I tried a touchless faucet in my last place, thinking it’d be a cool upgrade. Honestly, it worked fine for about a year, then started turning on randomly or not at all. Batteries were always dying too. I’m back to regular handles now—less hassle, cheaper to fix.
Batteries were always dying too. I’m back to regular handles now—less hassle, cheaper to fix.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had the opposite experience. My Moen touchless has been running strong for three years—just swapped batteries once. Maybe it’s a brand thing? I do love not having to touch the handle with messy hands.
My Moen touchless has been running strong for three years—just swapped batteries once.
That lines up with what I’ve seen—brand and model make a huge difference. Some cheaper touchless faucets chew through batteries, especially if you’ve got kids or cook a lot. If you’re set on touchless, here’s what works: stick with a reputable brand, use good batteries (lithium if possible), and check for any leaks near the sensor. Also, keep a manual override in mind, just in case. Regular handles are definitely simpler, but touchless can be reliable if you pick right.
- Touchless is cool, but I’ve seen a few go haywire during power surges or when the batteries start dying—suddenly you’re waving your hands like you’re at a concert and nothing happens.
- Manual override is huge, especially if you’ve got guests or kids who’ll panic when it stops working.
- Keep an eye on wiring and seals. Water + electronics = my emergency call at 2am.
- Lithium batteries last longer, but check for corrosion every few months. I’ve seen green gunk shut down $300 faucets.
- Honestly, if you want zero hassle, regular handles are still king. But if you’re set on touchless, go high-end and don’t skimp on the install.
Had a call last winter—customer’s fancy touchless faucet just quit after a brownout. Ended up being a fried sensor and the batteries had leaked, so it was a double whammy. Here’s what I’ve seen work (and not work):
- Manual override is non-negotiable. If the electronics fail, you need to be able to get water, period.
- Battery compartments should be easy to access and sealed tight. Some brands tuck them under the sink in awkward spots—makes maintenance a pain.
- Wiring needs slack and proper insulation. I’ve seen wires pinched during install, then short out months later when moisture creeps in.
- High-end models usually have better seals and more reliable sensors, but even then, nothing’s bulletproof if you skip regular checks.
- For corrosion, I always recommend popping the battery cover every few months. That green stuff can sneak up on you.
Honestly, for rental units or places with lots of turnover? Stick with manual handles. Less drama long-term. But if you’re set on touchless for your own place, just budget for pro install and plan on some upkeep down the road.
