Unfortunately, sensor faucets aren’t above problems, so they can run into issues like any faucet. The aerator might become clogged, connections might be loose, or the supply hoses might be blocked. Some problems are easier to fix than others, but try these methods before you call a plumber.
This article reviews five common issues with American Standard faucets and how to fix them, so continue reading to learn more!
Why Is My Motion Sensor Faucet Not Working?
Although motion sensor faucets are handy additions to kitchens and bathrooms, they have an extra component that can fail. Generally, these faucets are pretty reliable, especially when they’re from a reputable brand.
So, when your faucet randomly stops working, it might not be a severe issue. Sometimes, the problem is as simple as dead batteries or loose connections. Of course, there are scenarios where the problem is more serious, like a faulty part or manufacturer defect.
5 Troubleshooting Tips For An American Standard Sensor Faucet
If your American Standard sensor faucet is on strike, try the following methods. Sometimes, the problem is easier to fix than you think!
1. Replace The Batteries
Dead batteries are one of the most common issues with touch and touchless faucets. In some cases, you might notice the faucet’s LED light gives blinking indicators that tell you the batteries are on their way out. However, if you were away from home for a while or didn’t notice the sensor, you might miss the indicator altogether.
So, when your faucet abruptly stops working, you might not know where to start. The first place to check is the battery pack. Make sure you have the correct battery replacements, then remove the old batteries from the battery compartment.
Keep the old batteries separate from the new ones as you switch them. Ensure all of the batteries are aligned in the compartment as they should be, then reinstall the battery cover. Check for proper faucet function. If the faucet is still on strike, continue with the following methods.
2. Check The Connections
Touch and touchless faucets feature various connections to supply power to the faucet sensor. Without these connections, the sensor won’t work correctly. It might work intermittently, but in some cases, it might not work at all.
So, if changing the batteries doesn’t fix the problem, check the connections. Ensure the wires are firmly secured in their connection points. Check for crossed cables, and uncross them as necessary. Verify the wiring insulation is in its place and adjust it as necessary.
The exact connection setup on each American Standard sensor faucet varies from one model to the next. If you’re unsure how the setup should go, check the owner’s manual. No worries if you don’t have it on hand – as long as you know what type of faucet you have, you can find the information you need online.
Type the faucet’s name and brand into the search bar, like “American Standard Beale Single-Handle Kitchen Faucet.” Click on your faucet’s listing on sites like Build.com, Lowe’s, or Home Depot. Under the “Faucet Details” section, click on the “Installation Sheet” document. It should pop up in a separate tab as a PDF. It should have the information you need to correct the wiring as required.
3. Clean The Aerator Or Filter Screens
Distorted or reduced flow is a common issue with faucets across the board, including touch and touchless faucets. Generally, this issue stems from dirt and debris buildup within the faucet. If you have hard water in your home, there’s a good chance that mineral deposits are behind the flow issues from the taps in your house.
Luckily, this issue is easy to remedy. In an American Standard sensor faucet, there are a few areas where mineral deposits could be blocking water flow. The first spot to check is the filter screen at the inlet hose. Here’s how to check:
- Turn off the water supply to the faucet using the shut-off valves beneath the sink.
- Drain excess water from the supply lines by opening each handle.
- Unscrew the inlet hoses at the stop valve.
- Check the filter screens inside the hose for debris. If you find debris, remove the screen and use vinegar and an old toothbrush to remove the gunk.
- Rinse the filter with fresh water and reinstall them.
- Reconnect the supply hoses and turn the water back on.
- Check for restored water flow.
If you don’t find any issues with the filter screens, the problem could be hiding above the faucet deck. At the end of the spout on these faucets, you’ll find an aerator. This piece is a small screen that incorporates air into water flowing from the tap. Sometimes, minerals can build up in the aerator and block the tiny holes, causing reduced or distorted water flow.
So, if cleaning the filter screens didn’t work, try cleaning the aerator. For this project, you’ll need the aerator key that came with the faucet and white vinegar.
- Use the aerator key to unthread the aerator from the faucet spout.
- Check the aerator for debris and mineral buildup. If you find gunk on the aerator, soak it in a bowl of white vinegar for a few hours.
- Rinse the aerator to remove debris, then reinstall it in the spout using the aerator key.
- Check for restored flow.
4. Ensure External And Internal Stops Are Open
Sometimes, the problem might fall to internal and external stops. If either stop is closed, the unit might not function at all. So, check both supply tops to ensure they’re in the open position. You’ll find these stops in the control box. Use a 4mm hex wrench to open each stop if it’s closed.
If you’re unsure where the stops are, check your faucet’s instruction manual. Again, you can find these online if you don’t have the paper copy on hand.
5. Replace The Solenoid
Unfortunately, sometimes the issue lies with the solenoid. The solenoid valve works in tandem with the touch sensor to activate and deactivate water flow. So, when you move your hands in front of the sensor, the sensor tells the solenoid to activate the water flow, sending water through the spout.
If the solenoid is worn out or faulty, the faucet may function intermittently or not at all. In this case, you’ll need to replace the solenoid, so you’ll need to know the model number of your faucet. Once you have the model number, use it to find the appropriate solenoid replacement on American Standard’s website.
Or, if you can’t find the model number or part, contact American Standard’s customer service team for assistance. They can help you identify your faucet and purchase the correct part.
Once you receive the replacement solenoid, remove the old component and replace it with the new one. There should be instructions for switching the two with the new solenoid.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can You Use An American Standard Sensor Faucet As A Manual Faucet?
While you can’t use all American Standard sensor faucets as manual faucets, there are a few exceptions. If your faucet doesn’t have a handle, such as the commercial faucets, you can’t use the faucet with manual operation.
However, if you have one of American Standard’s proximity faucet models with a handle, like a kitchen faucet, you can use it as a manual faucet. This is handy in the event of a power failure, as it enables you to continue using the tap.
To use the manual function, locate the bypass knob on the solenoid assembly. Turn the knob to the ON position. Now, the faucet is in manual mode, and you can use the handle to turn the water on and off.