It was probably intended to save water and perhaps to prevent flooding in non-domestic lavatories or "washrooms". I am thinking about the push tap. You must have encountered this incredible invention yourself. Only, it is not so incredible is it?
My experience of push taps has been like this. Firstly, I have soap on my hands and I press the tap only to find that there is no delay in the system. It's okay when the tap is pressed - the water flows - but immediately upon release the water stops and you are left with soap on your hands.
Secondly, the temperature of the water may be unbearably hot so you can't wash your hands under the push tap. Thirdly, after pressing, the push tap won't stop working as the continuously flowing water gushing from it threatens to empty the local reservoir.
I can only imagine that the push tap was invented by Margaret Thatcher, Joseph Goebbels or some equally horrible individual intent on bringing misery to the western world. Another despicable invention you find in "washrooms"is the electric hand drier but please don't get me started on those damned things.
I don't like the taps where there's a sensor that knows your hands are under the tap. Sometimes it turns water on and sometimes it doesn't. So I look like a dork waving my hands under the faucet trying to get the water running.
ReplyDeleteHow could a noble former teacher possibly look like a dork?
DeleteJust an other example of the work of experts....drips under pressure!
ReplyDeleteDrips under pressure? Are you talking about the taps or the experts' bladder control?
DeleteIn theory, it probably looked like a good idea, just like the sensor ones Red mentions in his comment are a good idea in theory - no touching of the tap, and therefore reduced risk of infections in public washrooms. But - in my opinion - there was/is nothing wrong with those taps that have one handle which you lift to let the water flow and push down to stop it; turn it to the left and the water gets hotter, to the right it gets colder. Yes, countless people before me have touched it with their hands, carrying who knows what germs, but by washing my hands with soap and (preferably!) hot water, I can greatly reduce the risk of catching something there.
ReplyDeleteWhat bothers me is that, more often than not, you go somewhere public (restaurant, trade fair, office...) and it's those ladies dressed to the nines and made-up as if for carnival who are the first to leave the washroom... without having washed their hands, but having made sure their facial mask is intact and no hair is out of place.
It hadn't occurred to me that there might be a hygiene factor in the invention and proliferation of push taps.
DeleteRegarding the second paragraph, did you man that some German women like to look like carnival clowns - with big red noses and massive lips? Not a good look in my view.
More often than not, what they put on their faces is more war paint than clown.
ReplyDeleteYou mean they are like Native Americans (aka Red Indians)? That means that the men they battle with must be cowboys. Do the painted frauleins have tomahawks in their handbags?
DeleteIn my experience, the more things are automated, the less likely they will work for very long. For example, electric windows in a car. Just give me a handle and let me roll them up and down myself.
ReplyDeleteOr take these modern car keys where you press a remote button. If you happen to lose them be prepared to spend a lot of money and endure a lot of trouble. Simple is usually best.
DeleteI seem to have led a charmed life. Push taps are not my nemesis. As for electric hand driers I think that the air blade type is absolutely brilliant. Mind you anything less is a real PITA.
ReplyDeleteWhat's wrong with a towel? You don't need to call out technicians to fix them.
DeleteThey are always wet and full of germs. Paper towels are ok.
DeleteHow come I have survived so long - drying my hands on all those germ-filled towels?
DeleteLuck!
DeleteMESSAGE TO SPAMMERS - GET OUT OF THE BLOGOSPHERE YOU ANNOYING CREEPS!
ReplyDelete