California State University, Dominguez Hills reduces water and maintenance costs with faucet standardization

California State University, Dominguez Hills has adopted a standardized approach to restroom plumbing fixtures to improve efficiency and sustainability. The facilities department transitioned from using five faucet types to a single model, Chicago Faucets’ HyTronic touchless system, across all campus buildings.

Jeffery Phelps, plumbing services supervisor, said the decision was driven by rising labor costs and logistical challenges. “The first thing I did when I became a supervisor was to standardize all faucets on campus moving forward,” he said.

Also read: After Newsom's address: Trump may strip California schools of all grants, escalating battle over state pol


The new faucet system allows the department to maintain a limited inventory of five ready-to-install units. Maintenance and replacements are streamlined due to reduced component variety. “Each brand requires its own replacement parts, sometimes up to 40 different components,” Phelps said. Standardization has reduced repair time and minimized downtime.

Touchless faucets improve efficiency and water safety

Faucet maintenance is incorporated into the university’s annual building inspections. Plumbing technicians clean components, inspect aerators, and ensure mixing valves remain clear of debris.

“We take the faucets apart, clean them and make sure the aerators are working properly,” Phelps said. Store-bought batteries are used for replacements to cut ongoing costs.

Phelps noted that installation and servicing are simplified. Pre-installed hoses and above-deck access reduce the need for disassembly. “You remove one screw, and the entire thing comes apart,” he said. Battery packs are also easily accessible with one screw removal.

Cleaning is also easier for custodial staff. “There are not a lot of cracks or areas for them to scrub,” Phelps said. “They just use a microfiber towel and wipe them down.”

Labor and water use reduced across campus

The faucet upgrades have allowed the facilities department to maintain service levels despite reduced staffing. “The new faucets help us out a lot because we are very short-staffed,” Phelps said. Previously, manual two-handled faucets required significantly more time to maintain.

Also read: US: Crackdown on diversity programmes is reshaping college graduation ceremonies

The new sensor faucets also mitigate problems caused by Prato’s hard water. Calcium build-up on solenoid screens is resolved by rotating in cleaned solenoids. “We take the dirty solenoid back to the shop to clean it and get it ready for the next faucet,” he said.

To comply with ASSE 1070 scald protection standards, mixing valves are tested and adjusted to remain under the 105°F maximum. “We run the water, test the temperature, and adjust it until the water is at the preferred temperature,” Phelps said.

Low-flow fixtures advance sustainability and cost goals

The HyTronic touchless faucets are part of the university’s strategy to meet LEED and CalGreen requirements. Each faucet delivers water at a low flow rate of 0.35 gallons per minute. The automatic shut-off feature ensures water only runs when hands are detected.

The university has installed more than 300 sensor-operated faucets. Each unit costs approximately $800, though the cost was partially offset by a $1,000 grant awarded to a student who studied the water savings benefits of touchless fixtures. “So, we got two faucets for the price of one,” Phelps said.

According to Phelps, the new system has reduced faucet-related failures. Only two replacements have been required, both due to graffiti damage. “When your hands are in the faucet, it runs,” he said. “When they are removed, the water shuts off.”

Also read: IQ above 145, SAT score of 1580: Father shocked as valedictorian son faces rejection from Ivy league colle

By implementing a standardized plumbing system with sensor faucets, California State University, Dominguez Hills has reduced operational costs, improved labor efficiency, and met key environmental goals tied to sustainable infrastructure development.