Creeped out by bathroom bacteria? Apparently, you’re not alone-a survey by Kohler Co. hints that just over half of consumers are. (That number jumps to 65% percent for moms with kids.) Kohler’s solution is Touchless Toilet Technology, which uses a sensor mounted under the tank lid that activates flushing when a hand is placed over it. The secret is an electromagnetic field projected by the sensor, which is powered by 4 AA batteries. You can buy the system built-in on Kohler’s Cimarron and San Souci toilets, or as a retrofit kit designed to work on any single-flush toilet with a canister or flapper-type mechanism.
Touchless toilet models are manufactured without a flush lever; homeowners installing a retrofit kit can replace the existing lever on their commode with a color-matched cover for a similarly clean look.
Sensor batteries need replacement every 6 to 12 months.
Starting at $248 (white, round-front Cimarron) at Home Depot; see kohler.com/wheretobuy for a complete list of retailers.
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Kohler's Touchless toilet flushes with a wave of the hand.
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Touchless flush is available on Kohler's San Souci and Cimarron models (shown).
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The flush is activated by a sensor hidden under the toilet lid.
