How Do LED Faucet Lights Work?
LED faucet lights are among the latest and most exciting twists on an ordinary faucet. They feature lights inside of the faucet itself that lights up the water that’s pouring out of it. However, many people are curious about how LED faucet lights work without any cords or wires.
Modern LED faucet lights work using hydroelectric power generated by water from the faucet. As the tap opens and water starts flowing, a tiny motor inside the faucet head turns on and creates power. The water then changes color according to the temperature of the water.
Still curious about LED faucet lights and whether or not they’re right for you? Don’t worry because we will delve into what LED faucet lights are and how they work. We’ll also look at the upside and downside that they have and hopefully answer all of your questions.
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How do LED Faucet Lights Work?
LED faucet lights generate their own hydroelectric power created by running water. When you open up the faucet and water starts flowing out of it, there are tiny blades in a small motor that’s producing electricity. The power created then turns on the lights inside the faucet. LED faucets have three light settings that indicate the temperature of the water.
The different colors are usually red, blue, and green, each representing a different temperature of the water. Red water means hot water is coming out of the faucet, green indicates warm or lukewarm water, and blue indicates cold water.
When you turn the water off, the LED lights realize that there’s no pressure, and they turn off as well. The motor that controls the activation of the lights responds to water pressure and turns on and off accordingly.
Explainer Video: LED Faucet Light test. Light up your sink!
Advantages of LED Faucet Lights
LED faucet lights aren’t loved just because they’re trendy and popular. They serve both decorative and practical purposes, and here they are.
Makes Washing Dishes Enjoyable
An ordinary faucet produces ordinary water without appeal or excitement. On the other hand, LED faucet lights make washing dishes a joy. As long as you keep the water running, your sink will be filled with dazzling colors of red, blue, or green according to how hot or cold your water is. The aesthetic beauty of LED faucet lights is the main reason people love them.
Protects You From Hurting Yourself
We’ve all been there. We turn the water in the wrong direction and are greeted with scalding hot water. With LED faucet lights, the light indicates the temperature of the water and warns you when you’re about to stick your hand under a hot faucet. You can know your water temperature without having to touch it and get your hand wet.
Helps You See in the Dark
If you need a glass of water late at night, LED faucet lights make so you don’t have to turn the lights on. You can fill your cup with the perfect amount of water, and you can do it in the dark.
Different Types of LED Faucet Lights
There are two main types of LED faucet lights still in use today. The kind that you prefer is mainly up to you. Both types of faucets fulfill the same purpose, and the main difference is in how they’re powered.
Hydro-Powered Lights
Hydro-powered lights are the most popular type of LED faucet lights. They’ve become the norm in modern plumbing and electrical technology due to their simplicity and practicality. There’s a tiny motor inside of the faucet head that gets powered as water flows through it. Hydro-powered lights have self-produced power that will last as long as the motor doesn’t give out.
Battery-Powered Lights
Battery-powered lights fulfill the same functions as hydro-powered ones do. They’re just powered differently. There’s still a motor in the faucet’s head, but it’s powered by a tiny battery rather than hydroelectricity. The only downside of this type of faucet is that you have to change the battery when it gives out. While this is a minor inconvenience, hydroelectric lights are more user-friendly and eco-friendly.
Common Issues With LED Faucet Lights
LED faucet lights are incredible feats of technology, but they’re not without their problems. They have the same issues typical of any type of faucet, but they also have issues unique to them. Here’s a list of things to be on the lookout for with your LED faucet and lights.
Lights Don’t Turn on With LED Faucet
Whether you have battery-powered lights or hydro-powered ones, the lights might fail from time to time. With battery-powered ones, the issue is usually that your batteries have given out or they’re incorrectly installed. A possible problem with both types of lights is a wiring or circuit issue. If this is the problem, you should replace your faucet with a new one.
Another possible problem with hydro-powered faucet lights has to do with water pressure problems. It’s possible that the aerator has gotten clogged or damaged and isn’t correctly reading water pressure. If that happens, your lights won’t know it’s time to turn on, and they will fail to activate.
Aerator Issues With Faucet
There are aerators in every type of faucet, and LED ones are no exception. As water flows through your tap, grime and grit occasionally get stuck in the aerator and clog it. If this happens and your lights or faucet aren’t working correctly, you’ll have to repair the clog. The best way to do that is to remove the faucet head and set it in a mixture of vinegar and water. Please give it a thorough scrubbing and cleaning before reattaching it to the body of your faucet.
LED Light Adapter Issues
Light adapter issues are pretty standard with any type of LED lighting. Whether you have a battery-operated or a hydro-operated faucet light, you’ll have to be on the lookout for adapter problems.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure is one of the most significant issues with LED faucet lights. The pressure turns the blades inside of the motor and activates it, which then creates energy that activates the lights. If the pressure is too low, your engine will fail to turn on and keep your LED lights in the dark.
Electric Motor Chip
The motor chip is what controls the functioning of the light motor. If there’s a problem with the chip, your motor won’t turn on. Your lights, in turn, won’t turn on either since the motor isn’t running. You’ll have to replace the electric motor chip, the motor, or the faucet head to fix the problem.
How to Install an LED Faucet Light
If you’ve decided that you want to give LED faucet lights a try, the good news is that you can install them yourself. It’s actually quite simple to remove your old faucet head and install a new LED one. Your old faucet head should twist off with a simple turn of the wrist.
In turn, your new one should go on just as easily. Once you have the old one removed and the new one installed, turn the water on and conduct a practice run. If there aren’t any leaks, you’re ready to enjoy your brand new LED faucet lights.
Related Questions
How long does an LED faucet light last?
LED faucet lights are designed to be extremely durable and long-lasting. They can operate for up to 80,000 hours, which is usually around ten years.
Are faucets with LED lights better than regular faucets?
LED faucets are beautiful and handy for determining water temperature, but they aren’t necessarily better than ordinary faucets. They have cool lighting features, but the water won’t taste or feel different.
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Final Thoughts
LED faucet lights are intriguing and exciting additions to any home. They’re a unique item that adds aesthetic beauty and practicality to your kitchen. If you’re tired of the same old boring water and wanna spice things up, give LED faucet lights a try.
Before I started writing, I worked for 6 plus years in the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC business. I was primarily an HVAC installer but also worked as a plumber and electrician. Now I'm a copywriter, focusing on home improvement content and guides.
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