Buyers GuideUpdated June 28, 2026
Every kitchen faucet in Robbins works hard, and plenty of families in the area deal with aging fixtures or leaky handles. Homeowners around here often ask about upgrades that can handle day-to-day mess, help cut down on spread of germs, and stand up to decades of use. Touchless kitchen faucets are showing up in more homes, not just commercial kitchens, for good reason.
Why More Robbins Kitchens Are Moving To Touchless
Most homes built in this part of Cook County are at least 50 years old, so original fixtures are either worn out or already replaced once. In homes with older plumbing, traditional faucets often show corrosion, leaks at the base or handle, and mineral buildup from moderately hard Lake Michigan water. Upgrading to a touchless model brings both convenience and easy cleaning, plus a modern appearance that often helps during kitchen remodels.
How Touchless Faucets Work
Touchless faucets use either motion sensors or capacitive touch technology to control water flow. Most models have a sensor under the spout that detects a hand, plate, or pot. The solenoid valve opens and closes without you needing to twist a handle. This can cut down on bacteria transfer in a busy kitchen and keeps the faucet itself cleaner. Most also include a manual lever as backup in case of power loss.
Main Considerations Before You Buy
Faucet upgrades involve more than just the fixture itself. Here are some practical points for homeowners in Robbins:
- Power source: Most touchless kitchen faucets run on batteries (AA or 9V). Some allow for an AC adapter, which must be near an outlet under the sink.
- Mounting: Know if your sink is single-hole or three-hole. Some touchless models need a deck plate or extra parts to fit old sinks.
- Water pressure: Old galvanized or partially blocked supply lines (common in local homes) can lead to low pressure. If you notice slow flow, check for buildup at the shutoff or consider pipe repair and repiping before upgrading.
- Valve compatibility: Some old shutoff valves under the sink may not close fully or may leak once disturbed. We usually recommend replacing them during any faucet swap if they're original to the house.
- Space under sink: Touchless models have a control box and sometimes a battery pack that needs secure mounting. Make sure you have clearance around water filter tanks or a garbage disposal.
Benefits And Limits Specific To Robbins Homes
With the local water coming in moderately hard, touchless faucets can slow down mineral buildup since you're not grabbing the handle with damp, soapy hands. Less contact means fewer water spots and cleaner chrome. Some models let you pre-set temperature to avoid surprises, helpful if your water heater is older and struggles with consistent supply.
On the flip side, touchless faucets depend on sensor reliability. In kitchens with a lot of natural light or glossy counters, the sensor may trigger accidentally. Also, if a basement gets damp or the under-sink area floods (not uncommon with the high water table and heavy clay soil here), battery boxes and control units need mounting above risk areas. We see problems with older supply lines leaking or clogging, so it's wise to inspect everything before installing a new fixture.
Typical Installation Steps For A Safe Upgrade
- Turn off the hot and cold water supply valves under the sink.
- Remove the old faucet and clean the sink deck. Scrape away old plumber's putty or gaskets, especially on 50+ year old sinks.
- Check the supply hoses. If hoses are brittle or original, replace them with braided stainless lines.
- Install the touchless faucet's mounting hardware, then position the faucet and deck plate (if needed).
- Connect the new supply lines and the electronic control box. Mount the battery pack or plug in the AC adapter above any risk of standing water.
- Test water flow and sensor operation. Look for any leaks around the base, supply connections, and under the sink.
If there are signs of old supply line corrosion or you spot leaks during install, it may be time for leak detection and repair or to evaluate for a full pipe upgrade before putting in the new faucet.
Upkeep and What Can Go Wrong
Most touchless faucets need periodic battery changes, usually every 12-24 months, depending on use. Hard water in Robbins can leave mineral deposits on the sensor window, which may cause intermittent false triggers or missed activations. Wipe the sensor and spout with a damp soft cloth to keep it clear. If you have a garbage disposal, double check the space for wiring and mounting, as control boxes and battery packs shouldn't bump up against drain pipes or disposal bodies. If you do run into repeated drain clogs or slow flow, check out our drain cleaning service to prevent future headaches.
A final tip: any time we replace a faucet in a basement or on a lower floor in Robbins, we inspect the shutoff valves and check for sump pump function. Issues with a sump pit or backflow can end up causing water around new fixtures. Visit our sump pump services page if you suspect any moisture or flooding under your sink.
Choosing The Right Installer
With a touchless kitchen faucet, installation mistakes can lead to leaks, unreliable sensor function, or even small electrical hazards under the sink. Professional installation can catch hidden issues with old drains, valves, and power supply. If you're combining a faucet upgrade with a full kitchen remodel, address all plumbing fixtures at once to save time and cost.
If you want to talk through options for your home's specific plumbing, our team is always here to help. Call 708-726-9658 and let us know how we can take care of your kitchen faucet upgrade in Robbins.