People spend roughly 80% of their lives inside buildings—whether at restaurants, offices, hospitals, schools, airports, stores, or homes. That also means they spend a significant amount of time in those buildings’ restrooms. Research shows that a restroom experience directly influences a person’s perception of a facility, ultimately impacting their likelihood of returning.
In fact, according to GP PRO, over 70% of surveyed patrons said they would never return to a restaurant with dirty restrooms, and 69% noted that an unclean restroom leaves a lasting negative impression.
Given these statistics, ensuring a restroom experience that adds value for users, owners, and operators is crucial. The key to achieving this? Smart building technology.
What is a Smart Restroom?
At the core of a smart building lies the Internet of Things (IoT), where sensors connect physical items to a centralized digital platform accessible via internet-enabled devices. This interconnectedness allows facility managers, property owners, and custodial teams to remotely monitor and control various building systems, from lighting and HVAC to fire protection and security.
In commercial restrooms, sensor-based innovations are already present in touchless fixtures like automatic toilets, faucets, air care systems, and hands-free soap and paper towel dispensers. However, the missing piece is connectivity. When these sensors integrate into facility maintenance software, restrooms will transition from merely innovative to fully intelligent spaces.
“As technology becomes more prevalent in our daily lives—from smartphones to smart TVs and even self-driving cars—there’s a growing expectation for digital transformation in commercial facilities,” said Alex Marren, aviation senior vice president and president at ABM, a leading provider of facility solutions across the U.S. and globally, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. “Businesses recognize the efficiencies and benefits that technology offers and want to leverage them to improve their operations.”
What Does a Smart Restroom Look Like?
Imagine a restroom that never runs out of essential supplies because custodial staff receives instant alerts when paper towels, soap, or tissue levels are low. Picture a cleaning team equipped with real-time data on restroom usage, ensuring toilets, sinks, and urinals remain spotless. Envision a flush valve that detects leaks before they escalate or water systems that can be shut off remotely to prevent overflow or wasted water.
The Business Case for Smart Restroom Technology
Smart restrooms offer a wealth of benefits, from cost savings to improved user experiences and operational efficiency.
1. Cost Savings
Implementing smart restroom technology can lead to significant cost reductions. Facilities can cut labor costs by eliminating unnecessary supply checks and optimizing custodial scheduling based on actual usage data. Additionally, predictive maintenance helps prevent costly equipment failures, extend fixture lifespans, and reduce waste by ensuring full utilization of consumables before replacement.
2. Enhanced User Experience
A clean, well-maintained, and fully stocked restroom is crucial for a positive user experience. With real-time insights into plumbing issues, supply levels, fixture performance, and restroom usage, maintenance teams can address concerns proactively, ensuring a consistently high standard of cleanliness and functionality.
3. Improved Staff Accountability & Engagement
Smart restroom technology doesn’t just detect issues—it also tracks maintenance responses. Management can receive detailed reports on when paper towels were refilled, leaks repaired, or cleanings completed. This transparency fosters greater accountability among custodial teams and ensures that tasks are completed promptly and efficiently.
“There is absolutely no downside to smart restrooms,” Marren emphasized. “They address critical challenges related to budgets, staffing, and user satisfaction. What was once a concept of the future is rapidly becoming a reality, delivering measurable value to all who use commercial facilities.”
Final Thoughts
As businesses continue to seek solutions that optimize efficiency and enhance customer experiences, smart restroom technology is poised to become a game-changer. With its ability to improve operations, reduce costs, and elevate restroom standards, the transition to smart restrooms is not just a trend—it’s the future of commercial facilities.
Are you ready to invest in a smart restroom for your facility? Contact GP Pro today to learn more!
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