Tips And TricksUpdated July 8, 2026
Touchless kitchen faucets are showing up in a lot of recent Lincolnshire kitchen remodels, and for good reason. They help cut down on mess and make everyday cooking and cleaning easier. But swapping an old faucet for a new sensor model isn't always as straightforward as it looks, especially in homes built from the 1960s to 1990s that make up much of the area.
What Makes Touchless Faucets Different
Conventional faucets rely on levers or handles, which can get sticky or worn out over time, especially if your water is moderately hard, like what comes from the municipal supply here. Touchless faucets use infrared or motion sensors, and most models have a solenoid valve that opens and shuts the water flow electronically. This means they need power, typically batteries, sometimes a plug-in transformer, and a clear spot for mounting the sensor under or behind the sink.
Challenges With Older Plumbing Setups
We see plenty of kitchens in Lincolnshire with supply lines, shutoff valves, and cabinets that aren't designed for extra wiring or batteries. Some homes still have copper or even galvanized supply lines that may need updating for a solid seal. Be prepared for:
- Tight or crowded under-sink areas with garbage disposals or filtration systems already installed
- Old shutoff valves that might not close all the way or drip when disturbed
- Uneven cabinet bases, sometimes due to loamy soils and mild foundation shifts over decades
- Supply connections that show signs of mineral buildup or corrosion from hard water
If you spot green or white buildup on the old supply tubes, it may be time to look into pipe repair or repiping before installing a new faucet.
Power and Sensor Considerations
Batteries need a dry and accessible spot under the sink. In some homes, that means moving cleaning supplies or small appliances to make room. If you want a plug-in model, be sure there's a grounded outlet available and not overloaded, especially if you already run a garbage disposal or water heater controls nearby. Don't use extension cords under the sink. For homes with no outlet in reach, it's worth consulting a licensed electrician.
Sensor placement matters too. Stainless steel and shiny sink materials can sometimes bounce the sensor beam, causing misfires. We recommend testing the sensor response before buttoning everything up, making small angle or height adjustments if needed. Follow the manufacturer's directions on sensor orientation, but don't be afraid to tweak if you find stray triggers from nearby cabinet doors or trash cans.
Mounting and Sealing Tips
Most touchless faucets install through the standard sink or countertop opening, but older homes sometimes have odd-size holes or worn gaskets. Always clean away old putty or mineral scale before seating the new gasket. Use a plumber's putty or a silicone bead under the base plate, whatever the faucet instructions specify. Don't overtighten the mounting nut on thin stainless steel sinks, or you risk bending the metal or cracking stone. Give yourself extra time if your old faucet was leaking and left rust stains or water damage around the base.
If you notice persistent leaks or water collecting under the sink, this isn't something to ignore. In some cases, ongoing leaks can signal bigger supply problems and may need the kind of leak detection and repair our crew handles year-round.
Water Quality and Longevity
Lake Michigan water in the Chicago north suburbs is moderately hard, which means touchless faucet cartridges and aerators can build up sediment over time. We recommend pulling the aerator out and rinsing it every few months, and checking the filter screens inside the supply lines if your water pressure seems to drop. If you spot white scale on fixtures elsewhere in your home, a water softener or upgraded filtration system can help extend the life of your kitchen faucet and all your fixtures. For more information, our water heater services team often checks for related issues during maintenance.
Practical Steps for a Smooth Install
- Turn off both hot and cold shutoff valves before starting. If the valves are stuck or drip, replace them immediately.
- Double-check the supply tube size. Many touchless faucets use 3/8" compression fittings, older supply lines may need adapters.
- Mount the sensor pack and battery box away from sources of moisture and heat under the sink.
- Test the faucet before pushing the sink or cabinet back in place to catch any leaks early.
- Keep the manufacturer's instructions handy for troubleshooting sensor or solenoid issues after installation.
Planning a kitchen remodel or cabinet replacement at the same time? Our kitchen remodeling crew can rough in upgraded supply lines and outlets so you'll have a cleaner install from the start.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One easy error is skipping the check for leaks around your P-trap or shutoff valves after disturbing the plumbing. Another is assuming new supply tubes are always the right length and won't kink in a cramped cabinet. If your sink sits in a corner or against a wall, sensor range can be affected by obstructions or shiny surfaces. Finally, don't overlook local building codes, especially if your remodel involves moving water lines, drains, or electrical outlets. If you discover old corroded pipes, our pipe repair and repiping team can help keep your kitchen up to code.
If your home is due for other upgrades too, like sump pump or drain work, check out our sump pump services or get a pro look at your lines with drain cleaning before you finish out the project.
Upgrading to a touchless kitchen faucet is a solid move for convenience, but it's worth making sure all the technical boxes are checked before you start. If you want it wired, mounted, and sealed right the first time, or you run into hidden problems during your upgrade, give our team a call at 224-524-1213. We know the kitchens, plumbing quirks, and water quality in Lincolnshire homes and can help from start to finish.