🚰 DIY Foot Pedal Water Tap Project

Build a hands-free kitchen sink controller with Arduino

Project Overview

This project adds foot pedal control to your existing kitchen sink faucet, giving you three intelligent operating modes for hands-free water control.

👣 Hold Mode (Default)

Press and hold pedal for water flow. Release to stop.

💧 Continuous Mode

Single tap for continuous flow with 2-minute auto-shutoff.

✋ Manual Mode

Double tap to return control to your faucet handles.

Why Build This?

✅ Benefits:
  • Hands-free operation when handling raw meat, dough, or messy ingredients
  • Significant water savings with automatic shutoff
  • Works with your existing faucet - no replacement needed
  • Affordable - save $80-600+ compared to commercial systems
  • Fully customizable timing and behaviour
  • Visual status indicator shows current mode

Quick Facts

Aspect Details
Total Cost $190-300 AUD
Build Time 6-9 hours (spread over 2-3 weekends)
Skill Level Beginner-friendly (if you can build IKEA furniture, you can do this!)
Suppliers Core Electronics, Jaycar, Bunnings (all Australian)
Savings vs Commercial $80-630 AUD

Project Timeline

Phase 1: Planning (1-2 hours)

Read documentation, order parts, measure sink area

Phase 2: Electronics (2-3 hours)

Build breadboard circuit, upload Arduino code, test without water

Phase 3: Water Testing (1 hour)

Bucket test with actual water flow before installation

Phase 4: Installation (2-3 hours)

Install solenoid valves under sink, test for leaks

Phase 5: Fine-tuning (30 minutes)

Adjust timing constants, test all three modes

Cost Breakdown

Category Items Cost (AUD)
Electronics Arduino, solenoid valves, transistors, resistors, foot pedal, power supply $120-180
Plumbing Braided hoses, water hammer arrestors, fittings, Teflon tape $70-120
Total $190-300 AUD
💰 Compare to Commercial Options:
• Principle Faucets STEP: $620-930 AUD + international shipping
• Wolfen (Reece): $388 AUD (limited features - timed flow only)
Your savings: $80-630 AUD!

What You'll Build

Hardware Components

Software

Skills Required

Electronics (Beginner-Friendly)

  • Upload code to Arduino (drag & drop)
  • Connect wires to breadboard
  • Basic multimeter use (optional)

No soldering required for testing!

Plumbing (Easy)

  • Turn off water valves
  • Disconnect/reconnect flexible hoses
  • Apply Teflon tape to threads
  • Check for leaks

Standard household plumbing

⚠️ Critical Safety Items

1. Water Hammer Arrestors - NOT OPTIONAL

Solenoid valves close instantly, causing pressure spikes that can damage pipes and appliances. Water hammer arrestors prevent this.

Cost: $30-40 for two | Always install these!

2. Flyback Diodes - Protect Your Transistors

Must be installed correctly (stripe end to +12V). Without them, your TIP120 transistors will fail.

Cost: $0.50 each | Critical for electronics protection

3. Electrical/Water Separation

  • Use waterproof enclosure for electronics
  • Route wires away from water sources
  • Never work with wet hands

Testing Strategy

Stage 1: Breadboard Electronics (No Water)

  • Build circuit on breadboard
  • Upload code and test foot pedal detection
  • Verify solenoids click when activated
  • No water involved yet - safe testing!

Stage 2: Bucket Water Test

  • Set up bucket → hose → solenoid → bucket loop
  • Test with actual water flow
  • Check for leaks and verify all modes work
  • Still not installed in sink - reversible!

Stage 3: Sink Installation

  • Install solenoids inline with water supply
  • Test thoroughly for leaks
  • Test all operating modes
  • Fine-tune timing in code

Before You Start - Quick Checklist

Measurements to Take

  1. Distance from shutoff valve to faucet connection (for hose length)
  2. Available space under sink (for solenoid placement)
  3. Foot reach distance (for pedal placement)

Write these down before ordering parts!

Ready to Start?

📖 Read Complete Guide 🛒 View Shopping List 🔌 See Wiring Diagram
📚 Recommended Reading Order:
  1. Start with the Complete Guide to understand the full project
  2. Use the Shopping List to order all components
  3. Follow the Wiring Diagram when building the circuit
  4. Come back here to track your progress!

Project Progress Tracker

Australian Suppliers

Supplier What to Buy Shipping
Core Electronics
core-electronics.com.au		 Arduino, solenoid valves, components 3-5 days
Jaycar Electronics
jaycar.com.au		 Foot pedal, transistors, resistors, power supply Same day pickup or 2-3 days
Bunnings
bunnings.com.au		 All plumbing supplies, water hammer arrestors Same day Click & Collect

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this with any faucet?

Yes! This works with any kitchen faucet. The solenoid valves install on the water supply lines before the faucet, so faucet type doesn't matter.

Do I need to be good at electronics?

No. If you can follow a recipe, you can build this. The Arduino code is provided - just upload it. The wiring is like following a map with clear instructions.

What if I mess up the wiring?

Start with the breadboard - it's temporary and forgiving. You can easily move wires around. Use the wiring checklist before powering on.

Will this damage my plumbing?

Not if you install water hammer arrestors. These are included in the parts list and prevent pressure spikes that could damage pipes.

Can I adjust the 2-minute timeout?

Yes! Change the CONTINUOUS_TIMEOUT value in the Arduino code. It's in milliseconds (120000 = 2 minutes). Make it longer or shorter to your preference.

What if the pedal is too sensitive or too slow?

Adjust these values in the code: