Faucet and Shower Units
Chicago Faucets Auto-Drain Shower System
Protect your facility and users from waterborne pathogens.
Standing water in plumbing is a top concern in commercial facilities — especially those serving healthcare, senior living, and hospitality environments. When water sits unused in pipes or shower hoses, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria such as Legionella, posing serious health risks to users.
The Chicago Faucets Auto-Drain Shower System provides a smart, automatic solution. Unlike standard showers where water remains in the plumbing after shut-off, this system is designed to purge standing water from the shower valves, plumbing lines, and even the hand-spray hose. The result is a cleaner, safer system that minimizes stagnant water and helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
Why Stagnant Water is Dangerous
According to the CDC, stagnant or low-flowing water in plumbing systems can:
- Encourage the growth of biofilm
- Reduce disinfectant levels
- Lower water temperature
These conditions create an ideal environment for Legionella and other waterborne pathogens to thrive. The problem often arises in rarely used showers — such as those in patient rooms, dormitories, or recreational facilities — where water may sit for days or weeks between uses. Legionella spreads when users swallow the water or breathe in the mist from a contaminated shower. Contracting Legionella can be fatal.
What is Legionella?
Legionella is a type of bacteria commonly found in soil and natural water sources. In the plumbing systems of buildings, it can multiply when water stagnates, particularly in warm temperatures. When that water is aerosolized — for example, when a shower is turned on — the bacteria can be inhaled, potentially leading to Legionnaires’ disease or Pontiac fever.
While many people exposed to Legionella do not become sick, those at higher risk include:
- Older adults
- People with compromised immune systems
- Individuals with chronic lung disease or a history of smoking
The fatality rate for Legionnaires’ disease is estimated at 10% for healthy individuals and up to 25% for those with underlying conditions.
How the Auto-Drain Shower System Helps
The Auto-Drain Shower System from Chicago Faucets is engineered to automatically empty the entire shower assembly after each use — including valves, pipes, and hand-spray hoses. This feature dramatically reduces water stagnation throughout the system, minimizing risk without requiring manual flushing or special maintenance routines.
This makes it ideal for:
- Showers that see irregular or unpredictable use
- Facilities serving elderly or immunocompromised populations
- Environments where infection prevention and water safety are top priorities
Auto-Drain Shower System Configurations
Chicago Faucets offers a range of options to meet various facility needs, including complete systems and retrofit kits for existing installations.
Complete Stagnation Prevention Showers Include:
- Fixed showerhead
- Hand spray with hose
- Diverter valve
Valve and Trim Options
There are two valve types and five trim configurations for integrated or separate drain valve setups.
Pressure Balancing Shower Valve Options
- Round with integrated valve drain
- Round with separate valve drain
Thermostatic/Pressure Balancing Valve Options
- Round with integrated valve drain
- Round with separate valve drain
- Square with separate valve drain
Showerhead Options
- Flow rates: 1.5, 2.0, or 2.5 GPM
- Adjustable spray patterns
- Ligature-resistant options available
- Styles include Chicago Faucets models 600-CP, 620-CP, 620-LCP, 621-CP, 621-LCP, 622-CP, and 622-LCP
Hand Spray Options
- Available with 69.5” stainless steel or white vinyl hose with integrated drain
- Mounting choices: ADA grab bar or slide bar
- Flow rates: 1.5, 1.75, or 2.5 GPM
How to Buy Chicago Faucets Auto-Drain Shower Systems
Equiparts carries the full line of Chicago Faucets products, including all Auto-Drain Shower System components and configurations.
To get the right setup for your facility, contact us for a quote or assistance selecting the configuration that meets your application requirements.
Fall Promotion:
Select Auto-Drain Shower configurations and components are on sale through December 12, 2025. Explore the current promotion and take advantage of special pricing.
Watch the video below featuring Joe E. as he reviews the basics of the Chicago Faucet Auto-Drain Shower System.
