Delta touch faucets offer a sleek and modern way to control water with just a tap of your hand anywhere on the faucet body. The sensor of the Delta faucet sends signals to the solenoid valve to open or close the water flow. Unfortunately, the solenoid valve may malfunction and become stuck in one position and restricting the flow of water.
You don’t need to replace the Delta touch faucet, by just bypassing the faulty solenoid valve, you can fix the water issue. To bypass the solenoid valve of the Delta faucet, first, you need to remove it and then connect a manual bypass valve and then use a touch faucet manually. Keep reading to know the process in detail.
How Do You Bypass a Delta Touch Faucet Solenoid?
Turn off Water Supply Lines
Look for the water supply lines under the sink. There would be a single or two separate valves for the supply lines. Turn the valve into an off position to stop the flow of water. It will prevent any water leak during the solenoid bypass process. It is a small but crucial step.
Disconnect The Power Source
Every touch faucet requires electric power to operate. The faucet may get electric power from the batteries or any ac electric outlet. But in the Delta faucet, there are batteries. Look under the sink to find the battery box. Open it and remove the batteries from it.
Remove Faucet Handle
Check the screw of the handle is visible or not. If the screw is hidden behind the cap, use a flathead screwdriver and insert it into a small slot or groove to remove the cap.
Insert a flathead screwdriver into this slot at a 45-degree angle. Gently pry the handle up from side to side to loosen it. Once the cap is loosened, pull it straight up on the handle to remove it completely. Now the hidden screw is visible and you can remove it by using a screwdriver.
In some Delta faucets, there is a dome-shaped bonnet surrounding the faucet body. This bonnet holes the faucet assembly together. It is tightened with a threaded nut. Unscrew this nut and remove the bonnet by using an adjustable wrench.
Removing the bonnet nut will expose the internal components of the faucet including the solenoid valve which you need to bypass.
Remove The Solenoid Valve
The solenoid valve is cylindrical in shape. It is usually positioned near the base of the faucet. After removing the handle, you can easily see it. If any electrical wiring is connected to it, remove the wiring.
Use a Philips head screwdriver to remove the bracket holding the solenoid. Use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the solenoid valve counterclockwise from the faucet body. Pull the solenoid valve straight out once detached from the faucet body.
Attach a Bypass Valve in Place of The Solenoid Valve
You can use a bypass valve to get water directly from the faucet without touching the faucet body. You need to place the bypass valve where the solenoid valve was previously mounted. Tighten securely with an adjustable wrench but do not overtighten it.
If you don’t have a bypass valve, still you can bypass the Delta faucet solenoid. The Solenoid valve is connected to a water supply line. When you remove the solenoid valve, this water supply line is left alone. Connect this supply line to the faucet spout to get a direct water supply from the Delta faucet.
Reassemble the Faucet and Turn the Water Back on
Now, you have bypassed the solenoid valve of the Delta faucet. It’s time to reattach all parts of the faucet again.
Start with reconnecting the bonnet and then reassemble the handle by tightening the screw of the handle. Cover the screw with the decorative cap. Now, you can use the Delta faucet handle to turn on or off the water supply.
How Long Will The Bypassed Faucet Remain Functional?
The life of a bypass faucet depends on the faucet’s condition, water quality, and how you maintain the faucet. If you have done Bypass correctly, you won’t face any issues while using the faucet. If the Bypass was not done properly and the connection is loosened, you may see a leak or any other issues in the faucet.
If the condition of the faucet is not good and before removing the solenoid valve, it was already showing signs of wear and tear, don’t expect a good performance after removing the solenoid. Regular maintenance is also important to extend the life of the faucet. keeping the faucet clean and fixing any minor issues instantly help to increase the functionality of the faucet.
Check also – Why Delta Touch Faucet Dripping?
Common Reasons For Solenoid Valve Failure
A Solenoid valve is essential for the proper functioning of a touch faucet. When the solenoid valve is not functional, it will cause issues in the touch functioning of the faucet. You will touch the tap but the water won’t start flowing. Here are some common reasons for a faulty solenoid valve:
- Mineral deposits and sediment in the water supply prevent the solenoid valve from fully opening and closing. This situation is common when you have a hard water supply.
- The rubber parts inside the solenoid valve can wear over time. The worn-out part cause issue in the valve and the performance of the valve won’t be good.
- Low batteries are also one of the major reasons for not functioning solenoid valves.
- Sensor faucets have an infrared detector and switching circuitry that can fail. This prevents power from reaching the solenoid. The sensor module may need replacing.
Final Thoughts
Bypassing a solenoid valve of the Delta faucet can be a practical solution when the touch feature of the faucet is not working properly and you want to use the faucet manually. Follow the steps from the guide to bypass a Delta touch faucet solenoid. These steps are simple and can be performed by you.
FAQs
Can I Bypass The Solenoid Temporarily?
Yes, you can bypass the solenoid temporarily. You can remove the solenoid by following the above method and when you want to reuse it, you can reattach it. By removing the solenoid temporarily, you can use the touch faucet manually.
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Can I Install a New Solenoid Later If Needed?
Yes, you can install a new solenoid anytime when you need it. Once you remove the solenoid due to any malfunction issue, you can remove it and use the faucet manually. But later when you want to use the touch functionality of the faucet, you can reattach the solenoid and get back the touch feature of the faucet.
Where Can I Find a Bypass Kit For My Delta Touch Faucet?
Delta touch faucet bypass kit is available on Delta’s official website. You can also get it from other online ecommerce stores such as Amazon, lowes, etc. The bypass kit is available easily. Check any nearby hardware store, you will also get it from there.
James Lewis is a seasoned plumber and faucet enthusiast who shares his expertise on Faucetsavvy.com. With over 15 years of experience in the plumbing industry, he’s passionate about helping homeowners find the perfect faucet for their needs. He’s also dedicated to empowering DIY enthusiasts with the plumbing knowledge and skills needed to repair and maintain their faucets.