Touchless faucets offer convenience and hygiene benefits, but there might be situations where you need to manually control the water flow. Bypassing a touchless faucet allows you to temporarily disable its sensor-based operation and use it as a traditional faucet. Whether you’re experiencing technical issues with the sensor or want to conserve battery power, knowing how to bypass the touchless feature can be invaluable.
In this guide, we’ll explore the step-by-step process of how to bypass touchless faucet. By following these instructions, you can seamlessly switch between touchless and manual modes, ensuring uninterrupted access to water while maintaining the versatility of your faucet.
Importance of Protecting Outdoor Spigots in Cold Climates
When the temperature drops below freezing, it’s important to protect outdoor spigots and other pipes from damage. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as wrapping them in insulation or adding a heat source. But if you have a touchless faucet, you may need to take extra precautions to prevent these pipes from freezing.
Depending on the type of touchless faucet you have, there may be a bypass feature that will allow you to turn the water on and off without opening the spigot. This can be helpful in cold climates where freezing temperatures could cause damage to the pipes. To use this bypass feature, first locate the manual override on your touchless faucet. It should be a switch or button located near the spigot.
Potential Risks of Not Winterizing Your Touchless Faucet
If you don’t take the time to properly winterize your touchless faucet, you could be faced with some rather unpleasant consequences. The most common risks associated with not winterizing your touchless faucet include:
- Damage to the internal components of the faucet due to lack of protection from freezing temperatures.
- Severe water damage to the surrounding area, including walls and floors.
- Potential health risks from contaminated water caused by lack of maintenance or poor installation.
- Unpleasant odors that can occur if food particles become trapped in the fixture’s internals over time.
To avoid these potential risks, it is important to properly winterize your touchless faucet. This includes draining the faucet of any water, lubricating all moving parts, and ensuring that there are no gaps or cracks in the fixture. Additionally, it is always a good idea to cover the faucet with an insulation material such as foam tape or plastic to help protect against cold temperatures.
Gathering Necessary Tools and Materials
Before initiating the process of winterizing your touchless faucet, it is crucial to gather all the necessary tools and materials.
- Adjustable Wrench: You’ll need this to loosen the connections and drain the water from the faucet.
- Lubricant: This will be used to oil the moving parts of the faucet to keep them functioning smoothly.
- Insulation Material: Foam tape or plastic are good options, as they will protect the faucet from freezing temperatures.
- Sealant: This is to fill in any potential gaps or cracks in the fixture.
Having these tools and materials on hand will streamline the winterizing process and ensure the longevity of your touchless faucet. Remember, taking the time to properly prepare will save you from costly repairs and replacements in the future.
10 Steps How to Bypass Touchless Faucet
Step 1: Identify the Bypass Mechanism
Before you begin, familiarize yourself with the touchless faucet model you’re working with. Manufacturers often provide specific instructions for bypassing the touchless feature in their user manuals. Locate any dedicated buttons or switches designed for this purpose.
Step 2: Turn Off the Sensor
If your touchless faucet has a manual override option, it usually involves turning off the sensor temporarily. Look for a button or switch on the faucet itself or in the control box under the sink. Press or toggle this switch to disable the touchless sensor. Remember to switch it back on when you are finished with your work; leaving the sensor off can cause water to continuously run from the faucet.
Step 3: Power Source Considerations
Keep in mind that some touchless faucets are powered by batteries, while others are connected to the main electrical supply. If your faucet relies on batteries, consider removing them to prevent accidental activation while the touchless feature is bypassed.
Step 4: Locate the Water Control Handle
With the touchless feature bypassed, your faucet essentially operates like a traditional manual faucet. Locate the water control handle, usually positioned on the side or above the faucet. This handle controls the water flow and temperature.
Step 5: Adjust Water Temperature
Before turning on the water, adjust the water temperature using the handle. This step ensures that you receive the desired temperature once the water is flowing. Depending on the brand of touchless faucet, you may need to press a button or turn a knob to adjust the temperature. Refer to the user manual for specific instructions.
Step 6: Turn On the Water
Gently turn the water control handle to the desired position to initiate the water flow. You can control the water pressure by adjusting the handle’s position. If the water pressure is too high, you can adjust the handle to a lower position to reduce the flow.
If your touchless faucet has an aerator, you will need to make sure it is on before turning the water on. You can do this by turning the aerator clockwise until it clicks and locks into position. This will ensure that the water pressure is adequately regulated.
Step 7: Flow Control
The water control handle also serves as a flow control mechanism. Adjust the handle’s position to control the water flow rate, allowing you to customize the intensity of the water stream. To increase the flow rate, turn the handle clockwise. To reduce it, turn counter-clockwise.
If there is no water coming out of the faucet even when the handle is turned to full, there could be a problem with the aerator or faucet filter. Check the manufacturers manual for cleaning and maintenance instructions on how to fix this issue.
Step 8: Manual Shut-Off
When you’re finished using the faucet, manually turn off the water by rotating the water control handle to its off position. This ensures that the water flow stops completely. If you don’t do this, the faucet’s sensor may detect water flow and keep the water running even after you’re done. Turning off the valve manually will help to save water.
Step 9: Reactivating Touchless Mode
When you’re ready to switch back to touchless mode, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for reactivating the touchless sensor. This usually involves reversing the steps you took to bypass the sensor. Once you’ve done this, your touchless faucet should be back to normal and ready for use.
If you have any issues or questions about how to bypass a touchless faucet, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or contact their customer service department. Alternatively, you may be able to find answers on the manufacturer’s website or in online forums dedicated to home improvement.
Step 10: Regular Maintenance
To prevent the need for frequent bypassing, ensure regular maintenance of your touchless faucet. Keep the sensor area clean from dirt and debris, replace batteries when necessary, and address any technical issues promptly to enjoy the full benefits of touchless operation.
Consulting your owner’s manual is a great way to stay informed on the best ways to care for your faucet. If you encounter any significant issues that require professional attention, it may be necessary to contact your local home improvement center or a certified plumber.
Some Common Mistakes to Avoid When Bypassing Touchless Faucets
One of the common mistakes when bypassing touchless faucet is that you don’t use a suitable tool. Using the wrong one can lead to damaging the structure of your tap or not getting it open completely. Make sure that you have the right tool for the job and if you are unsure, ask a professional.
Another mistake is not paying attention to the valve in your faucet. Faucets come with valves that allow you to turn off the water supply to the faucet, which can be very handy when installing a bypass. Make sure that you check if it’s open or closed and adjust as needed during installation.
Some other mistakes to avoid when bypassing touchless faucets include not cleaning the faucet before installation. Making sure that the faucet is clean and free of debris will make it easier for you to work with and can also help prevent any issues in the future. Also, make sure that you use a lubricant on all moving parts to ensure smooth operation.
Conclusion
Touchless faucets can make washing your hands and other tasks easier and more efficient than ever before. They come in a variety of styles that integrate well with any style of decor and require minimal installation. With just a few simple steps, you now know how to bypass touchless faucets if they get stuck or malfunction.
However, it is always important to remember to follow the instructions on your model to ensure this works properly. Bypassing your touchless faucet can save you time and money by allowing you to continue enjoying the convenience without needing professional repairs or replacements. So why not give it a try next time you are having trouble getting your touchless faucet working again?
