Touch-free Flush Valves
Touch-free Flush Valves | Toilet Upgrades and Replacements | Plumbing | Lynchburg
Step up to a cleaner, smarter restroom experience with HEP’s touch-free flush valves. Our certified Lynchburg plumbers replace clunky levers with sensor-activated technology that wipes out germ spread, curbs water waste, and adds a modern edge to any bathroom—commercial or residential. Imagine the confidence of knowing every flush happens automatically, every time, without anyone touching a handle.
Whether you’re renovating a single powder room or retrofitting an entire facility, we make toilet upgrades and replacements simple from start to finish. We’ll evaluate your existing plumbing, recommend right-sized valves for optimal flow and savings, then install them with minimal downtime. Ready to trade manual flushing for motion-sensing convenience? Call HEP today and flush your worries away.
FAQs
What is a touch-free flush valve and how does it work?
A touch-free (sensor-activated) flush valve replaces a manual toilet handle with an infrared sensor that detects when a user steps away. When the sensor’s field is cleared, it automatically releases a measured volume of water to flush the bowl. The valve then resets for the next user. Because no physical contact is required, the system helps reduce the spread of germs in high-traffic restrooms.
Why should I upgrade to touch-free flush valves in Lynchburg?
Upgrading offers three main advantages for Lynchburg property owners: 1. Hygiene – Eliminating the handle reduces touchpoints, an important benefit in schools, offices, medical facilities, and restaurants. 2. Water savings – Modern sensor valves are calibrated for 1.28 gpf (gallons per flush) or less, compared with many older 3.5 gpf toilets. With the current Lynchburg water/sewer rate structure, this can cut annual utility costs by 20–40 % per fixture. 3. ADA & code compliance – The 2021 Virginia Plumbing Code recognizes sensor valves as compliant with accessibility requirements because no grasping, pinching, or twisting is required.
Can a touch-free flush valve be retrofitted to my existing toilets or do I need complete replacements?
In many cases we can retrofit your existing commercial-grade toilets by replacing the handle-style diaphragm or piston valve with a sensor body that threads onto the same 1-inch IPS supply. We always begin with a site inspection to verify bowl compatibility, supply pressure, and rough-in height. If the bowls are older than 1994 or if they require more than 1.6 gpf to clear properly, we may recommend a full toilet replacement with a high-efficiency fixture to guarantee performance and maximize water savings.
How are sensor flush valves powered and what maintenance do they require?
Most models we install in Lynchburg use long-life lithium batteries rated for 3–5 years or 200,000 cycles. A flashing LED lets your staff know when it’s time to change the battery—a 2-minute job requiring only a screwdriver. Hard-wired 24-V options are available for new construction or where a power supply is convenient. Routine maintenance is similar to manual valves: periodic cleaning of the strainer and replacement of diaphragms or piston seals every 3–5 years, depending on water quality.
What is the typical installation timeline and will my restroom be out of service?
For a straight retrofit, our licensed plumbers can install and commission each touch-free valve in about 30 minutes, so most restrooms are back online the same day. If full toilet replacements are required, plan on roughly 1 hour per fixture. We coordinate work in stages to keep at least one restroom operational whenever possible and can schedule after-hours or weekend service for Lynchburg businesses that cannot afford downtime.
Do I need permits or inspections for a touch-free flush valve upgrade in Lynchburg?
The City of Lynchburg requires a simple plumbing permit when any valve or fixture is altered. Our team handles the permit application, fee, and scheduling with the Inspections Division. For retrofits that don’t disturb drain lines, the inspection is typically visual and may be waived at the inspector’s discretion. Upon completion we supply you with documentation showing the fixtures meet EPA WaterSense, ADA, and Virginia Plumbing Code standards for your records or future resale.