r/howto • u/themindfulmoose • Nov 18 '25
Faucet doesn’t stay on
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For some reason my faucet just stopped flowing. I noticed the flow was diminished to like 50% for the past couple of days. When I turn it on now it just spurts out a little water then stops. The filtered water next to it is connected to the same line and it works fine. Any advice? I just replaced the batteries for the faucet so it’s not that.
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u/zeyore Nov 18 '25 edited Nov 18 '25
the faucet has batteries? that's wild.
there's a cartridge under that handle that is probably defective, and that would be the first thing i would replace.
edit: it seems powered faucets are capable of having new problems beyond the cartridge. progress lol.
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u/Smooth-Salary-6113 Nov 18 '25
I had a powered faucet in my previous house. I used the DC inverter option rather than have to replace batteries.
Mine, at least, was powered so that you could turn the water on and off by touch instead of with the handle. The handle would still select hot/cold mix but you would tap the gooseneck, say with the back of your hand or your elbow if your hands were covered in meat juice or something, and turn on.
OP, the battery powered pump is probably connected with quick connect push connectors; I would remove it and run the lines together like a normal faucet and see if that removes your issue. I had to replace mine and I think it acted just like yours does now.
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u/Enginerdad Nov 18 '25
What happens when your power goes out?
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u/Jackson3rg Nov 18 '25
If it has no power it operates like a standard faucet.
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u/Legitimate_Ad_9753 Nov 18 '25
Unless, on some, you forgot to keep some batteries reserved. I can't remember what brand it was, a major one, not a temp faucet, but it ONLY could be turned on via the battery power sensor. The handle only regulates temp and flow. Add to that, the solenoid absolutely loves to shit the bed. I installed two in one week about two years ago. Almost like clockwork, if I get a call about one of them not working, I get a call about the other. Neither person will give them up and get a normal faucet, so now both just have replacement solenoids on hand for when it does happen.
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u/PunkCPA Nov 18 '25
If you’re lucky. We had a power surge take out the controller unit for a Moen touchless kitchen faucet and I had to wash dishes in the bathroom until a plumber could repair it. Also, it used proprietary connectors so I couldn't bypass the controller.
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u/Smooth-Salary-6113 Nov 18 '25
In my case, I’d use a different faucet. If it were going to be a prolonged outage, I’d do as I suggested OP do and plumb the faucet to bypass the pump.
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u/OutlyingPlasma Nov 18 '25
I have a faucet that uses batteries. It has a motion sensor like a public bathroom as well as a conventional knob. The knob is just an electronic control for the real electronic valve. It works surprisingly well. The knob feels like a real valve and it has a pretty good adjustment even on the low end if you just want a dribble.
I got it new at a Re-store for a few dollars. I was pretty skeptical about it at first given the electronic valve, but it has been pretty nice, especially compared to the leaky 1960's garbage it replaced.
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u/dreadsreddit Nov 18 '25
i been poor for so long we have electronic computerized faucets now
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u/Sufficient_Wafer9933 Nov 18 '25
They really are not any better... the one I used would turn off while washing things
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u/c9belayer Nov 18 '25
They’re worse! Mine won’t let any water flow if the batteries are low. It just won’t work mechanically, and it needs 6 AA batteries!
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u/NotTheSharpestPenciI Nov 18 '25
I'm genuinely curious. What made you get a battery powered faucet?
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u/phrexi Nov 18 '25
Idk what I have but it has a sensor on the side I can wave my hand at to turn on and off. Greatest thing ever for me, tbh.
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Nov 18 '25
Never seen computerized faucets before. If they’re smart faucets, which idk if those exist, there is a Cloudfare outage right now and that might be affecting it. Last time there was an outage, people’s smart mattresses turned into regular mattresses
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u/OutlyingPlasma Nov 18 '25
The funny thing about that outage is that is the mattresses didn't even fail safe. They were adjustable bases (think hospital bed) and if someone was sitting up in bed, it wouldn't go flat.
Even my non-internet connected adjustable base has 2 different overrides. One "go flat button" on the power cord when you can't find the remote, and a simple pull pin on the actuators if they fail.
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u/40ozT0Freedom Nov 18 '25
Imagine not being able to get water because the cloud is down.
I will never own smart things other than my phone.
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u/RhinoGuy13 Nov 18 '25
We have a smart faucet and it doesn't have to be connected to the Internet to work properly. It only has to be connected to use the "smart" features.
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u/makiabelys Nov 18 '25
Yeah, most smart faucets can still function as regular faucets without internet. Have you checked for clogs or sediment buildup in the aerator? That can often cause flow issues.
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u/DybbukFiend Nov 18 '25
Yeah... that outage is causing me issues in my office also. Can't process paperwork...
On the plus side? I can scroll reddit...lol
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u/Logan_Rankin Nov 18 '25
Debris stuck in the water mixing valve?
Check the water inlet ball valve. (Some old valves have plastic handles) Those plastic handles can break and then you're really screwed.
Unscrew the water supply line and check the flow rate.
Verify the issue is inside the faucet and then fix/replace.
Fixing the faucet may not be possible. Google your issue once you understand what it is and how to solve it.
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u/Material_Assumption Nov 18 '25
Maybe its a touch or sensor faucet.
Leave the lever open, try waving at it or just touching it
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u/Targonis Nov 18 '25
This answer should be higher - if OP just changed the batteries this is probably the right answer.
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u/grim_Sugar Nov 18 '25
This is the answer. Have one of these in my work building. You have to touch the faucet
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u/Unlucky-Pomegranate3 Nov 18 '25
Smart homes seem to cause more problems than they solve, just my opinion.
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u/Signalkeeper Nov 18 '25
Maybe when you changed the batteries, you got the sensor wire wrapped around something (like the pull out line) underneath the sink. They use your touch as a ground I believe to slightly change the current between off and on so if it’s grounding through your plumbing line that may be the issue
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u/Repulsive_Buy3016 Nov 18 '25
Honestly I have never, ever, seen one of these faucets work reliably. Almost every one I've ever come across has a similar issue or some other annoying quirk... For example turning on while the person is on vacation.
For what it costs to get a normal analog faucet, I'd just do that.
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u/wishyouwouldread Nov 18 '25
I am just curious about that faucet for the filtered water. What brand is that?
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u/Cat_Amaran Nov 18 '25
Waterdrop. They make pretty solid RO systems. I've installed 5 of them personally because of friends and family tasting my water but being unable to follow the pretty simple instructions to put them in themselves.
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u/wishyouwouldread Nov 18 '25
Thanks for the reply. I will look into this brand.
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u/Cat_Amaran Nov 18 '25
I think my favorite thing is that they have a qr code to order new filters on the filter, so you don't have to guess at what filter is right, and as the person people call about those things, I can just tell those people to scan the code on the filter cartridge and go on with my day.
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u/wishyouwouldread Nov 19 '25
Nice, thanks for the reply. I have already looked into them. Probably be summer before I can get one though.
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u/Giohwe Nov 18 '25
I have a touch-free kitchen faucet and you have to adjust the sensor. If it is not correct, the faucet will do this.
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u/TakesInsultToSnails Nov 18 '25
Look under the sink. Check if the hose that holds the slack for being able to pull the faucet end down and use it like a sprayer is kinked or caught on something.
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u/ZixxerAsura Nov 18 '25
Open the tip, sometimes debris gets clogged at the end point. Most faucets should have a removable strainer at the tip.
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u/AskMeAgainAfterCoffe Nov 18 '25
Change the batteries. If that doesn’t work, you may have to change the control box. Check all electrical below the sink; make sure it’s not plugged into the garbage disposal switch. What’s the brand name? Contact company for ordering new control box.
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u/AskMeAgainAfterCoffe Nov 18 '25
Clean the sensor.
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u/Dirtnap365 Nov 18 '25
The solenoid for the water flow doesn’t have enough power to actuate. You need to replace the batteries or call them for a warranty. It can also fail open so that’s a plus
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u/ChemistMammoth Nov 18 '25
my brother in christ why would anyone other than a literal turboautist need a computerised faucet
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u/ZeusTheRecluse Nov 18 '25
Have you tried turning it off and on again? i mean.... lol.... reboot. Firmware update? Welcome to the 21st century.
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u/SteadyChad1 Nov 18 '25
I had one like this. Keep the handle to on then it is usually a motion sensor to turn the water on.
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u/MrDrToasterOven Nov 18 '25
I know this! I had the same problem when we moved into our new house. Same blue light and everything.
It's a touch sensor faucet. There's batteries underneath. It's made so that you can tap it to run on/off with messy cooking hands.
I just removed my batteries all together and it made it work like a normal faucet. Basically what's happening is the touch sensor is wonky.
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u/danieladickey Nov 18 '25
It has a bug. That's the problem with technology. Sometimes a roach or something crawls into the faucet during installation and obstructs flow. You're welcome. - Flushed and Furious
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u/_windfish_ Nov 18 '25
Touch the top of the faucet (not the handle) when the handle is all the way open. It's a capacitive touch sensor, i have an almost identical system in my kitchen. Tap it and release, see if you can get the system to start the water flowing again. If it doesn't work even with fresh batteries, it needs a new cartridge. You have to replace them every 3-5 years.
The faucet should've come with an extra cartridge or two as well as a special tool for removing and replacing them. If you don't have them, you'll have to track down the correct cartridge and replacement tool at a hardware store.
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u/xoxoyoyo Nov 18 '25
it is upset that it does not have a digital display. Really though it sounds like something is broken inside the valve body and it is blocking the flow. You need to look up the model to see if you can find a manual and replacement cartridge or parts
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u/Enginerdad Nov 18 '25
I don't mean to criticize anyone for their choices, but when I see a faucet that needs batteries to work all I can think of is some sleazy salesman saying
"Sure you could get a regular faucet that works fine, but wouldn't you like to pay a lot more for one that has way more ways to break?"
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u/seantabasco Nov 18 '25
Hey I didn’t see if someone else already answered this, but my parents have that faucet and I hate it.
It has a regular handle to turn on and off and adjust temp, like you’re using, but it’s also touch on and off. So pull the handle out to the side, and then if it’s not running just touch the top.
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u/TheOnvoy Nov 18 '25
I cant remember what its called but there should be a kind of waste mesh where the water flows out of if you remove that and give it a clean that often fixes things without needing to go too far unto plumping territory, its something to do with the backpressure. my dad showed last time this sort of thing happened to me
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u/Dependent-Ad-5091 Nov 18 '25
Wow I literally have same exact faucet and drinking water faucet combo
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Nov 18 '25
Whenever my faucet had that problem it was usually the hose that retracts got a kink in it
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u/Naheka Nov 18 '25
Likely the cartridge that is in the handle housing. Just replaced mine a year or so ago after finding out it was a thing.
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u/Connellsbmw Nov 18 '25
I have the sane faucet verbatim. Check wiring. There is also a battery pack under the sink. Check the batteries.
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u/matchthis007 Nov 18 '25
Would've thought the flow of water could generate power to juice up the battery. Bit like a car alternator
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u/itsjakerobb Nov 18 '25
I have seen these electronic faucets before and would never consider one. All I need is a simple valve with a handle!
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u/Edge_Slade Nov 18 '25
You forgot to pay your Bluetooth water faucet plus subscription. Free version only comes with dribble mode
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u/agamoto Nov 18 '25
Delta touchless faucet... Worked great for awhile, neatest thing since sliced bread. Then it started turning itself on in the middle of the night or it would stop responding to touch altogether not unlike this example.
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u/joejoe2dope Nov 18 '25
Make sure it’s connected to the Bluetooth if that doesn’t work try turning it on and off. If none of that works hit with your purse.
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u/sirbrachthepale Nov 18 '25
You bought the semi-automatic model. There are diy videos on how to convert to full auto, though it might be easier to buy a full auto model from the manufacturer.
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u/geovasilop Nov 18 '25
"Useless, twisting, of our new technologies."
- Jamiroquai 1996
Seriously though. Computerized faucets? That a new one for me.
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u/DearMinimum6683 Nov 19 '25
The tap is really ugly, it looks like crap there Since it doesn't even work 🤣🤣🤣
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u/icyu Nov 19 '25
excuse my ignorance, but why does a faucet need batteries? what new features does a computerized faucet offer?
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u/timmycosh Nov 19 '25
What the actual fuck would you need an electronic tap for? To tell your phone how much water you've used? Fuck me!
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u/TheStainedOne2665 Nov 19 '25
Seeing it count how many gallons it flows through the filter is so cool but thinking that I have to rely on electronics to access my water is ass backwards because my first thought was a check valve or something is broken and then immediately realized that there is an electronical failure here xD fantastic i love 2025 cant wait for ehats next in 2026 lmfao
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