Touch-free Models

Touch-free Models | Toilet Upgrades and Replacements | Plumbing | Cookeville

Imagine walking into your Cookeville bathroom and watching the lid rise automatically, the flush engage without a touch, and the seat close itself—all courtesy of HEP’s latest touch-free technology. Our plumbers specialize in toilet upgrades and replacements that pair sleek, sensor-driven fixtures with water-saving efficiency, turning an everyday routine into a cleaner, hands-free experience. From selecting the right model to precision installation, we handle every detail so you can enjoy spotless convenience and lower utility bills from day one.

Whether you’re renovating a single powder room or outfitting an entire commercial property, HEP delivers prompt scheduling, transparent pricing, and workmanship guaranteed to stand up to Tennessee’s toughest water conditions. Let our friendly, background-checked pros show you how a modern, touch-free throne can elevate comfort and hygiene—then relax while we haul away the old unit and leave the space spotless. Ready for a smarter flush? Call HEP today and discover why your neighbors trust us for the finest toilet upgrades and replacements in Cookeville.

FAQs

What advantages do touch-free toilets offer over traditional models for Cookeville homeowners?

Hands-free flush valves eliminate the need to touch germ-covered handles, reducing the spread of bacteria and viruses—an important benefit for busy households and commercial spaces alike. Modern sensor-activated toilets are also designed with high-efficiency 1.28-gpf (gallons per flush) or 0.8/1.1-gpf dual-flush technology, so you can cut water consumption by up to 30 % compared with older 1.6-gpf units common in many Cookeville homes. Finally, the sleek, handle-free profile makes cleaning around the tank easier and gives your bathroom a contemporary look that can increase resale appeal.

How does a touch-free flushing system actually work?

A small infrared or electromagnetic sensor is mounted on—or inside—the tank or flushometer. When it detects that a user has moved away, it sends a low-voltage signal to an electronic solenoid valve, briefly opening the water supply to initiate the flush. The valve then reseats and the tank refills through a standard fill valve. Most residential sensor kits operate on replaceable lithium batteries that last three to five years or on an optional low-voltage plug-in transformer. Because the electronics are sealed, moisture from normal shower humidity will not damage the circuit board.

Will a touch-free toilet work with the existing plumbing rough-in and drain lines in my Cookeville house?

Yes. Almost all residential touch-free toilets—and retrofit sensor kits—are engineered for the standard 12-inch rough-in used throughout Tennessee. They connect to the same 2-inch or 3-inch drain flange and ⅜-inch water supply line as a conventional toilet. If your home was built before the 1980s and still has a non-standard 10-inch or 14-inch rough-in, our licensed plumbers can recommend an offset flange or a compatible model so you don’t have to move the drain line. All installations are performed to current Tennessee State Plumbing Code and City of Cookeville inspection requirements.

What is the installation process and how long will it take?

1) Pre-visit phone consultation to confirm rough-in size and discuss model preferences. 2) On-site arrival, shut-off of the water supply, removal and eco-friendly disposal of the old toilet. 3) Inspection and cleaning of the closet flange; replacement of wax or rubber seal. 4) Placement and leveling of the new toilet bowl, connection of the tank (or wall-hung carrier) and sensor module. 5) Water-tight hook-up to the shut-off valve, programming of sensor range, and flush tests. 6) Final caulk seal and haul-away of debris. A straightforward swap generally takes 2–3 hours. Converting a commercial restroom to multiple touch-free flushometers may require a half-day, depending on the number of stalls and whether new electrical outlets are added for hard-wired power.

How much water—and money—can I expect to save by upgrading?

If your current toilet was installed before 1994, it probably uses 3.5 gallons per flush. Replacing it with a WaterSense-certified 1.28-gpf touch-free model saves about 2.22 gallons each time. In an average household of four people flushing five times a day, that’s roughly 16,200 gallons of water saved per year. At Cookeville’s 2024 residential water rate of about $0.0056 per gallon (including sewer charges), you could trim your utility bill by $90–$100 annually—meaning many new toilets pay for themselves in 2–4 years, not counting potential rebates offered by Upper Cumberland Utility District for high-efficiency fixtures.

What ongoing maintenance or troubleshooting do touch-free toilets require?

Routine care is nearly identical to a manual toilet: use non-abrasive cleaners on the bowl, make sure the trapway stays clear, and inspect the flapper or seal every few years. Specific to touch-free units: • Replace batteries when the indicator light flashes or after about 200,000 cycles. • Wipe the sensor lens with a soft cloth; mineral deposits can cause false triggers. • If the flush becomes weak, check the filter screen inside the solenoid valve for sediment—Cookeville’s water hardness can leave scale over time. • In the rare event of electronic failure, the valve typically defaults to a manual flush mode, so you’re never without a working toilet. All parts are modular, and our plumbers stock common sensors and solenoids on the truck for same-day repairs.