavy use

• Built to last many years

Quality brands claim their sensors are tested for hundreds of thousands of activations. That’s basically enough for every cup, carrot, and dirty hand in your kitchen for years.

b. Solid brass or stainless steel bodies

If durability had a favourite material, it would be brass. Most good touchless taps use:

• Solid brass construction, or

• 304 stainless steel, which resists rust

These materials don’t wear out any faster simply because the tap has a sensor.

c. Ceramic disc cartridges

This is the heart of your tap—the part that controls the water flow.
The good news? Touchless taps use the same ceramic cartridges as premium standard taps, which last for years when paired with good-quality water.

d. Sealed electronics

The “techy bits” in a touchless tap are sealed to resist:

• Moisture

• Steam

• Temperature changes

• Splashing during cooking chaos

If your tap can survive a Sydney weekend BBQ cleanup, that’s already a good sign.

3. Will the sensor fail over time?

This is the fear everyone has.

Truth is, sensor failures are rare in reputable brands, especially since the latest generation uses multi-beam infrared technology.

What actually causes problems is:

• Poor-quality imports

• Wrong installation

• Water damage from leaks inside cabinetry

• Incorrect power setup

• Battery corrosion

With proper installation and a reliable brand (like Caroma, Methven, Grohe, or Hansgrohe), the failure rate is very low.

4. Are touchless taps too “fragile” for family kitchens?

Not at all. If anything, they survive family life better than standard taps because:

• Kids don’t yank the handle

• Sticky fingers don’t touch the mixer

• Food oils don’t build up around the lever

• There’s less mechanical wear over time

Think of it like automatic doors at a shopping mall—they open thousands of times a day without falling apart. Same theory.

5. What about batteries? Do they affect long-term durability?

Most touchless kitchen taps in Sydney run on:

• AA batteries, or

• Hardwired power units

Battery-powered models usually last:

• 6–12 months under normal family use

• Longer in low-use households

Changing batteries doesn’t affect durability. It’s just routine maintenance—like replacing smoke alarm batteries, but much less annoying.

Hardwired options? Even better. Zero battery replacement, stable performance, and cleaner installation.

6. Will Sydney’s water quality affect durability?

Sydney generally has good-quality mains water, so there’s no immediate threat to touchless sensors or tap internals. But if you live in:

• An older suburb with old galvanised pipes

• A home with sediment in the lines

• A property with limescale issues

…then any tap (touchless or not) can experience reduced performance.

Installing a simple sediment filter can make your taps last longer—not just touchless ones.

7. Are touchless taps harder to maintain?

Surprisingly, they’re often easier to keep clean.
Why?
Because fingerprints and smudges don’t end up on the lever—there isn’t one!

Maintenance usually involves:

• Wiping the body weekly

• Checking the battery once a year

• Inspecting hoses occasionally

Same as a standard tap.

No special cleaning sprays. No delicate treatments. No NASA-level science required.

8. Are touchless taps worth it in a Sydney kitchen renovation?

If durability is your main concern, here’s the truth:
A good-quality touchless tap will last just as long—if not longer—than a standard mixer.

And the benefits make it even more appealing:

• Hygienic cooking and food prep

• Water-saving (it turns off automatically)

• Great for kids

• Great when your hands are full

• Modern aesthetic

• Perfect for busy Sydney lifestyles

It’s a mix of practicality and luxury that feels very “Sydney 2025”.

9. Common situations where touchless taps perform exceptionally well

• Families with young kids
  No more “Mum, I can’t reach the handle!”

• Cooking lovers
  Kneading dough? Marinating meat? No problem. Tap responds instantly.

• Elderly or mobility-challenged residents
  No twisting or turning required.

• Entertainers
  A touchless tap instantly impresses guests—bonus points!

• Open-plan kitchens
  Sleek, modern, and mess-free.

10. How long do touchless taps really last?

With proper installation, most last 10–15 years or more—exactly the same lifespan as a premium standard mixer.

Some high-end systems even come with multi-year warranties covering:

• Sensors

• Cartridges

• Electronics

• Body components

This shows manufacturers are confident in the durability.

Final verdict: Are touchless taps durable for everyday use?

Absolutely.
If you choose a reputable brand, get proper installation, and avoid bottom-shelf budget models, a touchless tap can survive the busiest Sydney kitchen with ease. They’re not fragile, not high-maintenance, and not short-lived. In fact, they often outlast standard taps because of reduced mechanical wear.

Touchless taps aren’t just a design trend—they’re one of the most practical upgrades you can add to a modern kitchen renovation.

For more information about kitchen renovation, bathroom renovation, and laundry room renovation services, visit www.mb9.com.au.