Motion sensor faucets have become increasingly popular, for promoting cleanliness and saving water during the time of the COVID 19. Their hands free operation makes them convenient to use while also helping to conserve water and prevent the spread of germs making them a sustainable and hygienic choice for any setting.
Setting up a motion sensor faucet is a task that can enhance your routines and lead to significant savings on your water bills. This article will present a to follow guide on installing motion sensor faucets providing an upgrade with long term benefits, for your home or business.
Preparation Before Installation
Before embarking on the easy installation of your motion sensor faucet, a few preparatory steps are crucial to ensure a smooth process:
1. Water Supply Shutdown
- Action: Turn off the water supply to the entire house to prevent any accidental water flow.
- Verification: Double-check that the water supply is indeed turned off before proceeding.
2. Removal and Preparation
- Old Faucet Removal: Start by loosening the nuts at the top of the hot and cold connections to remove the existing faucet.
- New Unit Prep: Make sure you’ve got all the pieces you need for setting up the fixture; seal ring, spacers, rubber gasket, metal washer and nut. If the hole, in the counter is snug you can skip using the spacers; otherwise use them to create some space, between the faucet and the counter. Attach the unit to the counter using the rubber gasket, washer and nut to keep it in place.
3. Installation Setup
- Hands-free Apparatus: Attach this to the spare hose before connecting it to the faucet.
- Control Box: Install it between the shutoff valves and the faucet to serve as a junction box.
- Water Supply Lines: Connect them to the correct angle stops, noting red for hot and blue for cold.
- Battery Pack: Essential for the touchless operation, install the battery pack (requires double-A batteries) and mount it to the cabinet’s back wall.
- Sprayer Hose Weight: Attach the weight to ensure the hose remains in place and moves freely.
Before you start installing make sure the surface of the faucet is clean and clear of any dirt or debris. You can use a cloth or sponge for this. If there are stains or buildup, on the sensor gently scrubbing it with a toothbrush dipped in a mixture of water and white vinegar should do the trick. This preparation will not make installation easier. Also enhance the performance and lifespan of the faucet.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
To ensure the easy installation of your motion sensor faucet, follow these detailed steps:
1. Removing the Old Faucet:
- Use channel locks to loosen the nut under the sink.
- Manually remove the old faucet.
2. Assembling and Installing the New Faucet:
- Place the seal ring, spacers, rubber gasket, metal washer, and nut onto the new faucet in the specified order and tighten against the countertop.
- Attach the hands-free apparatus to the spare hose first, then to the faucet.
- Install the black bull ring and the touch-free apparatus onto the faucet.
- Connect the red (hot) and blue (cold) water supply lines to their respective angle stops, ensuring they are properly labeled.
- Install the battery pack (batteries purchased separately) for the touchless operation.
- Attach the weight to the bottom of the sprayer hose to promote free movement.
3. Finalizing the Installation:
- Insert the faucet’s cable, hoses, and shank through the mounting hole. Secure by tightening the mounting nut onto the faucet shank.
- Connect the hoses and supply lines to the control box using an adjustable wrench.
- Snap the control box onto the hose-guide nut and attach the spray wand to the pull-down hose.
- Install the battery pack ensuring the wire reaches the control box, then remove the protective cap and plug in the data cable.
- Use a zip tie to organize hoses and cables, leaving the pull-down hose separate.
- Ensure no objects are within 3 feet of the faucet’s sensors for proper startup.
- Turn the hot- and cold-water inlets back on and test the faucet to ensure proper operation, paying close attention to the pull-down hose’s movement.
This step-by-step guide aims to streamline the process, making the installation of your motion sensor faucet a straightforward task.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
When encountering issues with your motion sensor faucet, several common problems and their solutions can be easily addressed:
Water Flow Issues:
If the water isn’t flowing you should inspect the valves membrane, for any blockages caused by dirt or debris. Cleaning or changing it out could help get the water running again.
When dealing with water flow a common fix is to clean the aerator as it could be blocked by mineral deposits. Take it out soak it in vinegar rinse it off and then put it back in place.
Leakage and Sensor Problems:
Having issues, with leaks? Make sure the one way valves and litter filters that come with the faucet are properly set up to avoid this.
If the faucet isn’t working, look for a blinking light, on the sensor as it could mean the battery needs changing. If you find that your batteries drain fast a faulty sensor could be causing it. You might need to replace it.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting:
Make sure to clean the sensor area with a damp cloth to avoid any problems, with its operation. Double check that the power source is properly connected and supplying the voltage. If you have a battery powered model remember to change the batteries when needed.
If you hear a clicking noise coming from the pilot valve but no water is flowing it could mean there’s a blockage or damage, in the valves membrane. In cases you may need to clean or replace it.
If you encounter any issues related to the valve or internal components check for any damage or signs of wear and consider replacing them if necessary.
Conclusion
In this guide we’ve delved into the impactful process of setting up a motion sensor faucet showcasing how such an enhancement can enhance routines while promoting cleanliness and water conservation. The step, by step instructions, covering everything from preparation to troubleshooting issues are crafted to make the installation process smooth. This technology not provides a solution in today’s health conscious environment but also supports environmentally friendly habits by curbing unnecessary water wastage.
The importance of integrating motion sensor faucets goes beyond convenience addressing aspects of living like sustainability and public health. As you embark on this installation journey it becomes evident that the benefits are diverse promising effects, on spaces and the wider community. Embracing innovations and keeping abreast of maintenance tips can maximize these benefits ensuring the durability and efficiency of your motion sensor faucet.