How to Install a Touchless Kitchen Faucet

Kitchen faucets have come a long way in recent years, with touchless models providing a more sanitary and convenient way to operate your sink. Installing a touchless kitchen faucet can seem daunting, but it’s actually a straightforward process that most DIYers can handle with some preparation and patience. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to install a touchless kitchen faucet.

Choosing the Right Touchless Faucet

The first step is selecting the right touchless faucet for your kitchen. There are a few things to consider:

Faucet Style

Touchless kitchen faucets come in several styles, including:

Pull-down – The faucet head pulls down for extended reach. This is great for filling pots or cleaning the sink.
Pull-out – The faucet head pulls out from the main body, also providing extended reach. Pull-out faucets don’t extend as far as pull-down models.
Single-handle – Control both hot and cold water with one faucet handle. These are the most common type of touchless faucet.
Two-handle – Separate handles control hot and cold. Less common for touchless models but provides more precise temperature control.

Consider your needs and kitchen setup to choose the right style. Pull-down and single-handle faucets are popular choices for touchless functionality.

Spout Height

Think about how high you want the faucet spout to be above your sink. Standard height is usually between 8-10 inches. If you have a particularly deep sink, you may want a higher spout for extra clearance.

Faucet Finish

Most touchless kitchen faucets come in polished chrome, brushed nickel, matte black, or stainless steel. Pick a finish that matches your kitchen decor and existing hardware.

Power Options

Today’s touchless faucets operate either mechanically or using battery power:

Mechanical – Motion powers the faucet’s sensors and operation. No batteries required but prone to fewer false triggers.
Battery-powered – Runs on batteries (typically 4AA) for completely touch-free use. Provides consistent, reliable operation but requires periodic battery changes.

Battery-powered faucets are slightly more convenient but mechanical models are easy to install. Either option will provide touchless functionality.

Additional Features

Look for convenience features if they match your needs:

Soap/lotion dispenser
LED light
Hot/cold water indicator
Magnetic docking for pull-down spray head
Multiple spray settings

Get the features that would be useful in your kitchen. Avoid going overboard on unnecessary add-ons that will increase the cost.

Budget

Prices for touchless kitchen faucets vary widely based on the quality, technology, and features. In general, expect to pay $200-$500+ for a quality touchless model. Set a budget before you start shopping to narrow down the options.

Taking the time to understand different faucet types and features will ensure you select the right touchless faucet for your kitchen’s style and needs.

Gathering Necessary Tools and Materials

Installing a new kitchen faucet requires some DIY skills and the right tools and materials. Here is what you’ll need:

Tools

Adjustable wrenches (2)
Basin wrench
Plumber’s putty
Teflon tape
Flashlight
Bucket
Groove joint pliers

Materials

New touchless faucet & components
Supply lines (2) (braided stainless steel recommended)
Drain assembly (optional)
Installation hardware (typically included)
Paper towels/rags

Make sure you have all these items on hand before starting. Clear your schedule so you can work at an unhurried pace. Rushing the project will likely result in mistakes.

Shutting Off Water Supply Lines

The first step is shutting off the water supply lines under the sink:

Turn off the hot and cold shut-off valves below the sink. These valves control water flow from the supply lines.
Turn on the faucet briefly to release pressure and drain any water from the lines. This lets you safely disconnect the lines.
Place a bucket under the supply lines to catch any drips. Have some towels ready to soak up water.

Shutting off the water and releasing pressure prevents leaks and water damage while you work. If the valves are stiff, spray them with penetrating oil first to loosen them up.

Removing the Old Faucet

With the water off, you can detach your existing kitchen faucet:

Use a flashlight to locate the securing nut connecting the supply lines to the faucet inlets. You’ll need to disconnect these lines.
Use an adjustable wrench to loosen and unscrew the nut on each supply line so they detach from the faucet.
Unscrew the mounting nuts under the sink that hold the faucet body in place. These are often plastic wing nuts that can be turned by hand.
Pull up on the faucet assembly firmly to remove it from the sink holes. You may need to wiggle it loose.
Use a basin wrench to reach up inside the sink cabinet and unscrew the lock nut holding the faucet’s sprayer hose. Detach the hose.
Thoroughly clean the sink around the faucet holes with rubbing alcohol to remove dirt and grime.

Take things slowly and be patient working in the tight space under the sink. Removing the old faucet is the toughest part.

Installing Faucet Mounting Hardware

Before installing your new touchless faucet, attach any necessary mounting hardware to the sink or countertop:

Look at the manufacturer’s instructions to see if any special mounting pieces or accessories are required. This varies by faucet model.
For a sink mount faucet, insert the threaded rods through the faucet holes in the sink lip. Use a washer and nut under the sink to secure each rod.
For a countertop mount, tighten the mounting bracket into position based on the faucet model’s specifications.
Arrange any adapters, gaskets or O-rings according to the directions before mounting the new faucet.

Having the hardware correctly configured will make installing the faucet much easier.

Mounting the New Faucet

You’re now ready to put in the beautiful new touchless faucet:

Apply plumber’s putty around the base of the faucet to form a seal between the new faucet and sink. This prevents leaks.
From above the sink, lower the faucet into the holes and align it correctly. Don’t let the weight rest completely yet.
Under the sink, slide any washers and locking nuts over the faucet’s threaded rods/tailpieces. Hand tighten them several turns.
Once the faucet is aligned properly, finish tightening the nuts with adjustable wrenches to completely secure the faucet.
Connect the touchless faucet’s pull-out sprayer hose using the basin wrench to tighten from underneath. Make sure the connection is tight.

Don’t apply too much torque when tightening nuts and connections. Take your time positioning the faucet accurately before fully securing.

Connecting the Water Supply Lines

Almost done! Now you need to reconnect the water supply lines:

Wrap the threads on the inlet ports with Teflon tape to prevent leaks. Wrap in the direction of the threads.
Connect the hot and cold water supply lines to the appropriate inlet ports on the faucet base using adjustable wrenches. Tighten securely.
If you have a pull-out or pull-down faucet sprayer, connect its supply line to the outlet port the same way.
Turn on the shut-off valves to restore water supply to the new faucet.
Check for leaks at all connections. Tighten or re-tape any leaking joints.
Turn on the faucet briefly in both hot and cold positions to flush the lines. Let water run for 30-60 seconds before turning off.

Take precautions when working with supply lines and valves to avoid plumbing issues.

Installing Batteries (If Required)

For battery-powered touchless faucets, you’ll need to install new batteries:

Locate the battery compartment on the faucet assembly. It’s often found on the faucet body or under the sink.
Remove the battery compartment cover according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Often a button or screw secures it.
Insert the required batteries (usually 4AA) by matching the +/- symbols. Arrange batteries as shown in diagrams.
Replace the battery compartment cover and secure it.

Check your owner’s manual for the right battery type and orientation. Alkaline batteries are recommended for longest life.

Testing for Proper Operation

The exciting part – seeing your new touchless faucet in action!

Turn on the faucet handles to open both hot and cold water lines.
Place your hands within range of the faucet’s motion sensor. When activated, water should begin flowing automatically.
Move your hands away to stop the water flow. The faucet should shut off on its own.
Test any special features like sprayer settings and soap dispensers. Make sure everything works correctly.
Let the faucet run for a few more minutes to flush any debris and make sure it’s functioning properly.

If you encounter any problems, refer back to the manufacturer’s instructions to troubleshoot. Call their tech support line if needed.

With that, your new touchless kitchen faucet should be fully operational! Enjoy the convenience and sanitation benefits this upgrade provides. Just think – no more messy, germy handle contact in the kitchen.

Troubleshooting Common Touchless Faucet Issues

Like any new technology, you might encounter a few hiccups with your touchless faucet. Here are some quick fixes for common problems:

Faucet won’t activate with motion

Check/replace batteries if battery-powered model
Adjust motion sensor range with sensitivity dial
Clean motion sensor window of any dirt/debris
Disable any eco/battery saver modes

Water won’t shut off

Clean motion sensor window
Check for objects interfering with sensor field
Adjust activation range if needed

Water flow is weak

Inspect and clean aerator/screen
Make sure water supply valves fully open
Clear any kinks in supply lines

Leaking from base or connections

Tighten mounting nuts/supply line connections
Replace plumber’s putty around base if sink-mounted
Inspect O-rings and gaskets for damage

Sprayer hose won’t retract

Disconnect and flush sprayer/hose
Ensure weight is attached to lowest point
Clean dirt/debris from sprayer inlet

Don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer if issues persist after troubleshooting.

Maintaining Your Touchless Faucet

A few quick maintenance habits will keep your new touchless faucet working properly for years:

Wipe down the faucet surface regularly with a soft cloth to prevent mineral buildup and staining. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
Change batteries promptly when needed to maintain touchless functionality.
Inspect supply lines and mounting hardware for drips or leaks periodically. Re-tighten any loose connections.
Clean the faucet aerator/screen and motion sensor window every 3-6 months or when flow seems restricted.
Flush hot and cold supply lines a few minutes every month to prevent contamination.
Lubricate pull-out sprayer extension and retraction mechanisms annually if needed.

Following the manufacturer’s care guidelines will extend the longevity of your faucet. Taking proper care of this hardware investment pays dividends.

Enjoy Your New Touchless Faucet!

That covers the entire process of choosing, installing, troubleshooting, and maintaining a touchless kitchen faucet. While it looks complicated, each step is fairly straightforward for an experienced DIYer.

The effort is well worth it. Your fancy new faucet provides a huge convenience factor and eliminates concerns about cross-contamination in the kitchen. As long as you select the right model and take a methodical approach, you should wind up with an easy, rewarding project.

Here’s to never touching your grimy faucet handles again after cooking! Your family and dinner guests will be impressed with your upgrade to a touchless faucet.