These days in 2020 when we are all trying to keep as clean and sanitized as possible to fight off any possible infection from Covid-19, many are wondering if switching to a touchless faucet would be worth it?

The short answer is “it depends” on the reason you are even considering a touchless faucet.

The most common reasons are:

  • It’s easier to use for anyone with Rheumatoid Arthritis or any other reason that it may be difficult to use their hands
  • Helps to conserve water usage
  • Can save you money on your water bill
  • Helps to limit the spread of germs

If you answered “Yes” to any of these then it may certainly be worth it to you to purchase this type of faucet for any sink in your home.

With prices ranging anywhere from $200.00 to $400.00 it’s understandable that you would think twice about purchasing one – but they can be a great benefit to you and your family.

How Does A Touchless Faucet Work?

First and foremost – know that in order for a touchless faucet to work, it needs some kind of power source. There are three types of power sources available so when you choose your faucet – check to make sure which one you are getting:

1. Dry cell batteries
2. AC transformer
3. AC transformer with battery backup

Most (if not all) touchless faucets have two sensors built in. One is at the top of the faucet and the second one is lower, usually near the handle.

When your hand is detected by one of these sensors, the faucet turns itself on and when the hand is removed away from the sensors, the faucet turns itself off.

How Do You Bypass A Touchless Faucet?

If, for whatever reason you want to “turn off” the touchless feature of this type of faucet, you can by simply turning on the manual mode.

Every brand of faucet will have their own set of instructions and we would encourage you to look at those but generally speaking, touchless faucets are installed with a valve box which can be found under your sink.

By simply using a coin or flat head screwdriver, you can turn the “bypass” on this valve box counter clockwise and it should reset your faucet to manual mode which effectively disables the sensors.

Turn turn it back on, simply turn that bypass clockwise and you should be all set.

Some touchless faucets allow you to hold your hand directly over the sensor for about 5 seconds or so and that will then disable the sensors as well.

Again, check with the specific unit that you purchased for exact directions on how to disable the automatic feature.

If you have any questions about faucets or are having some problems with any of yourse, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-505-8570. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.