Chicago Faucets is expanding the application of its Auto-Drain® Shower System to better support water management strategies in athletic facilities and other high-traffic public environments with a new brochure. Designed to address the unique usage patterns of locker rooms and team shower areas, the system provides a proactive approach to managing water stagnation at the point of use.
Showers in athletic facilities—including schools, universities, training centers, and stadiums—often experience intermittent or fluctuating usage. Periods of inactivity between practices, games, or seasonal schedules can allow water to remain in shower piping, creating conditions that support the growth of waterborne pathogens such as Legionella.
The Auto-Drain® Shower System is engineered to automatically purge standing water from the piping, and hoses after each use cycle—without requiring manual intervention from staff. By removing residual water downstream of the valve, the system helps reduce stagnation risks and supports healthier plumbing conditions in shared shower environments, see it in action.
This automated approach aligns with industry guidance, including ASHRAE 188 and CDC recommendations, helping facility managers implement effective water management practices in athletic and recreational settings where consistent maintenance protocols can be challenging.
“Locker rooms and athletic facilities face unique water management challenges due to variable usage and high occupant turnover,” said Richard Nortier, VP of Products & Marketing at Chicago Faucets. “Auto-Drain® provides an automated, reliable solution that helps facility operators reduce risk, simplify maintenance, and support safer environments for athletes and guests.”
Key system benefits for athletic facilities include:
- Automatic drainage of stagnant water after each use
- Reduced need for manual flushing in low-use or off-season periods
- Support for water management programs in shared shower environments
- Compatibility with both new construction and retrofit locker room applications
Auto-Drain® is available in multiple configurations, including fixed showerheads and handheld sprays, low flow, and remodel versions ensuring complete drainage of all outlets. Select models meet EPA WaterSense® criteria and comply with ADA and applicable plumbing codes, supporting both sustainability and accessibility goals.
By integrating automated drainage directly into the shower system, Chicago Faucets experts provide athletic facility designers and operators with a practical, long-term solution to address stagnation risks and improve overall water system performance.
About Chicago Faucets
Chicago Faucets is a leading manufacturer of high-performance plumbing fittings for commercial and institutional applications, with a focus on durability, safety, and water management innovation. In 2026, Chicago Faucets proudly celebrates 125 years of engineering excellence and trusted performance. As part of the Geberit Group, the company supports facility managers, engineers, and designers with solutions that enhance water safety and system reliability across a wide range of building types.
MINI CASE STUDY
Addressing Water Stagnation in Athletic Locker Room Showers
The Challenge
A professional sports organization identified a hidden risk within its locker room infrastructure: stagnant water in low-use shower systems. Because the facility’s locker room was used primarily on game days, water often remained in pipes and hoses for extended periods. This created conditions where bacteria, including Legionella, could develop—posing a potential risk to athlete health in a high-performance environment.
The Solution
As part of a locker room renovation, the facility team implemented a shower system designed to automatically drain residual water from key components after each use. By removing standing water from the hose and internal piping in under a minute, the system helps reduce the potential for bacterial growth without requiring manual intervention or changes to user behavior.
The Results
The upgrade strengthened the organization’s overall approach to athlete wellness and facility management. Training and medical staff gained added confidence in the cleanliness of locker room environments, while facility operators benefited from a low-maintenance solution that supports long-term water safety. Additional features, including water efficiency and temperature stability, aligned with broader operational and sustainability goals.
