Bradley introduced the Washfountain in 1921 as a practical solution to the needs of industrial facilities where large numbers of employees needed to wash up quickly. More than a hundred years later, this flagship product remains a trusted fixture in plants, warehouses, schools, and countless other facilities. The Washfountain’s group handwashing design continues to provide efficiency, durability, and long service life in industrial and commercial environments.

Maximizing Space and Throughout

The Washfountain’s circular and semi-circular designs allow multiple people — up to eight at a time — to use the same fixture. This saves floor space compared to a row of individual sinks and helps keep traffic moving during shift changes or breaks. For facilities managing large workforces, this layout remains an effective way to handle peak demand. For industrial and other facilities where every square foot matters, this compact design remains a major advantage.

Built for Longevity

Washfountains are constructed from materials such as stainless steel, terrazzo, Bradstone, and Terreon® solid surface. These materials are selected for strength, resistance to heavy use, and ability to withstand demanding environments. With proper maintenance, units often remain in service for decades, and replacement parts are readily available, ensuring Washfountains stay operational with minimal downtime.

Simplified Installation and Upkeep

From an operational standpoint, installation requires only a single connection for hot, cold, and waste plumbing, reducing labor and material costs. Once in place, Washfountains are straightforward to maintain. Options such as foot controls or infrared sensors incorporate automatic shut-off valves, which help conserve water and reduce wear on internal components.

Resource Efficiency

By using less water, less space, and fewer materials, this group handwashing design also reduces water and energy use compared to multiple banks of sinks. Sharing plumbing connections and using controlled water delivery minimizes waste. Facilities benefit not only from lower utility costs but also from a reduction in materials and maintenance requirements.

Enduring Role in Industry

Although originally developed for factories, Washfountains have been adopted by schools, airports, stadiums, and other high-traffic environments where handwashing is frequent and space is limited. Their lasting role is a reflection of how well the design aligns with practical facility management needs: compact footprint, reliable performance, and economical operation.

While technology in many areas of building systems has changed dramatically since the early 20th century, the Washfountain has remained largely consistent because its original design addressed fundamental operational challenges. By saving space, conserving water, and offering durability, it continues to provide a straightforward solution for facilities that need group handwashing on a daily basis.