Category Five Technologies
Category Five Insights
Before You Buy: 7 Questions to Ask About Commercial Facility Equipment
Practical ideas, industry trends, and smarter facility solutions for facility managers, maintenance directors, and building professionals.
Current Issue
September
2026
Issue #3
Welcome to Issue #3
This month we're focused on one of the most common questions we hear from facility managers and contractors: how do you know you're buying the right equipment? We've also got a new product category, a community impact update, a team spotlight, and recent customer reviews.
This Month's Insight
Before You Buy: 7 Questions to Ask About Commercial Facility Equipment
The lowest price on a quote isn't always the lowest-cost choice. But the most expensive product isn't automatically the smartest purchase either.
After more than 20 years helping customers select commercial restroom and hydration equipment, we've seen how decisions that look simple on paper can become much more complicated after installation.
A hand dryer may require electrical changes that weren't included in the original budget. A replacement flush valve may look right but not match the existing fixture. A bottle filling station may add an ongoing filter requirement. And equipment that works perfectly well in a small office may be the wrong choice for a busy school, airport, stadium, or public facility.
That's why we think there's a better question than "Which product costs less?"
Which product makes the most sense for this facility?
Before placing an order, consider seven questions:
The 7 Questions
Will it actually work with what we already have?
Is it built for the traffic and conditions in our facility?
What will our maintenance team have to do after it's installed?
If something breaks five years from now, can we fix it?
What will it cost us after we buy it?
What does the warranty actually cover?
Will it work for the people who actually have to use it?
Sometimes those questions lead to the premium product.
Sometimes they show that the less expensive option is all the facility actually needs.
The goal isn't to buy cheap equipment or expensive equipment.
It's to buy the right equipment once.
Quick Facility Tip
Create a Record for Every Major Piece of Equipment
One of the easiest facility-management habits to start costs almost nothing. Keep the following information in one central location for each hand dryer, faucet, drinking fountain, bottle filler, water heater, and other major fixture:
- Manufacturer and model number
- Serial number
- Clear photo of the manufacturer's model or serial-number label
- Purchase and installation dates
- Warranty information
- Installer or contractor contact information
- Replacement filter or part numbers
- Maintenance schedule
- Repair and service history
This simple record can save time when ordering parts, requesting warranty assistance, planning maintenance, or deciding whether equipment should be repaired or replaced.
New at ProDryers
Explore Our New Adult Changing Stations Category
ProDryers has expanded its commercial restroom offerings with a new category dedicated to adult changing stations.
These stations provide a safer, more appropriate changing surface for individuals who cannot use standard baby changing stations. They can be important additions to airports, schools, museums, recreation centers, healthcare facilities, entertainment venues, highway rest areas, and other public buildings serving visitors with a wide range of needs.
Our new category includes adult changing stations from ASI, Bradley, Koala Kare, and Sova, with both powered height-adjustable and fixed-height options available.
Selecting the right station involves more than comparing prices or load ratings. Facility teams should also review:
- Height range and transfer position
- Usable changing surface dimensions
- Available room space and clearances
- Wall and floor construction
- Electrical requirements
- Caregiver access
- Installation requirements
- Project specifications
The new category page includes product comparisons and practical buying guidance to help contractors, architects, and facility managers evaluate the available options.
Explore Adult Changing StationsWhy It Matters
Dignity and Access for Every Visitor
Adult changing stations address a real gap in public facility accessibility. For individuals with disabilities who require a full-body changing surface, the absence of appropriate facilities can make entire venues inaccessible.
The BABIES Act (2016) requires adult changing stations in certain federal buildings. Many states and municipalities have adopted similar requirements. Even where not required, these stations reflect a commitment to serving all visitors.
Community Impact Spotlight
A New Hydration Station for the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose
Category Five Technologies is proud to announce the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose as the first recipient of our Community Impact Program.
Through the program, the museum received an Elkay LZ08WSSK filtered, refrigerated bottle-filling station with a single ADA water cooler. The new unit replaced an Elkay surface-mounted, filtered, non-refrigerated bottle filling station.
While the previous unit provided visitors with a convenient place to refill bottles, the new hydration station expands access by combining a hands-free bottle filler with a traditional drinking fountain and refrigerated water. This gives museum visitors more ways to stay hydrated during their visit.
The upgrade will serve an organization that welcomes thousands of children, families, students, and community members each year.
Before
AfterThe Museum's Impact by the Numbers
Meet the Team
Featured Employee
Customer Service and Sales Representative
Marianne
Marianne has been part of the Category Five Technologies team for more than 10 years and is a top sales representative. She is known for building strong relationships with customers and working hard to help each one find the right solution for their facility.
Her experience, dedication, and commitment to customer service have made her an invaluable part of our team.
Outside of work, Marianne loves spending time with her family. She is a proud baseball mom who can often be found cheering on her two boys from the stands at their games.
Spotlight Reviews
What Our Customers Are Saying
"This company's streamlined shipping is great! We received both of our fountains long before the date we estimated. The product was in perfect condition and operates accordingly. We honestly have no complaints about the product or the service the company provides. We will definitely be purchasing from your company again. Thank you, Gregg Pearson, Designer, Rehkemper Truss Of Sikeston"
Gregg P
"Have used Prodryers in the past and have always been a good company to do business with."
Chad M
"Very seamless and convenient."
Dennis C
Coming in October
Preparing Your Facility for Colder Weather
Next month, we'll look at steps facilities can take before temperatures fall, including seasonal maintenance, outdoor drinking fountain preparation, freeze-resistant equipment, and common problems that should be addressed before winter arrives.
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