NYC Plumbing Code - Sensor Faucet - Ghost Turn On Causing Sink Overflow

Is there anything in the NYC Plumbing Code regarding sensor faucets? Just purchased a condo (new construction) which has sensor faucets (GROHE Minta Touch) installed in the kitchens. I’m not living in the unit yet (haven’t moved in), but was just informed by my building manager that the sink overflow and caused water damage to my unit and the one below. Apparently, the sensor activated and triggered the faucet to turn on all by itself… something referred to as “ghost turn ons”…
I’ve been reading up on this particular faucet and apparently there are many unhappy customers (online reviews). The building manager himself told me he and many other residents are deactivating that automatic sensor feature (removing the batteries) because of how “tricky” it has been. The faucet installation instructions (provided by the manufacturer) are a bit dubious… according to customer reviews, the manufacturer hasn’t been helpful blaming improper installation. Apparently GROHE provides a copper tape which is meant to secure the bounce/grounding wire to the underside of the stainless steel sink. How legitimate is this? I can only wonder… Many stainless steel sinks feature noise-dampening pads and/or sprayed with an undercoating (latex or a rubberized material)…. GROHE as the manufacture provides no warning regarding this…
Perhaps anyone has advice? I’m mostly baffled how this fixture was approved in the first place.

Guest User | 4 years and 4 months ago

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Guest User | 4 years and 4 months ago

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I will remove the feature, obviously. Not sure why it was installed in the first place… I just purchased the apt…haven’t even moved in… post closing punch list items are still being done.

JohnHancock | 4 years and 4 months ago

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Can’t you just install a different faucet?

Guest User | 4 years and 4 months ago

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Very good point. Building has TCO…

helen40

in General Discussion 4 years and 4 months ago

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Just because you can buy it in NYC and install it, doesn’t mean its approved in NYC. You could buy garbage disposals for years, and they were not allowed by code. I dont think NYC approves individual fixtures, just allowable flows, etc. Maybe an expert on the plumbing code can weigh in. Does the building have a full C of O or a TCO? If not, maybe there are still some inspections to be completed.

louisahml | 4 years and 4 months ago

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We have a sensor faucet in our kitchen that is a different brand and for a long stretch we experienced random on/off. I guess we got lucky bc it has an automatic timer that shuts the flow off after 4 mins and we aren’t in the habit of leaving the stopper in the sink. Does your model have such a feature? I can’t comment with certainty about code but considering that it is battery powered I’d hardly think a plumber has to be an expert at wiring.

Guest User | 4 years and 4 months ago

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I haven’t officially moved-in yet! Only residents that are living in the building and experiencing these ghost turn ons are the ones that saved themselves… a heads-up would have need helpful, but that’s not the point. What I’m wondering is how it was ever approved during inspection… the fixture itself and then the installation method. A plumber apparently also needs to be an electrician….

RobertGMarvin

in General Discussion 4 years and 4 months ago

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Advice? Follow the lead of other c occupants and take out the batteries