How to Install a Touchless Faucet
Updated: Sep. 20, 2021Faucet installation made easy.
Time An hour or less
ComplexityBeginner
Cost$101–250
Introduction
Looking for a new faucet in your bathroom? Here is a faucet you can easily install yourself. This is touchless model, a nice upgrade for any sink, but the instructions here will work for almost any kind of faucet.Tools Required
- Adjustable wrench
- Bucket and towels
- Phillips-head screwdriver
Materials Required
- Touchless faucet
Power to the Faucet
There are many different styles and brands of touchless faucets on the market today. They all have one thing in common – they need a power source to operate. That means you need to purchase a faucet that is battery-operated or have a 120-volt AC outlet under your sink to power your faucet.
This American Standard NexGen Selectronic touchless faucet has a five-year battery life. You can also add on a 10-year battery pack that mounts under the sink.
Project step-by-step (8)
Step 1
Turn Off Water
- First, either shut off hot- and cold-water supply valves at the sink or shut off the main water valve for the whole house.
Step 2
Remove Supply Lines
- Open the faucet and let any water drain out.
- Remove both hot- and cold-supply lines at the shut-off valves or at the faucet using an adjustable wrench. Have a bucket or container nearby to catch any water from the lines. Keep a towel on hand for this as well.
Step 3
Remove the Old Faucet
- Not all faucets are secured to the sink the same way. Some faucets are secured in place with a large locknut from the underside of the sink, while other faucets simply use a threaded rod with a nut securing it to a mounting plate on the underside of the sink. (See photo.)
- From the underside of the sink, loosen the nut or nuts holding the faucet in place. Now remove the old faucet by pulling it up and away from the sink.
Step 4
Prep Before Installation
- Before installing the new faucet, scrub away any dirt and mineral deposits on the sink surface that may have accumulated throughout the years.
- At this point, attach the water supply lines to the faucet. Some faucets come with supply lines already attached.
Step 5
Install Deck Plate
- Convert a three-hole sink to a one-hole sink with a deck plate. (Not all faucets include a deck plate — you may have to purchase one separately.)
- Apply a thin bead of plumber’s putty to the bottom of the deck plate prior to installing it.
Step 6
Install the Faucet
- Insert the supply lines and the shank of the faucet through the hole in the deck plate or sink.
- From the underside of the sink assemble in order: 1. Rubber washer, 2. Brass washer, 3. Threaded locknut w/set screws. Hand tighten the threaded locknut.
- Use a screwdriver to tighten the set screws on the locknut. Work your way around the locknut tightening the screws slightly each time until they are snug.
Step 7
Connect Water Supply
- Install inline filters on each water supply outlet. Be sure the filter is installed in the proper direction. (See photo.) Note: Do not use sealant on threads.
- Install the hot- and cold-water supply lines to the corresponding shut-off valve. Tighten with an adjustable wrench, but only until snug. Do not overtighten.
- Pro tip: If the supply lines are too long, create a loop in the line to shorten the length.
Step 8
Turn On the Water
- Turn on hot and cold shut-off valves. Check for leaks near the filter and valves.
- Remove protective film from sensor eye.
- Wave your hand in front of the sensor to test water flow and temperature.
- Adjust water temperature with the mixing valve lever.
Originally Published: February 25, 2021
