Seasonal PrepUpdated June 20, 2026
Old kitchen faucets can become a daily frustration in homes across Kenilworth, especially once the seals start to leak or mineral buildup slows the flow. In older houses, original fixtures from the early 20th century often aren't built for modern use. More residents have started asking about upgrading to touchless faucets as an easy way to improve both hygiene and convenience, especially with seasonal changes ahead bringing more cooking and foot traffic through the kitchen.
Why Touchless Faucets Make Sense in Kenilworth
Many Kenilworth homes were designed for family gatherings and frequent entertaining. Touchless faucets can help cut down on the mess that comes with extra hands in the kitchen, from sticky fingers to muddy paws in wet weather. With a simple wave, these fixtures let you turn the water on or off without touching the handle, reducing the spread of germs and keeping the sink area cleaner.
Since Lake Michigan supplies our municipal water, mineral deposits from moderately hard water will eventually affect faucet performance. Older faucets are more likely to clog or develop leaks around seals and cartridges when this buildup occurs. Installing a new touchless model means fewer maintenance headaches down the line.
What to Check Before Replacing Your Kitchen Faucet
- Supply lines: Older homes in Kenilworth may have galvanized or corroded pipes. We recommend inspecting these before installing any new fixture. If you notice rusted or slow supply lines, our pipe repair and repiping service can help ensure a proper connection.
- Water pressure: It's important to make sure your pressure isn't too high or low. Moderately hard water and aging PRVs can affect faucet performance.
- Sink compatibility: Check that your sink's mounting holes fit the new faucet base. Some touchless faucets require a single-hole setup, while older sinks often have three holes.
- Electrical access: Touchless models use batteries or a nearby outlet. If your sink cabinet lacks a convenient outlet, we can recommend practical solutions.
Addressing these details before installation helps avoid leaks, wasted water, or a fixture that doesn't work as intended.
Tackling Common Installation Issues
Clay-rich soils and high water tables in the Chicago north suburbs can lead to shifting foundations, which sometimes stress pipe joints below kitchen sinks. We check every connection to confirm it's tight and up to code, whether you are replacing an old faucet or upgrading a full kitchen.
If you have persistent leaks or water pooling under the sink, our team uses leak detection and repair tools to find hidden issues before the new faucet goes in. It's also wise to verify that P-traps and shutoff valves are accessible and in good shape. If your old fixture had persistent mineral buildup, we suggest a flush or cleaning of the supply lines as part of the upgrade.
Seasonal Prep Tips During the Upgrade
Kenilworth winters bring freezing temperatures that can catch exposed pipes or uninsulated supply lines off guard. If you've noticed slow flow from your kitchen faucet during cold snaps, there could be a risk of freezing in the cabinet area. While installing a touchless faucet, we often check for cold spots or drafts under the sink. Adding pipe insulation and sealing gaps can help prevent frozen lines as temperatures drop.
While upgrading, it's a good time to check for signs of water damage or mold, often found when removing an old faucet. If your kitchen is due for a full refresh, we also handle kitchen remodeling projects and can coordinate fixture upgrades with other plumbing improvements.
Maintaining Your Touchless Faucet Year-Round
Touchless faucets require minimal maintenance, but the sensor surface and aerator benefit from regular cleaning. Hard water deposits around nozzles are common with Lake Michigan water, so we suggest checking the aerator every few months and soaking it in vinegar to dissolve buildup. Battery-powered models need fresh batteries once or twice a year, especially if usage increases during school breaks or holidays.
If your new faucet has lower flow or inconsistent sensor response, check for debris in the supply lines. Our drain cleaning solutions and advice help keep everything running smoothly. For homes with older plumbing, pairing a faucet upgrade with a whole-house supply flush or water line checkup is a practical step.
Warning Signs You Need an Upgrade
- Handle is loose, leaks, or difficult to operate
- Faucet base has water pooling or staining underneath
- Flow rate has dropped due to mineral or rust buildup
- Frequent repairs or worn washers/cartridges
- Outdated design doesn't fit modern needs or sinks
Upgrading to a touchless faucet is a straightforward way to boost both function and style in your kitchen. If you're thinking of making the switch, our team can handle the full faucet and fixture installation and check for any underlying plumbing issues while we're there.
For fast and careful installation by a local Kenilworth crew, give us a call at 224-537-0229. We're here to answer your questions and make your next kitchen upgrade go smoothly.