Chicago Faucets is expanding the application of its Auto-Drain Shower System beyond healthcare into a broader range of public and commercial facilities, providing engineers and facility managers with a proactive solution for managing water stagnation at the point of use.
In public facilities where usage can vary, the Auto-Drain Shower System ensures water doesn’t sit idle. It automatically drains shower supply piping to help reduce stagnation risk and promote healthier water systems. An Auto-Drain diverter model is also available to also purge water left in the hose for showers that also have handheld spray with hose.
Showers in schools, athletic facilities, parks and recreation buildings, stadiums, senior living communities and other public environments are particularly susceptible to intermittent use patterns. Periods of low or inconsistent usage can allow water to remain trapped in shower piping, creating conditions that support the growth of waterborne pathogens such as Legionella, nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
The Auto-Drain Shower System is engineered to automatically drain standing water from the valve, pipes, and hoses after each use cycle —without requiring user or staff intervention. By removing residual water downstream of the valve, the system helps reduce the potential for microbial amplification within the shower assembly.
This approach supports building water management programs aligned with industry guidance, including ASHRAE 188 and CDC recommendations, by addressing one of the most persistent challenges in premise plumbing systems: stagnation at infrequently used outlets.
“Many non-healthcare facilities face the same water quality risks as hospitals, but without the same level of oversight or resources,” said Richard Nortier, vice president of products and marketing at Chicago Faucets. “Auto-Drain brings a proven, automated approach to managing stagnation directly at the shower, helping specifiers extend water safety strategies across a wider range of buildings.”
Auto-Drain is available in multiple configurations, including systems with fixed showerheads and handheld sprays, ensuring complete drainage of both outlets. Select models meet EPA WaterSense criteria and comply with ADA and applicable plumbing codes, supporting both efficiency and accessibility requirements.
