Moen MotionSense faucet is something that has made its mark with all the advanced technology it uses. However, sometimes, you will still get some issues here and there with the faucet.
One of the common issues that many people face is when Moes MotionSense faucet won’t turn off. Here, I will go through why this problem happens in your faucet and how you can fix it.
Let’s not waste any more time and jump right into it.
Why Won’t The MotionSense Faucet Turn Off?
There are several reasons this may happen to your Moen faucet. Some can be simple, and some are just a bit complicated to get through.
Let’s check them out one by one, and then I will take you through the fixes for these problems.
- The Batteries May Have Died Out Or Not Been Installed Properly
Sometimes a simple issue like the batteries not being installed properly or drying out can cause this problem to happen.
It’s also very easy to miss out on this factor as you may not have put too much emphasis on it and wondered about some serious causes.
Make sure to check your batteries and see whether they are correctly installed or not. I will go through the proper battery installation later on here.
So, there is nothing to worry about at all.
- Faulty Data Cable Connection
Another crucial reason for your faucet not turning off is the data cable’s faulty connection. The cable can either come loose or get damaged. Either way, you will have this issue where your faucet doesn’t turn off.
The cable can get damaged over time or come loose naturally, so there is nothing to worry about that. Also, it’s not something difficult to solve either.
- Problems With The Control Box
Here is the real problem that isn’t as easy as faulty connection or died out batteries. When you have issues going on with the control box, your faucet may not turn off properly.
Several things can go wrong with the control box!
One instance is where the control box malfunctions or doesn’t work properly. Solving that isn’t very difficult as you only need to reset the box. It’s pretty straightforward to do that as well.
The real trouble is if the solenoid in the control box goes bad. In that case, you will have to check up on the LED indicators and see if they are on or off. With a bad solenoid, the lights are likely to be off. It’s much more serious than all the other issues causing this problem to happen in your Moen faucet.
- Faulty Motion Sensor
The motion sensor is the core of what makes touchless faucets like the MotionSense work. An infrared sensor monitors the area above the faucet, detecting when hands enter the activation zone. If the sensor becomes obstructed or fails, it can’t properly control water flow.
A dirty sensor window is a common culprit for touchless faucet issues. Hard water deposits, soap scum, and mineral buildup can interfere with the sensor’s field of view. Carefully clean the sensor window using a cloth dampened with white vinegar. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the window.
Additionally, the sensor relies on an electric eye and circuit board to function. Like any electronics, components can fail over time leading to activation problems. If cleaning doesn’t improve operation, the sensor module likely needs replacement.
Fortunately, Moen makes this an easy fix. The MotionSense has a quick connect sensor that pops out for easy replacement without any tools required. Simply disconnect the sensor cable, remove the clip, and replace with a new module.
- Damaged Faucet Body
Although rare, damage to the faucet body itself can lead to external leaks that bypass the internal valves. Punctures, cracks, and stripping of the threaded spout adapter are the most common damage types.
Carefully inspect the exterior of the faucet for any visible leaks or damage. Spraying the body with water can help detect hairline cracks. Replace any suspect o-rings or gaskets as well.
- Solenoid Valve Not Closing
Behind the scenes, MotionSense faucets use a solenoid valve to control water flow. This electromagnet valve switches on when activated and off when deactivated. Issues with the solenoid valve itself can prevent proper shutoff.
A worn out solenoid coil prevents the valve from closing fully. This allows water to continue passing through even in the off state. listen closely to hear if the solenoid is buzzing or humming when supposed to be deactivated. This buzzing indicates a faulty solenoid.
The valve seat inside the solenoid can also become fouled with debris, preventing full closure. Flushing the faucet lines and cleaning the valve seat can sometimes resolve this issue. But a malfunctioning solenoid will likely require replacement.
Thankfully, the Moen MotionSense solenoid is integrated into the easy change cartridge unit. Replacing the cartridge takes just minutes without any specialty tools. Be sure to shut off water supplies before swapping the cartridge.
- Stuck Faucet Handle
Some MotionSense models have a manual handle in addition to the touchless function. If this faucet handle becomes stuck open, it will prevent the faucet from ever shutting off.
Carefully remove the handle and inspect it for any blockages or binding. Soap scum and mineral deposits can cause the handle mechanism to stick. Use a toothbrush dipped in vinegar to scrub away any buildup.
Spray lubricant like WD-40 into the handle socket and operate it several times to loosen up the mechanism. Check for any cracked or damaged components that may need replacement.
If the handle immediately gets stuck again, the valve cartridge is likely at fault. Follow the steps above to replace the entire cartridge, which will include the new handle components.
So, these were the reasons that can usually keep your Moen faucet turned on. The good thing about this is that most of the problems are pretty easy to fix.
Let’s get through the fixes to try out to resolve the issue.
Solution For Fixing When Moen Faucet Won’t Turn Off
There are some fixes that you can do yourself, and they are very easy to do pull off as well. You won’t need any expertise or any help doing this.
Just knowing the processes helps out a lot. In some cases, you may need to opt for professional help.
However, you can still try that out yourself through the help of the internet.
Having said that, let’s check out the solutions for the problems.
- Issues with the battery
The typical issue you face with the battery is either it’s not properly installed or died out.
If the batteries die out, you have to use some new batteries to replace the old ones.
If the batteries are installed incorrectly, you will simply need to install them correctly.
Installing batteries on the Moen faucet goes in an alternate direction, and you will need a total of 6 batteries. You just have to follow this one simple rule.
First, find out the positive end and negative end of the battery. Usually, the end with a little tip on top is the positive end. All you have to do is, line up the negative end of the battery with the spring end of the battery slots.
After installing the batteries, make sure they are not popping out from the springs, which counts as incorrect installation.
- Issues with data cable
This is very simple to fix. You just check the data cable connection and see whether it’s loose or not. If not, then check for damages on the data cable.
If the data cable is damaged, then all you have to do is replace the data cable with a new one. You can get a replacement cable from Moen support if you contact them.
- Issues with control box
Let’s get one thing out of the way, if the issue is about a bad solenoid, then the only solution is to replace the solenoid and get a new one. You can get the replacement from Moen and replace it yourself, or you can take professional help for that purpose.
But if you are having trouble with the control box, then resetting it may help you fix the problem for the most part. Here’s how you can reset your control box to fix the issue –
- First, you have to disconnect the power cable and data cable from your control box.
- Next, you will need to wait for about 1 minute. Then, plug the data cable into your control box.
- After that, you have to connect the power cable and make sure the cables are connected properly without any loose ends whatsoever.
- Once that’s done, the faucet should turn off within 10 seconds or so. If it doesn’t turn off, then you should try doing the whole thing once more.
Now, if the problem persists after following this method twice, then there is another solution that you have to try out. Here’s what you need to do –
Firstly, you will need to turn off your cold-water supply so that only hot water flows through the faucet. Let the water flow for around 5 minutes.
After that, you have to put your hands on top of the sensor and keep it there for 7 seconds. This should deactivate the sensors for a while.
Then, if you see the water still flowing and not turning off the faucet, you will need to turn off the hot water supply as well. At this point, there should be no water supply to the faucet at all. That should stop the problem from happening.
Lastly, you can just turn all the water supplies back on. Also, make sure you are reactivating the sensors by putting your hand on top of it for 7 seconds once again.
These are the typical solutions that you can try out to fix the problem. If doing these doesn’t fix things, you will need to take professional help or contact Moen support for further instruction.
Lastly, watch this troubleshooting video.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The most common reasons a motion faucet won’t turn off are a dirty sensor window, faulty solenoid valve, stuck handle, or electronic malfunction. Checking these components can reveal the cause.
To turn off a Moen MotionSense sensor, first try waving your hand in front of the sensor window a few times. If that doesn’t work, turn off the water supply valves underneath. You can also disconnect or replace the sensor module.
A faucet that keeps running after you turn it off usually has an issue with the valve or solenoid not fully closing. Causes include worn seals/seats, stuck handles, debris, and failing components.
If a kitchen faucet won’t turn off all the way, it’s typically due to worn valve seats or supply valves not fully closing.
Conclusion
All in all, when your Moen MotionSense faucet won’t turn off, it can get pretty annoying. If it’s the simple problems that you may not have noticed, then you are lucky as the fixes are pretty straightforward.
But if you are dealing with control box issues, you may need to put in some effort before you can replace the control box completely. You can always contact Moen support for any issues you face within the warranty period.