Why Does My Kohler Sensate Faucet Keep Dripping After Being Activated?

Problem Description

Your Kohler Sensate touchless kitchen faucet drips or runs continuously after a wave activation ends, even when no hands are near the sensor. The faucet should shut off within 2 seconds of the wave gesture being completed but instead water continues to flow or drip after the sensing event. This is caused by the solenoid valve not fully closing, sensor sensitivity detecting background motion, or the solenoid coil needing a power reset.

Why This Happens in Real Homes

A Sensate that keeps running or dripping after a wave is almost always a solenoid or sensing problem, not a worn cartridge. The faucet controls flow with an electric solenoid valve that should snap shut within about two seconds of the sensing event ending. When debris or mineral scale gets into the valve seat, the plunger can't seat fully and water weeps past it - that's the classic slow drip that persists long after use. A quick fix that often works is flushing the solenoid: turn the under-sink supply off then on a few times to dislodge grit, and power cycle by closing the supplies for 30 seconds to reset a coil stuck in a fault state.

The other half of the problem is phantom sensing. If the sensor window on the faucet neck is coated with soap, grease, or condensation - or if sensitivity is set too high - the sensor keeps 'seeing' motion and re-triggers flow over an empty sink, which looks like a valve that won't close. Wipe the window clean and dry, dial back sensitivity at the control box, and check the 6-AA battery, since a weak pack makes solenoid control erratic. Confirm household water pressure sits in the 20-125 psi range; a low-pressure event during activation can leave the valve partially open. If it still drips after cleaning and a power cycle, the valve seal is likely scaled or worn and needs service.

Symptoms

• Faucet drips continuously after a hand-wave activation
• Water keeps flowing 30+ seconds after the hand is removed
• Faucet activates then never shuts off without the manual handle
• Slow drip persists hours after the last use
• Sensor light blinks as if sensing motion over an empty sink
• Dripping began after a low-water-pressure event
• Shutoff is delayed well beyond the normal ~2 seconds
• Water stains collecting in the sink

Recognize these? Here's what usually causes it.

Common Causes

• Solenoid valve not fully closing due to debris/scale in the valve seat
• Sensor sensitivity too high, detecting ambient movement
• Solenoid coil in a fault state needing a power reset
• Low water pressure during activation left the valve partially open
• Soap or grease buildup on the sensor window causing phantom sensing
• Valve seal worn from high-mineral-content water
• Low battery causing erratic solenoid control
• Sensor window wet or condensation triggering false detection

Tools & Requirements

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Power Cycle the Faucet Solenoid

Turn off both the hot and cold supply valves under the sink. Wait 30 seconds for the solenoid to fully de-energise and any residual water pressure to equalise. Slowly turn the supply valves back on. The solenoid will reset to its default closed position on power restoration. Test the faucet by waving your hand in front of the sensor to activate it then removing your hand. The water should stop within 2 seconds. If the drip continues after power cycling the solenoid seal may be worn.

2

Clean the Sensor Window

The Sensate faucet sensor is located on the neck of the faucet behind a small window. Soap residue, hard water scale, and cooking grease can accumulate on this window causing the sensor to register phantom activations and keep the solenoid open after use. Wipe the sensor window firmly with a clean damp cloth. Use a small amount of white vinegar to dissolve mineral deposits if present. After cleaning the sensor window dry it completely before testing touch-free activation.

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3

Adjust Sensor Sensitivity

The Kohler Sensate has a sensitivity adjustment button located under the sink on the solenoid control box or on the faucet base depending on the model. Press the adjustment button once to reduce the sensor range by approximately 25 percent. A shorter detection range reduces false activations from passing objects and kitchen activity that can keep the solenoid open. After adjusting test by waving at the normal distance and verifying the faucet turns off promptly.

4

Flush the Valve Seat

Debris caught in the solenoid valve seat can prevent it from fully closing causing a continuous drip. To flush the valve turn the faucet on manually using the handle and run cold water at full pressure for 30 seconds. Then turn the handle off and immediately activate the touch sensor three times in quick succession. This rapid cycling can dislodge debris from the valve seat. If the drip reduces or stops after this flush the valve seat was partially blocked.

5

Check Water Pressure Range

Kohler Sensate solenoids are rated for water pressure between 20 and 125 psi. Pressure above 125 psi can force the solenoid valve partially open when it tries to close resulting in a continuous drip. Install a pressure gauge on the faucet supply line to measure inlet pressure. If pressure exceeds 80 psi install a pressure reducing valve on the supply line. Reducing pressure to 60 to 70 psi allows the solenoid to close fully and eliminates pressure-induced dripping.

Quick Solutions

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

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.