Commercial Restroom Reflections: Elevating Restroom Design with FLITE-DEC™

Efficiency, hygiene, and durability are the pillars of a strong commercial restroom. For high-traffic environments like airports and entertainment venues, these needs are amplified. Sloan is addressing these challenges head-on with its new, innovative FLITE-DEC Sink System. This integrated solution combines a faucet, soap dispenser, hand dryer, and basin into a single, streamlined unit, resulting in a system that not only enhances the user experience but offers significant advantages in maintenance, sustainability, and design flexibility.

To provide deeper insight into the FLITE-DEC system, we sat down with Emerson Vogel, Sloan's Product Line Manager for Sink Systems. Below, Emerson shares the design philosophy, technological advancements, and practical benefits that make the FLITE-DEC system a premier choice for modern commercial spaces.

What were the primary challenges in high-traffic commercial restrooms that inspired the creation of the FLITE-DEC Sink System?
Transportation, entertainment, and hospitality markets’ restrooms experience high traffic and need to stay functional. For example, airport restrooms are some of the most demanding commercial environments imaginable. They consistently experience high traffic with very little downtime. A non-functioning faucet, an empty soap dispenser, or a faulty hand dryer can quickly lead to backups, passenger complaints, and a negative perception of the facility. Downtime is a massive challenge.

We designed the FLITE-DEC system to directly combat these issues. It's not just a beautiful sink; it's incredibly durable. The basin-mounted components are robust and engineered to withstand the rigors of constant use. We also focused on maintenance efficiency. For example, the system can be configured for chase access, allowing maintenance crews to service components from behind the wall without closing the restroom. This dramatically limits disruptions and keeps facilities operational.

The integrated design is a key feature. How does combining the faucet, soap, and dryer into one basin benefit facility managers and architects?
The integrated, basin-mounted design is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it significantly improves hygiene and cleanliness. With all components located over the basin, water, soap, and air are contained. This minimizes water pooling on surrounding deck surfaces and reduces water on the floor, which is a major factor in preventing slip-and-fall incidents—a huge concern and expense for facility operators.

For architects and designers, this system aligns perfectly with modern design trends that favor clean lines and decluttered spaces. We're seeing a huge push for wall or basin-mounted components. The FLITE-DEC system meets this demand in a cohesive and elegant way, where all components match and are available in all of our finishes. We also integrated a shelf behind the basin, providing a dedicated space for personal belongings off the floor and away from wet surfaces, which is a frequently requested sink feature.

Let's talk about durability. What makes the FLITE-DEC components robust enough for environments like airports, stadiums, and convention centers?
We knew these components had to be tough. In our research, we saw facilities with fixtures in high-traffic areas that were failing—literally hanging off the wall or held together with duct tape. While many basin-mounted spouts on the market look sleek, they often can't withstand the vandalism and heavy use common in public spaces.

We re-engineered our spout collection for the FLITE-DEC with added bracketing behind the basin for superior stability. As a result, our components can withstand up to 150 pounds of downward force. This is a huge differentiator. It ensures the fixtures remain secure and functional over time, prolonging the life of the entire system and providing peace of mind for facility managers.

Maintenance is a critical pain point for facility managers. How does the FLITE-DEC system simplify maintenance and reduce labor costs?
We focused heavily on optimizing maintenance workflows. The top-fill soap system is a prime example. The large, 2.8-gallon closed soap reservoir provides up to 10,600 hand washes per fill. In a typical high-traffic setting, that can last four to five weeks. Refilling is done from above the counter with a simple "lock and go" bottle, eliminating the need to get on the floor and access cabinets below the sink.

Furthermore, it’s a closed system. This prevents airborne contaminants, bacteria, and even purposeful vandalism from compromising the soap supply. Unlike open or bulk-feed systems where one issue can take down multiple soap stations, our one-to-one ratio ensures that if one reservoir is empty, the others continue to function. This reduces downtime, keeps restrooms hygienic, and lowers labor costs associated with frequent refills and service calls.

What customization options are available for architects and designers looking to specify the FLITE-DEC?
Flexibility is key. The FLITE-DEC system is incredibly versatile. We offer both solid surface and quartz materials, which aren’t common among all manufacturers. The dimensions are highly customizable to accommodate renovations or specific alcove requirements as well.

We also offer a full range of accessories crucial for high-traffic environments, such as integrated baby-changing stations, trash holes, and our standardized trash enclosures in laminate or stainless steel. All of our standard enclosure options, including angled and vertical designs, are available. For maintenance access, our stainless-steel enclosures feature a magnetic hold-open design, making servicing under-deck components easy and safe. With additional customization offerings such as bag hooks, LED lighting, beveled and rounded sink edges, multi-height, and an array of colors and finishes, the sky is the limit when it comes to customization.

How does the FLITE-DEC system support sustainability goals and cost-saving initiatives?
On the sustainability front, we can work with customers who want to use specific sustainable materials, like Red List Free options. We also support facilities using federal funding from programs like the Buy America Act (BAA), as our sinks are fabricated, assembled, and shipped from our U.S.-based facilities.

From a cost-savings perspective, the return on investment is significant. The reduction in slip-and-fall liability is a major factor. The integrated hand dryer eliminates the recurring costs of purchasing, stocking, and disposing of paper towels. Most importantly, the dramatic reduction in maintenance labor and downtime translates directly to operational savings over the life of the system. By creating a more efficient, durable, and hygienic restroom, the FLITE-DEC system provides tangible long-term value.