How to Repair a Kohler Touchless Faucet: Problems And Solutions!

Kohler touchless faucets offer the convenience of hands-free operation, but like any other plumbing fixture, they can encounter problems from time to time. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to troubleshoot and fix many common issues you might face with your Kohler touchless faucet. Throughout this guide, we’ll explore how to repair a Kohler touchless faucet in various scenarios.

Why Isn’t My Kohler Touchless Faucet Working?

There are several reasons why your Kohler touchless faucet might not be working as expected. Here are some of the most common culprits:

Dead or Weak Batteries: This is the leading cause of malfunction in touchless faucets. How to repair a Kohler touchless faucet in this case is simple – replace the batteries! Refer to the section How to Change Batteries in Kohler Faucet for instructions.

Sensor Issues: Mineral buildup, debris, or even steam can interfere with the sensor’s ability to detect motion. How to repair a Kohler touchless faucet with sensor problems usually involves cleaning the sensor lens.

Manual Override Engaged: Some Kohler touchless faucets have a manual override mode that disables the sensor. Ensure the faucet is not in this mode if you want touchless operation.

Solenoid Valve or Membrane Problems: These internal components control water flow. If they are malfunctioning, you may experience issues like water not flowing or not stopping properly. How to repair a Kohler touchless faucet with these problems might involve replacing the parts.

Troubleshooting: Kohler Touchless Kitchen Faucet Not Working

Check the Handle Position: Make sure the handle is in the “on” position, perpendicular to the faucet body, not parallel.
Verify Manual Override: Ensure the faucet is not in manual mode, which disables the touchless function.
Power Source: If your faucet uses an AC adapter, confirm the outlet is switched on. Alternatively, it might run on batteries (refer to the battery replacement section below).

Kohler Motion Sensor Kitchen Faucet Troubleshooting

If your Kohler motion sensor faucet isn’t working, here are some specific things to check:

Steam Interference: Is the faucet spout pointed towards a heat source? Steam can confuse the sensor. Try redirecting the spout.
Sensor Cleaning: Clean the sensor lens located on the spout’s arch with mild soap and water.
Debris Buildup: Look for any debris blocking the sensor and remove it gently.

How to Change Batteries in Kohler Faucet

Replacing batteries in your Kohler touchless faucet is a straightforward process:

Locate the Battery Pack: The battery pack is usually mounted beneath the faucet with a mounting screw.
Unmount the Pack: Use a screwdriver to remove the mounting screw(s).
Disconnect the Wire: Carefully disconnect the wire connecting the battery pack to the valve box.
Replace the Batteries: Open the battery compartment and replace all the batteries with new ones. Important: Never use lithium-ion or rechargeable batteries.
Reassemble: Reconnect the wire, secure the battery pack with the mounting screw(s), and close the compartment.

What to Do If Your Kohler Faucet Handle is Hard to Turn?

Several factors can cause a stiff faucet handle, including mineral deposits, friction, or age. Here’s how to repair a Kohler touchless faucet with a difficult-to-turn handle:

Handle Removal: Follow the steps in the How to Remove Kohler Bathroom Faucet Handle section below.
Cleaning: Clean the handle parts and the valve with vinegar and a gentle scrub brush to remove any buildup.
Lubrication: Apply plumber’s grease to the moving parts to improve movement.
Reassemble: Put the handle parts back together in their correct positions.

How to Remove Kohler Bathroom Faucet Handle

Here’s a step-by-step guide on removing a Kohler faucet handle:

Turn Off Water Supply: Shut off the hot and cold water supply valves beneath the sink.
Decorative Plug Removal (if present): Carefully remove any decorative plastic plugs using a flathead screwdriver or similar tool.
Handle Screw: Locate the Phillips screw holding the handle to the valve stem and unscrew it.
Small Parts Storage: Place the removed screw and any other small parts in a container to avoid losing them during repairs.

Kohler Kitchen Faucet – No Hot Water

If your kitchen faucet has no hot water, it could be caused by blockages in the hot water supply line. Here’s how to repair a Kohler touchless faucet with a hot water blockage:

Turn Off Water Supply: Turn off the hot water supply valve under the sink.
Drain the Line: Place a bucket under the hot water supply line and open the faucet to drain any remaining water.
Isolating the Faucet: Turn on the cold water supply valve to see if water flows freely. If it does, the problem is isolated to the hot water line.
Clearing the Blockage: There are two ways to tackle the blockage:

Manual Cleaning: If the blockage is minor, you can try flushing the line by blocking the cold water supply and turning on the hot water supply for a few seconds. This might dislodge any debris.
High-Pressure Jets: For stubborn blockages, a professional plumber can use high-pressure jets to clear the line.

How to Fix Kohler Kitchen Faucet Low Hot Water Pressure

If only the hot water side of your faucet has low pressure, here’s how to repair a Kohler touchless faucet in this scenario:

Isolate the Problem: First, remove the spray head from the hose and turn on the faucet. If the water pressure is strong, the problem lies with the spray head.
Cleaning the Spray Head: Check for any blockages or mineral buildup in the spray head. Soak it in hot vinegar to loosen any deposits and use a small brush to clean the screen.
Heavy Buildup: If the buildup is significant, consider replacing the spray head entirely.

What to do if Kohler Faucet Won’t Turn Off?

A faucet that won’t turn off can be frustrating. Here’s how to address this issue:

Handle Issues: If your faucet has a handle, it might be stripped or worn. In this case, you’ll need to remove and replace the handle. Refer to the How to Remove Kohler Bathroom Faucet Handle section for guidance.

Manual Override: For touchless faucets, check if the manual override mode is accidentally engaged. Locate the valve box under the sink and turn the knob to deactivate the manual mode (consult your faucet’s manual for specific instructions).

My Kohler Faucet is Leaking – What to do?

A leaky faucet can waste water and cause damage. Here’s how to repair a Kohler touchless faucet with a leak:

Identify the Leak Type:

First, determine if the leak is temporary or continuous. A temporary leak might be caused by debris stuck in the aerator, while a continuous leak suggests a worn-out cartridge.

Fixing a Leaking Kohler Kitchen Faucet (Continuous Leak):

Turn Off Water Supply: Turn off both the hot and cold water supply valves under the sink.
Handle Removal: Follow the instructions in the How to Remove Kohler Bathroom Faucet Handle section to remove the handle and any trim pieces.
O-Ring Replacement: If the o-ring is visible and worn, replace it with a new one. You might also consider replacing the entire cartridge if the o-ring replacement doesn’t solve the leak.
Reassemble the Faucet: Put all the parts back together in the correct order.

A Closer Look at Some Advanced Touchless Faucet Problems

Here’s a quick rundown of some common touchless faucet problems and solutions:

Kohler Faucet Aerator Problems: Clean the aerator by removing it, soaking it in vinegar, and brushing away any debris.
Kohler Faucet Sensors Problems: Replace dead batteries or turn off manual mode if accidentally engaged.
Kohler Kitchen Faucet Spray Head Problems: Clean or replace the spray head if clogged or damaged.
Kohler Bathroom Faucet Cartridge Problems: Replace the worn-out o-ring or cartridge.
Kohler Kitchen Faucet Hose Problems: Replace the hose if the leak originates from the connection between the hose and the spray head.

How do I Disassemble/Remove a Kohler Faucet?

If you need to replace a part or perform more extensive repairs, here’s a general guide on removing your Kohler faucet:

Turn Off Water Supply: Safety first! Ensure both the hot and cold water supply valves under the sink are turned off completely.

Handle and Trim Removal:

Look for any decorative caps around the handle base and remove them carefully using a flathead screwdriver or similar tool.
Locate the screw securing the handle to the valve stem. It’s usually a Phillips screw, but consult your faucet’s manual for confirmation. Unscrew it.
Gently pull the handle towards you to remove it.

Parts Removal: Depending on the repair you’re performing, you might need to remove additional parts. Refer to your faucet’s specific instructions or a repair manual for guidance on removing these parts. Here are some common parts you might need to remove:

Faucet Nut: This large nut located beneath the faucet body secures it to the sink. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen and remove it.

Escutcheon Plate (Optional): This decorative plate covers the faucet base and might need to be removed to access the faucet nut. It typically snaps into place or might be secured with screws.

Supply Lines: These braided metal hoses connect the faucet to the hot and cold water supply valves. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen and disconnect the nuts at the faucet end of the hoses.

Cleaning and Lubrication: Once you have access to the needed parts, clean them thoroughly with vinegar and a soft brush to remove mineral deposits and grime. Apply plumber’s grease to any moving parts to enhance smooth operation.

Reassemble the Faucet:

Put all the parts back together in the reverse order you disassembled them. Tighten any screws securely, but avoid over tightening.
Turn on the water supply valves beneath the sink and check for leaks around the faucet connections. Tighten any loose connections if necessary.

Important Note: Disassembling your faucet can be more complex depending on the model. If you’re not comfortable performing this task yourself, consider seeking help from a qualified plumber. They will have the necessary tools and expertise to disassemble and reassemble your faucet safely and efficiently.

Final Words

These were the various scenarios on how to repair a Kohler touchless faucet. By following this comprehensive guide and utilizing the troubleshooting tips, you should be able to repair a Kohler touchless faucet for many common issues. Remember, if you’re unsure about any step or encounter a complex problem, consult a qualified plumber for assistance.

JMK Plumbing is one of the most experienced and successful companies for such tasks. You can get in touch with us by calling at 833-209-8107 or visiting our website.