Plumbing just got more interesting with the development of touchless faucets, also called automatic faucets. We had gotten used to the old school faucets that needed you to turn them on before water started spouting out. However, are you familiar with touchless faucet problems?
If you need an upgrade, the touchless faucets become a perfect place to start. A touchless faucet uses an infrared sensor that prompts the faucet valve to turn on. You get water running by simply placing your hands below it. An infrared detector and sensor work with the faucet valve to deliver water automatically. [1]
In this article, we focus on the problems coming with touchless faucets. As much as having them in your tap systems sounds intriguing, they come with a good share of their problems.
If you have found yourself in this article, you might be going through a touchless faucet problem. Don’t worry. This article provides you with the essential information that might help you navigate your current problematic situation.
You will also find some fantastic tips on how to solve any of those touchless faucet problems in case they occur.
What are touchless faucets, and how do they work?
A while ago, I visited my friend in the company of my youngest nephew. My friend had the touchless faucet installed in all her sink areas. When my nephew went to wash his hands and learned how they worked, he thought it was magic. So maybe some people may believe in that direction too.
The touchless faucets don’t work by any magical powers. Instead, they use infrared detectors and sensors installed in them. The infrared detector recognizes when your hands get placed under the faucet.
On the other hand, the infrared sensor prompts a response from the faucet valve that opens and lets water come out. So, if you have wondered how it works, that’s how. [2]
Common touchless faucet problems you may experience?
We have detailed some major faucet problems that most homeowners seem to experience more often with these faucet fixtures.
High costs
Touchless faucets prove expensive to install and run. Unlike the traditional touch facets, they require electricity and advanced technology to operate. Most homeowners find this a problem since they also have to cater to the cost of acquiring the faucets too.
Touchless faucets come equipped with fixed settings
The technology that these faucets use requires the use of primary faucet settings. You don’t get to customize the settings for your user’s benefit for such faucets. For instance, some faucets have settings for dispensing warm water only. Whether your budget or needs don’t suit the settings, you get stuck with it anyway.
High energy consumption
Just as the touchless faucets add to your comfort, they also consume energy. Some come electricity-powered, while others rely on batteries. If you get the rechargeable battery faucets, it becomes suitable for you. However, if you find that you bought the ones that need the batteries replaced periodically, you face a challenging journey with the energy consumption rate.
Accidental faucet activation
It becomes another struggle installing these classy faucets with children or pets in the home. Any accidental passing on the infrared detector prompts the activation of the faucet. That way, you may end up wasting too much water and electricity.
The sensors tend to malfunction.
The sensors age over time and may start to malfunction. The environmental changes might contribute to a malfunction too. If dust tempers with the sensor and the faucet malfunctions, it stops working.
How to fix touchless faucet problems
- To tackle the initial high installation, you need to acquire the faucet first. Research the cheaper faucet options and also invest in a more affordable plumber. This way, you will cut down the total cost installation cost.
- Before purchasing the faucet, find out the settings of the faucet. Then, go for specific faucets depending on your home needs. You don’t get stuck with a tap that doesn’t deliver what you wanted.
- You may go for the electrical and rechargeable battery faucets to sort out the energy consumption cost. You may turn off the electricity when the faucets are not in use with the electric ones. On the other hand, rechargeable battery faucets won’t require battery replacement periodically. That way, you will have saved a few bucks.
- To prevent accidental faucet activation, turn off the electricity when not using the faucet for the electrical touchless faucets. You may also make a cage for the faucet area to prevent pets and children accidentally activating it.
- Consult the manufacturing company whenever the sensors start malfunctioning. Replacing them with a newer version might do the trick. For example, if the entire faucet system has malfunctioned over the years, you might need to replace the whole faucet system. Replacing it will save you from water and energy wastage.
Why does the touchless faucet turn on by itself?
Have you noticed that your touchless kitchen faucets might be turning on by themselves? This scenario might mean two things.
- Your pets or children might be interfering with the faucets. These little buddies may be causing your problem. You will need to develop a solution to keep them off the taps. You may also power off the electricity or battery power source whenever you don’t use the faucet.
- It could be malfunctioning. If you have used your touchless faucet for a long time, it could be aging. Conducting the manufacturer may be helpful. They may help you replace some essential parts or advice you on replacing your faucet with a new one.
Common touchless faucet brand problems
Over time, we have discovered that certain brands present particular problems for touchless faucets. Have a look at this analysis, and it might help you when deciding on a faucet brand.
Moen touchless faucet problems
Some problems associated with the Moen touchless faucet include
- Leaking and low pressure
- Not working
- The leaking could occur due to a weak joint along with the faucet. Check and tighten all joints to prevent the leaking.
- When it comes to the faucet not working, it could be battery failure, electricity failure, or poor connection. So first, check to ensure the availability of electric power and recharged batteries for the battery-enabled faucets.
Ensure that the data cable and the power source cable get plugged in tightly and securely. Next, let a plumber or technician check for the infrared sensor to ensure they haven’t malfunctioned. Your Moen touchless faucet might just get saved if you follow these steps.
How to reset a Moen touchless faucet
If you still have trouble, resetting your faucet will be another solution. To go about it, follow the following simple steps.
- Check under the sink for the control box
- Disconnect the power source of the control box
- Also, disconnect the data cable attached to the control box
- Finally, please give it up to five minutes to reset
- Reconnect the data and power cables to the control box and power it on.
What are the Delta touchless faucet problems?
You could be experiencing a functionless or leaking problem from your delta touchless faucet. Like in the Moen faucet, check the batteries or the electrical power source.
Tighten the valve in case of leaking and replace the infrared detector and sensor if leaking persists. The malfunctioning of the adapter and sensor causes most touchless faucet problems.
Kohler touchless faucet problems
This touchless faucet comes with a manual override mode in a power shortage. Unfortunately, for most Kohler touchless faucets, the manual override mode gets responsible for it not working. To sort out this menace, you need to override the system.
To override the settings, check under the sink for the valve box. Then, turn it clockwise to enter manual mode and anticlockwise for the automatic mode. That way, your sensor will pick up again.
Tips on how to disable touchless faucets
At one point, you might need to disable your touchless faucet. The following steps will help you achieve that mission successfully.
- Locate the faucet handle and ensure its turns on
- Pull it out away from the faucet
- Place your hands on the front two sensors for five seconds
- Wait until the blue light on the lower sensor flashes once and disables the lower front sensor
- Turn the handle off
The above steps will guarantee a successful disabling procedure.
The Final Word
If you have or intend to install the touchless faucet system in your home, this article gets you more than ready. To tackle any touchless faucet problems, follow our tips, and you will enjoy continued plumbing comfort.
Michael Davis is a heating & plumbing expert who currently works as independent contractor in SC. He also writes for Plumbertip.
For almost 10 years he worked on various plumbing tasks across South Carolina.
