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How to Replace the Battery Pack on a Kohler Sensate Touchless Faucet

Kohler GuideSmart Plumbing
easy difficulty 15-20 minutes 15 views 0 found helpful Updated
This guide applies to: Kohler Kohler Sensate Touchless Faucet (Sensate K-72218, Sensate K-72218-CP, Sensate K-72218-VS)
At a glance — most common causes
  • Old cells leaked inside compartment
  • Mixed old and new cells previously used
  • Moisture in cabinet corroded contacts
15-20 minutes11 solutions coveredeasy level

Expert Review & Technical Scope

DeviceKohler Kohler Sensate Touchless Faucet
Model CoverageSensate K-72218, Sensate K-72218-CP, Sensate K-72218-VS
Fix Time15-20 minutes
DifficultyEasy
Required Toolsphillips screwdriver, flashlight, dry microfiber cloth, matched premium battery set
Network / ProtocolWi-Fi / app-based troubleshooting context

Problem Description

Replace the below-deck battery pack on a Kohler Sensate faucet, restore reliable touchless response, and reset internal state so low-battery alerts clear after fresh cells are installed.

Symptoms

  • Touchless sensor has become unreliable
  • App shows critical battery status
  • Faucet makes clicking noises
  • Fresh premium batteries on hand
  • Under-sink area accessible
  • Flashlight available for cabinet work

Recognize these? Here's what usually causes it.

Common Causes

  • Old cells leaked inside compartment
  • Mixed old and new cells previously used
  • Moisture in cabinet corroded contacts
  • Battery pack connector loosened over time
  • High-use kitchen drained cells faster
  • Stale battery state cached in controller

Most fixes happen in the first 3 steps.

Warning

Never mix old and new batteries. Uneven discharge damages controller circuitry and causes repeated false low-battery alerts over time.

Tools & Requirements

phillips screwdriverflashlightdry microfiber clothmatched premium battery set

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Prepare Workspace

Clear the under-sink cabinet so you can access the Kohler control box without strain. Lay a towel to catch drips. Keep a flashlight nearby because the battery pack is often mounted behind supply lines where natural light does not reach.

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2

Disconnect Battery Pack

Locate the cylindrical battery pack attached to the control box. Press the release tab and pull the connector straight out. Avoid twisting, which can stress the plug. Remove the pack fully so you can open it on a clean, flat surface.

3

Clean and Inspect Contacts

Open the pack, remove old batteries, and check for leakage or corrosion. Wipe contacts with a dry cloth. If you see heavy corrosion, replace the pack assembly rather than just the cells. Clean contacts improve conductivity and prevent false low-battery alerts.

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4

Install Fresh Cells

Insert a full set of new premium batteries from the same brand and lot. Confirm polarity. Close the pack firmly. Reconnect the harness to the control box until it clicks. A secure connection is essential for stable sensor power during motion activation events.

5

Power Cycle and Verify

Unplug AC power briefly if your model has it, then reconnect to clear cached battery state. Refresh the Kohler app, confirm battery status reports healthy, and wave under the spout to test touchless response. Label the pack with today date for maintenance.

Quick Solutions

Use matched fresh premium cells
Clean contacts with dry cloth
Tighten connector until it clicks
Power cycle control box fully
Refresh app diagnostic after reboot
Label install date on pack

Still having issues? This is usually the deeper cause below.

If drain continues after replacing batteries, check the event history — a stuck-open sensor or rapid polling loop burns through batteries in days.

Pro Tip

Write the install date directly on the battery pack. Tracking usage time helps predict future replacements before the faucet becomes unreliable mid-task.

Real-World Insight

App battery indicators run 15–20% behind actual charge levels — by the time the low warning appears, the device has been struggling for days.

What Usually Goes Wrong
  • Old cells leaked inside compartment
  • Mixed old and new cells previously used
  • Moisture in cabinet corroded contacts
  • Battery pack connector loosened over time
  • High-use kitchen drained cells faster

Official Manufacturer Manual

Kohler provides official product documentation through their online manual rather than downloadable PDF. Access setup guides, troubleshooting steps, and product specifications for your Kohler Sensate Touchless Faucet.

View Kohler Sensate Touchless Faucet Online Manual

Source: kohler.com

Need More Help? Kohler Support

Note: The contact information below connects you directly to Kohler's official customer support team, not Trunetto. They can help with warranty claims, device replacements, and advanced technical issues.