If you‘re renovating your kitchen or bathroom, one key decision is choosing between a touch or touchless faucet. I‘ve helped hundreds of clients upgrade their faucets during home renovations, so I‘m excited to share my insider knowledge to help you make the right choice.
In this detailed guide, you‘ll learn how each type of faucet works, key features to compare, expert brand recommendations, troubleshooting tips and more. I‘ll also provide handy checklists and pro advice to ensure you get the perfect faucet to suit your needs.
Let‘s start by examining how touch and touchless faucet technology works.
How Touch Faucets Work Using Sensor Technology
Touch faucets operate using motion sensor technology powered by batteries or electricity. Inside the faucet is an infrared sensor that detects when your hand waves near the spout. This sensor sends a signal that causes a valve to open, allowing water to flow out.
Many touch faucets also allow you to control the exact water temperature and pressure. You‘ll find options like:
- Temperature controls – Preset or adjust the water temp
- Flow controls – Customize the water flow speed
- Manual override – Functions like a regular manual faucet
So with a touch faucet, you can wave your hand to start the water and then adjust it as needed for each use. The sensors make it easy when your hands are messy or full!
The Benefits of Installing Touchless Faucets
In the past 5 years, touchless faucets have soared in popularity, now making up 12% of faucet sales according to the EPA WaterSense program. Why are homeowners opting for touchless models? There are a few key advantages:
No Touching Means Improved Hygiene
Touchless faucets allow you to turn on the water without ever touching the faucet handle. This hands-free activation helps reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses from dirty hands. Research shows touchless faucets in hospitals help prevent bacterial infections amongst patients and staff.
Convenient, Hands-Free Operation
The motion sensors make touchless faucets super quick and easy to use. No need to manually turn the faucet on and off every time you need water. This is especially helpful when your hands are messy from gardening, cooking, cleaning, etc.
Increased Accessibility
For those with limited mobility, arthritis, or disabilities, not having to grip and turn a handle makes touchless faucets much easier and more accessible to use. The hands-free operation promotes safety and independence.
Water Conservation Features
Many touchless faucets have automatic shut-off settings, typically shutting off after 1-2 minutes of inactivity. This prevents the water from running unnecessarily and can help reduce water usage.
Choosing Between Touch and Touchless Faucets
Here are some key factors to consider when deciding between touch and touchless faucet models:
| Touch Faucets | Touchless Faucets |
|---|---|
| Give you manual control over water temp/flow | Motion sensors provide hands-free activation |
| Allow you to visually monitor water temp | Improved hygiene from no direct contact |
| Can disable sensors to function as manual faucet | Convenient for messy hands or filling pots |
| Require routine battery replacement | Require a/c power source or battery charging |
| Prone to leaks over time | Higher initial purchase cost |
Now that we‘ve compared the pros and cons, let‘s look at the installation and maintenance needs.
Comparing Installation and Ongoing Maintenance
Installing and maintaining your faucet properly is key to its longevity. Here‘s how touch and touchless faucets compare:
Touchless Faucet Installation
- Professional installation recommended for electrical hookup
- Battery-powered models require no electrician
- Existing holes for plumbing lines can typically be used
Touch Faucet Installation
- Easier DIY installation like conventional faucets
- No electrical components to deal with
- Direct swap with existing faucet in most cases
For maintenance:
Touchless
- Replace batteries every 2-5 years
- Keep sensors clean to avoid activation issues
- Check electrical connections periodically
- Fix electronic component failures right away
Touch
- Requires no electrical maintenance
- Change batteries as needed for controls
- Watch for leaks from spout and valve
- Regularly clean aerator/filter screen
Proper care is key for longevity of any faucet. Be sure to follow manufacturer guidelines for cleaning and use.
Recommended Touch and Touchless Faucet Brands
In my experience renovating kitchens and bathrooms, these faucet brands consistently earn top marks for performance, reliability and durability:
Best Touchless Faucet Brands
- Delta Touch2O – Battery powered, 5 yr warranty, great temperature control
- Moen Brantford – Motion-activated, helpful installation videos
- Kohler Sensate – Responsive sensor, easy to keep clean
Best Touch Faucet Brands
- Delta Leland – MagnaTite docking, Diamond seal valve, 6 yr warranty
- Moen Align – Duralast cartridge, Spot resist finish
- American Standard Colony – Solid brass, ceramic disc valve
I always recommend comparing the special features and finishes offered. Make sure to check warranty coverage too.
Here‘s a handy table comparing two popular models:
| Feature | Delta Touch2O | Moen Align |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Touchless, battery-powered | Touch activation, metal handle |
| Finish | Chrome, bronze, other colors | Chrome, spot-resistant |
| Special Features | TempSense technology | Duralast cartridge, 62 spray |
| Warranty | 5 years | Limited lifetime warranty |
| Typical Cost | $265-$415 | $160-$340 |
This gives you an idea of how features compare between different brands and models.
Cost Comparison: Touch vs. Touchless Faucets
On average, you can expect to pay:
- Touch faucets – $100 – $300
- Touchless faucets – $200 – $500
Higher-end models with more advanced features and durable construction will be at the upper end of these price ranges.
Additional costs to factor in:
- Professional installation fees
- Electrical work for touchless models
- Batteries or power for touchless
- Faucet repairs over time
But don‘t let the higher upfront cost deter you. A touchless faucet can be a worthwhile investment given the benefits and conveniences it provides.
Choosing Between Touch and Touchless for Your Kitchen
For busy home cooks and families, I typically recommend installing a touchless kitchen faucet. Here‘s why:
- The hands-free activation makes it easy when cooking and cleaning up. No need to worry about dirty, messy hands. Just wave to trigger the water!
- During meal prep, you can conveniently turn water on and off as needed while your hands are full washing vegetables, stirring pots, etc.
- For families with kids, it‘s quick and easy for them to use the faucet independently. No need for grownup help!
- When handling raw meat and eggs, not touching the faucet keeps everything more sanitary.
However, if you‘re on a tight budget or prefer manual control, a touch faucet is a fine option too. Just be diligent about handwashing.
Which is Best for Bathroom Faucets?
For bathrooms, touchless faucets are ideal for a few key reasons:
- The hands-free operation promotes better hygiene when washing hands, brushing teeth, and more.
- Easy accessibility for those with disabilities or limited mobility.
- Convenient water activation when hands are messy from bathing kids, DIY projects, etc.
However, touch faucets work well too. The key is thoroughly washing hands after use to prevent germ spread.
Pro Tips for Picking the Perfect Faucet
Here are my top insider tips for choosing a faucet based on my remodeling experience:
Consider your sink type – Look for a faucet made for your sink mount (countertop, undermount, vessel, etc). Ensure it has the right number of holes.
Get the right height – Measure your sink depth and account for backsplashes. Get a faucet high enough to avoid banging pots.
Match the finishes – Choose finishes that coordinate with your sink hardware and other finishes like cabinets.
Check your water pressure – Touchless faucets need good pressure. If pressure is low, touch may be better.
Buy clearance models – You can save 30% or more on discounted faucet models that retailers are clearing out. They work great!
Troubleshooting Common Touch and Touchless Faucet Issues
Got faucet problems? Here are some troubleshooting tips:
Low Water Flow
If you notice lower than normal water flow from your faucet, try these steps:
- Remove and clean the aerator screen
- Check under the sink for kinked supply lines
- Test your home‘s water pressure. Low pressure from the main impacts faucet flow.
- Have a plumber inspect for blocked valves or pipes
Water Won‘t Shut Off
Several things can cause the water to stay on:
- Dirty sensor – Clean the sensors so they can detect when you move away
- Shut-off timer – Adjust the auto shut-off timer to a shorter duration
- Solenoid valve issue – The valve controlling water flow may be stuck open. Have a plumber inspect the valve.
- Handle position – With touch faucets, make sure the handle is fully closed
Faucet Won‘t Activate
If your touch or touchless faucet won‘t turn on at all, try these tips:
For touchless faucets:
- Replace batteries – Dead batteries prevent the sensor from working
- Check connections – Make sure wires are properly connected
- Clean sensors – Dirt, soap scum, minerals can interfere with sensor activation
For touch faucets:
- Toggle manual controls – Turn off manual override or touch mode
- Replace batteries – Low batteries may impact touch controls
- Inspect valve cartridge – Buildup or damage can prevent water flow
Follow manufacturer troubleshooting steps. For any complex issue, don‘t hesitate to call a plumber for help. Catching problems early prevents more headaches down the road.
To Wrap Up: Which Faucet is Right for You?
Deciding on the best faucet depends on your needs and priorities.
Touchless faucets make life so much easier with their no-touch operation. I recommend them for busy kitchens and germ-prone bathrooms.
But for those wanting simplicity and cost savings, touch faucets get the job done too.
Whichever you choose, be sure to:
- Compare features like finish, spout style, installation requirements
- Check water pressure compatibility
- Factor in installation and maintenance needs
- Choose a trusted brand with a good warranty
I hope this detailed insider‘s guide has provided clarity to help you pick out the perfect faucet. Let me know if you have any other faucet questions arise during your renovation!
