A kitchen faucet with a touch feature is a great feature and convenient for you to use. However, what if you have toddlers who might accidentally turn the water on or off in your home.
In addition, what if you have pets in your house, which can also activate the touch feature? How will you deal with this issue?
This guide will show you how to bypass or disable touch feature on a kitchen faucet so that you can better conserve water and prevent water leaks. Let’s check it out!
See more: What is the best kitchen faucet for low water pressure?
What Is The Difference: Touchless Vs Touch
Touch & touchless kitchen faucets are two types of high-tech kitchen faucets. Unfortunately, many people get confused as they assume that the two types function similarly for practical use. Here is a brief overview of the distinctions between these product types.
Touchless faucets are commonly known as touchless kitchen faucets. Such faucets do not need physical contact to get water flowing. Instead, they have a sensor that lets them detect sound, motion, and heat to operate. Hence, their price is higher than other faucets.
Conversely, touch-tech faucets need physical contact with your fingertips. Therefore, the manufacturer determines how each touch-tech faucet functions, including its exact design and performance.
Some touch-tech faucets are designed to function similarly to a smartphone’s touch screen, while others have a complex setup. While they are much cheaper than touchless faucets, they still cost more than standard ones on the market.
Turning off the motion sensor on a touch-on or touchless faucet is usually done similarly. So if you have a touchless one, this information may still be helpful to you.
Related: how to replace the o ring on a Moen kitchen faucet
How Do I Turn Off My Kitchen Faucet’s Motion Sensor?
There are various ways to disable the motion sensor on the kitchen faucet. Delta, Moen, and Kohler are three popular brands that will be taking a closer look at how to turn off their motion sensors safely.
On A Moen Kitchen Faucet
This method applies to Moen MotionSense Dual Sensor-Hands Free faucets. Before you begin disassembling any faucet, it’s always best to make sure that the device is switched off and not running water.
These faucets have a black control box with three hoses underneath the sink, and the control box is solid. You don’t need special equipment to disable the sensors, merely your hands.
First, release the handle from the faucet, then shut it off. Next, place your hands over both sensors for 5 seconds, and voila! The dispenser is entirely disabled.
Alternatively, you can flip the handle to the on position and hold your hands over both sensors for approximately 10-20 seconds.
Then, once you hear a ping sound when the bottom sensor is put in place, lift your hands and wait for the blue light of the bottom sensor to flash every 5 seconds, then every 10 seconds before lifting your hands from it. This indicates that both sensors have been disabled.
On the other hand, repeat the previous procedures to enable the sensors. Next, plug them into outlets, and they will turn on automatically. You will know they are working when you see them flickering.
See also: how to clean a Delta pull down kitchen faucet aerator?
On A Delta Kitchen Faucet
Disabling the touch function on a Delta faucet is more complicated than on a Moen faucet. The first step in bypassing the solenoid is to remove the batteries from the battery pack of your touch-free faucet.
Afterward, disconnect the solenoid that operates your magnetic valve by loosening and removing the spade clips.
After that, take off the electronics module (the black box). Then connect the battery’s positive connection to the negative terminal of the solenoid valve.
On the other hand for a split second, connect the battery’s negative connection to the battery’s positive terminal. After that, the faucet should touch the function off and work manually.
Related: Moen vs Delta Kitchen Faucet reviews
On A Kohler Kitchen Faucet
Despite the wide variety of functions and features available on Kohler kitchen faucets, they’re relatively simple to use. There are a few methods to disable the touch technology feature on most models.
Some Kohler may be turned off by turning on the valve box’s manual override option. For example, you can operate the faucet manually by finding the valve box underneath the sink and turning the manual override function clockwise until it no longer resists movement. You can now operate the faucet normally.
In addition, several Kohler faucets have a backup option to disable. For example, under the sink, you will find a valve with a manual override that will disengage the sensor.
If you can’t find instructions or choose not to keep them with your faucet after purchasing it, no worries – the steps shouldn’t change too much between brands of similar faucets.
Other Methods To Disable Your Kitchen Faucet’s Touch Function
There aren’t many methods for deactivating the touch function on faucets with built-in motion sensors. One option is to buy a specific brand or model of kitchen sink faucet. In addition, you can check third-party sites for reviews for this specific product.
Alternatively, you should consider:
Remove the battery
Remove the battery by unscrewing the top of the battery compartment door. It’s a quick and easy way to convert your touch faucet to a manual one that doesn’t have any pesky unwanted touching.
Pull the plug
Before installing your touch faucet, have a professional electrician determine whether or not your home has a high current electrical system. They can tell you if there is enough wattage to support a touch faucet before you go ahead with the installation.
They only use a minimal amount of electricity, so you don’t have to worry about uninstalling them.
Switch off the valve panel.
We noted a valve box option beneath the faucet when we discussed each specific brand above.
If your faucet offers this feature, you should investigate the possibility of an automated override function such as a knob or slit switch to turn. Also, look for different designs that may be present in which you can eliminate using the touch technology altogether on your own.
Take out the solenoid.
Many alternatives are available for those who do not desire to keep using their solenoid. For those accustomed to using a Delta touch faucet, you can quickly get rid of the solenoid without too much hassle. Notice how blue clips help attach them to the faucet.
Before removing the solenoid, switch off the water supply to the sink. If there isn’t a valve directly beneath or near the sink, you may have to go to the central switch.
Can A Touchless Faucet Work Manually?
Yes, both touchless & touch faucets can be operated by hand. For example, the manufacturer can use a hand-activation process to turn off the touchless unit’s sensor.
However, depending on the type, you may be able to switch between a manual and automatic mode by tinkering with your faucet valve box or moving it manually.
In cases of a power outage, your faucet may have a manual sensor override option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do batteries last in touchless faucets?
Touchless faucets depend on lithium batteries that deliver constant power, which means longer battery life. The amount of use determines the frequency of battery replacement. Typically, batteries last for two years on average.
Some faucets may last longer, depending on the brand and usage. However, batteries can wear out over time, even if they have not been used that much. Thus, it is a good idea to check your batteries every few months and change them if needed.
Do touch faucets require electricity?
All touch faucets need a power source to function, but they differ in the type of power they require. For example, dry-cell batteries power some faucets while others employ low-voltage current from an alternating current (AC) transformer.
Final Thoughts
With our tips, you’ve already known how to bypass or disable the touch feature on a kitchen faucet. Although faucets are meant to be user-friendly, there may be times when the touch feature is not desirable.
For example, you can easily do so if you are washing your hands in the kitchen sink and want to turn the water on and off manually instead of using the touch feature. So again, we hope this article is helpful!
