I do wish more of these touchless models had better sealing around the battery compartment. Ours is right under the sink too, and it always feels a bit damp down there.
That’s been my gripe too—seems like they never really plan for the mess under a typical sink. I’ve had tenants call about battery corrosion more than once, and it’s always because of that dampness. I started putting those little silica gel packs in the battery compartment. Not a perfect fix, but it helps slow down the moisture issue. Running an outlet is nice if you’re up for it, but honestly, I just stick with batteries and swap them out every six months or so. Less hassle than rewiring, at least for me.
Honestly, I’ve seen way too many battery compartments get wrecked by moisture, especially in older homes where the under-sink area is just a magnet for condensation. Silica gel packs are a clever workaround—never thought to try that, but it makes sense. I usually recommend folks check the gasket or seal around the battery cover, but half the time, those things are barely more than a thin strip of foam. Not exactly waterproof.
If you’re swapping batteries every six months, you’re probably ahead of the game. I’ve come across setups where folks forget for a year or more, and by then, it’s a crusty mess. Sometimes I’ll suggest putting the battery box in a small plastic container with a hole for the wires—just to give it a bit more protection from drips and humidity. Not pretty, but it works in a pinch.
Curious if anyone’s tried those touchless models that run off a plug-in transformer instead of batteries? I’ve only installed a couple, but they seemed less finicky once you get past the hassle of running an outlet. Still, not everyone wants to deal with electrical work under the sink, especially in rentals or older places where space is tight.
I do wonder why manufacturers haven’t come up with a better solution for this. You’d think with all the tech in these faucets, they’d figure out a way to keep the electronics dry. Maybe I’m missing something, but it feels like a pretty basic design flaw.
Has anyone had luck with aftermarket waterproofing or maybe relocating the battery pack somewhere less damp? I’ve seen some creative setups, but nothing that’s totally foolproof.
I ran into this exact headache last month—customer had a touchless faucet in a 70s kitchen, and the battery pack was basically swimming. Ended up mounting the box to the inside of the cabinet door, higher up, and used some weatherstripping from the hardware store to beef up the seal. Not perfect, but it’s holding up so far. I’ve seen those plug-in models too, but honestly, running power under there is a pain unless you’re already remodeling. Wish they’d just make a proper waterproof case for these things... seems like such an obvious fix.
Mounting the battery pack higher is a solid move—those things are magnets for leaks down low, especially in older cabinets. I’ve tried silicone caulk around the seams before, but it’s a bit messy and doesn’t always last. The lack of a real waterproof housing just baffles me too. You’d think with all the tech in these faucets, they’d have figured that part out by now... Maybe one day we’ll see a better design, but for now, your weatherstripping trick is probably the best bet.
Mounting the battery pack higher is a solid call, especially if you’ve got any history of leaks under the sink. I’ve seen way too many battery packs corroded beyond saving just because they were sitting right in the splash zone.
I hear you on the silicone—
—it’s one of those fixes that seems logical at first, but over time it just doesn’t hold up, especially with all the moisture and temperature swings down there. I’ve found that weatherstripping tape does a better job sealing things off without making a mess, and it’s easy to replace if needed.I’ve tried silicone caulk around the seams before, but it’s a bit messy and doesn’t always last.
It’s wild that manufacturers haven’t come up with a proper waterproof housing yet. You’d think after all these years, someone would have realized that kitchens aren’t exactly dry environments. Until then, your approach is smart. Just make sure to check for condensation or drips every once in a while—sometimes even the best DIY solutions need a quick look-over. Better safe than sorry when it comes to anything electrical near water.