MaintenanceUpdated June 20, 2026
Kitchens get a lot of use in Dekalb homes, and the faucet is often one of the most used fixtures. Between meal prep, dishes, cleaning, and handwashing, the traditional faucet handles can turn into a magnet for grime and bacteria. More homeowners are choosing touchless kitchen faucets because they help keep hands and sinks cleaner, cut down on mess, and protect the entire plumbing system from added wear, especially with the older plumbing still common in our area.
Why Dekalb Kitchens Benefit from Touchless Faucets
Most homes around Dekalb have plumbing that's been around for decades. With historic and mid-century construction all over town, original fixtures weren't built for modern kitchen needs. New touchless faucets bring a few practical advantages:
- Reduces wear on handles: With sensors operating the water, you don't have constant twisting and pulling on aging valves, which can help older homes avoid leaks in the supply lines under the sink.
- Cleaner environment: When your hands are full or messy, you can turn water on and off with a wave. This stops food and grease from spreading to faucet handles and the rest of the sink area.
- Less risk of cross-contamination: With no handles, you cut down on the spread of germs, important during cold and flu season when everyone is cooking at home.
- Water savings: Most touchless faucets automatically shut off after a set time, which means you're not letting water run while scrubbing or stepping away.
What to Know Before Installing a Touchless Faucet
Our crew always checks the specifics under your sink before any installation. Touchless faucets require power, either a battery pack or a nearby outlet. Some kitchens built several decades ago may not have a GFCI outlet under the sink, and clay soils in our local homes can sometimes lead to unexpected water damage if a leak goes undetected, so having the right setup matters for safety.
The supply lines for older sinks in Dekalb, especially homes with galvanized or even original copper, may need updating to handle new connections. If we spot corrosion or mineral buildup in those lines, we usually recommend new supply lines to ensure a safe, leak-free installation. We're careful to verify shut-off valves are working, and that the P-trap and seals are in good shape before any new fixture goes in.
Steps to Upgrade to a Touchless Kitchen Faucet
Here's how our team normally handles a replacement:
- Shut off the water at the local angle stops and test that flow has stopped fully.
- Disconnect the old faucet and inspect the supply lines. If needed, install new braided lines rated for your water pressure.
- Clean the sink deck and mounting hole. Remove mineral deposits, which are common with our regional water supply.
- Mount the new touchless faucet, making sure the sensor is facing the optimal direction for your workflow.
- Connect power, either batteries or direct to a GFCI outlet, and check all electrical safety requirements are met.
- Turn water back on, then check for leaks at all joints, supply valves, and the faucet base. Adjust as needed.
- Test both manual and touchless operation to confirm smooth performance. Set the auto-off timer if the faucet allows.
We sometimes discover other plumbing issues during an upgrade, such as old, corroded valves or pipes, that are safer to address before finishing. If you're seeing water stains or drips, you may need leak detection and repair before installing any new fixtures.
Common Problems With Old Kitchen Plumbing
Installing a touchless faucet can reveal hidden issues that homeowners might not notice during day-to-day use. For example, older supply lines under the sink may be made from galvanized steel, which is prone to rust and can restrict water flow. Mineral buildup inside pipes is another issue in Dekalb, given the variable hardness of our municipal water sourced from the Kishwaukee River. These can both cause premature fixture failure.
If we spot major corrosion or leaking, we may recommend you consider pipe repair or repiping to ensure a reliable foundation for your new faucet. Keeping an eye out for leaks can also prevent water damage to cabinets and even your foundation, especially important in homes near the Kishwaukee River or areas with a high water table, where unseen leaks become bigger problems fast.
Keeping Your Touchless Faucet in Top Shape
Like any fixture, touchless faucets need basic maintenance. Sensors should be kept clean from splatters, just a quick wipe with a damp cloth. Change batteries once a year unless the manufacturer says otherwise. Inspect under the sink every few months for dripping connections or pooled water. If you see signs of leaking or smell mustiness, reach out for professional leak detection and repair. Regular drain cleaning also helps prevent sink backups that can stress new faucet seals. You can schedule drain cleaning if you notice slow drains or odors.
If heavy rains or freeze-thaw cycles have ever caused issues in your kitchen, consider the overall plumbing system too. Backflow or sump pump problems may signal foundation concerns. For those with consistent basement moisture, our crew provides sump pump services to prevent further damage.
Kitchen Upgrades and the Value of Professional Installation
DIY faucet installation sometimes leads to cross-threaded fittings or missed leaks, especially with Dekalb's mix of older and newer housing. Our technicians have experience adapting to both historic home plumbing and modern fixtures. We'll check the full system, making sure all valves, supply lines, and drains are in good condition before wrapping up an upgrade. If you're thinking about further kitchen changes, we also handle complete kitchen remodeling projects, handling every plumbing update along the way.
Every touchless faucet we install is tested for both performance and any possible leaks. We make sure the sensor range matches your sink layout, adjust for local water pressure, and leave you with simple tips on care and troubleshooting. You'll get the convenience of hands-free operation, and peace of mind knowing your kitchen is sealed up tight against unwanted drips or wasted water.
If you want straightforward advice or expert help installing a touchless kitchen faucet, give us a call at 779-217-8463. Our crew serves Dekalb and the surrounding area with practical solutions and honest workmanship, no matter your home's age or plumbing setup.