Every great invention starts with a problem. For Peter and Linda Pubben, that problem was the constant failure of hands-free faucets. The year was 1994, and their Calgary-based company, Integra Dynamics Incorporated, specialized in dental equipment repair. Day after day, they saw the very devices meant to improve hygiene—electronic sensor faucets—causing endless headaches for dental professionals due to faulty sensors, dead batteries, and expensive repairs. They knew there had to be a better way.
An Idea Powered by Water
This firsthand experience sparked a mission: to create a hands-free system that was not just effective but exceptionally reliable and user-friendly. Instead of patching up flawed technology, they decided to build something new from the ground up. In 1995, after extensive development, they launched the first Tapmaster. It wasn’t just another gadget; it was a complete re-imagining of faucet control.
The genius of their design was its elegant simplicity. The Pubbens decided to sidestep electronics entirely. Their system would be powered by the one thing every faucet already had: water pressure. This breakthrough meant no more sensors to fail, no batteries to replace, and no complex wiring under the sink. By harnessing the power of physics, they created a valve system with no sliding seals or o-rings—the very components that cause most leaks—making their product virtually fail-proof.
The Professional’s Choice
The dental industry, a field where hygiene and reliability are non-negotiable, immediately recognized its value. Tapmaster quickly became the leading choice for hands-free faucet control in dental practices across North America. The success proved their concept: a product that just works, every time.
What began as a solution to a niche problem has since grown into a universal standard for reliability. The product line, including the sleek Model 1775 Euro-style foot activator, is designed to blend seamlessly into any setting, from a high-traffic commercial kitchen to a modern family home.
A Legacy of North American Quality
Today, Tapmaster is a second-generation family business, and that founding ethos of quality and integrity is stronger than ever. The company they built is a testament to doing things the right way. They are a proud living wage employer, with every product being manufactured in Canada using materials sourced entirely from within the US and Canada. Before any Tapmaster leaves the facility, it is rigorously tested to ensure it meets their exacting standards.
Engineered for Your Everyday
This commitment to the user experience means anticipating your needs and ensuring the system is as practical as it is innovative:
- Universal Compatibility: Worried it won’t work with your new faucet? Don’t be. Tapmaster is designed to work with any standard faucet.
- Simple Installation: You don’t need to be a plumber to install it. Most users have their Tapmaster up and running in less than 20 minutes with just basic hand tools.
- Built to Last: A 10-year residential warranty (5 years commercial) backs every product, a promise of lasting quality.
- Flexible Use: Having guests over who aren’t used to it? No problem. Many activators can be latched on, allowing the faucet to be used manually.
- Sustainable and Repairable: In a world of disposable products, Tapmaster stands apart. They design their products to be fixed, not thrown away, and can provide the exact part you need for any repair, thanks to their meticulous serial number tracking.
The Tapmaster story isn’t just about a clever invention; it’s about a family’s commitment to solving a problem with ingenuity and integrity. It’s about the convenience for the home chef with messy hands, the peace of mind for the parent trying to prevent the spread of germs, and the promise that their product will simply work, every time.
