By Miles SinclairUpdated November 2026
The delta leland touch kitchen faucet is a single-hole, pull-down model built around Delta’s touch activation, so you can start, stop, and adjust the water with a tap on the body or handle rather than turning a valve. It targets households that want hands-free convenience at the sink without moving to a fully commercial-style fixture. It makes the most sense for busy kitchens, people who cook often and handle messy ingredients, and anyone upgrading from a basic manual faucet. It is a weaker choice for shoppers who want the lowest possible entry point, who prefer a purely mechanical faucet with no electronics to troubleshoot, or who need a deck setup other than a single hole.
DELTA Leland Touchless Kitchen Faucet with Touch Technology, Brushed Nickel Kitchen Sink Faucet with Pull Down Sprayer, Single Hole, SpotShield Stainless 9178TL-SP-DST
Product Overview
This is the brushed nickel version of the Leland line, listed as a single-hole kitchen sink faucet with a pull-down sprayer and Delta’s SpotShield Stainless finish. The model number 9178TL-SP-DST indicates a touch-enabled, single-handle design with a pull-down spray head, which is the configuration most owners use for rinsing dishes, filling large pots, and cleaning the sink basin. The Leland silhouette is a traditional, rounded profile with a gooseneck spout, so it suits transitional and classic kitchens as well as more modern spaces that want a softer look.
Delta positions the touch feature as a way to control water without touching the faucet with dirty or wet hands. The touch sensor responds to contact on the body, and the faucet can also be operated manually through the handle if you prefer. That dual approach is one reason many buyers choose touch models over fully electronic or sensor-only faucets, because the mechanical backup remains available if the electronics ever need attention.
Because the listing groups this faucet with the Leland touch family, it shares much of its engineering with its sibling models. That matters for parts availability and for future repairs, since Delta’s cartridges, spray heads, and hoses are widely stocked for the brand’s traditional and touch lines.
Key Features & Specifications
The table below lists the specifications that are reflected in the model name and standard Delta documentation for this product family. Confirm final dimensions and certification details against the packaging or the manufacturer’s installation sheet before you buy, since sink hole requirements and flow rates can vary by configuration.
| Feature | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Installation style | Single hole; fits a sink with one faucet opening |
| Handle type | Single handle, operated by lever and by touch |
| Activation | Touch technology, with manual handle control |
| Spray style | Pull-down sprayer with retractable head |
| Finish | Brushed nickel with SpotShield Stainless protection |
| Model reference | 9178TL-SP-DST |
| Design line | Leland, traditional rounded profile with gooseneck spout |
| Power requirement | Battery-powered touch sensor; check the manual for battery type and replacement interval |
The SpotShield Stainless finish is Delta’s name for a coated surface designed to resist fingerprints and water spots, which is useful on a brushed nickel faucet that sits in view and gets handled frequently. Owners generally find that this finish needs only a soft cloth and mild cleaner, but abrasive pads and harsh chemicals should be avoided, since they can dull any protective coating over time. Manufacturers specify non-abrasive cleaning for all of their finishes.
The pull-down spray head is the other key functional element. When you lift the sprayer from its docked position, the hose extends smoothly, and a counterweight in the body returns it when released. A pull-down design is generally easier to use for rinsing pans in a deep sink than a side-mounted sprayer, because the head can reach the far corners of the basin without repositioning the whole faucet.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Touch activation lets you start and stop water with a light tap, which helps when your hands are wet, greasy, or covered in dough.
- Manual handle operation remains available, so the faucet still works as a conventional faucet if the touch function is not needed.
- The pull-down sprayer reaches the whole sink basin and is well suited to rinsing and filling large cookware.
- SpotShield Stainless brushed nickel resists fingerprints and water spots better than an uncoated finish, based on manufacturer claims and typical owner comments.
- The traditional Leland profile blends into a wide range of kitchen styles.
- Delta’s parts and service network makes replacing cartridges, spray hoses, and other components relatively straightforward.
Cons
- Battery-powered touch sensors require periodic battery replacement, and owners sometimes report the touch response weakening before the batteries are fully depleted.
- Touch-enabled faucets have more components than a basic manual faucet, which means more potential failure points over the long term.
- The single-hole design requires a sink with a drilled hole in the correct position, so it may not suit every countertop.
- Brushed nickel will not match every hardware scheme, and the finish shows a different character than chrome or bronze.
- Owners who prefer a very fast or very precise water temperature adjustment may find a handle-only faucet more intuitive.
Performance Analysis
Performance for a faucet like this depends on three things: how the water flows, how the touch and handle controls respond, and how the sprayer behaves in daily use. Because this is a research-based review, the observations below draw on manufacturer specifications and patterns that appear repeatedly in owner feedback, not on any personal testing.
On water delivery, Delta models in this range typically rely on a single-handle cartridge that controls both volume and temperature. Owners commonly report that the handle offers smooth, predictable control and that the temperature range is broad enough for everyday tasks. Flow rate is set by the aerator and the faucet’s design, and water-efficiency standards in many US jurisdictions require a maximum flow rate, so check the manufacturer’s stated gallons-per-minute figure if you have a specific water-use target.
Touch response is the feature that draws the most discussion. Owner feedback across touch faucets generally points to reliable activation when the sensor is clean and the batteries are fresh. A recurring pattern is that touch sensitivity can drop when the battery is low, so owners often replace batteries proactively rather than waiting for the faucet to stop responding. Keeping the sensor area free of soap residue and mineral buildup also helps.
The pull-down spray generally performs well for filling pots and rinsing sinks. The retraction and docking mechanism is a common point of mention, and the usual advice from owners and installers is to check that the hose is not kinked or pinched under the sink, since that is the most frequent cause of a sprayer that does not retract fully.
Durability depends on water quality and maintenance. Hard water can leave deposits on aerators and spray heads, which affects both flow and touch function. Periodic cleaning of the aerator and spray face with white vinegar, followed by a rinse, is a practical habit that most owners of Delta faucets adopt.
Who Should Buy This Product?
This faucet fits best in households that cook frequently and want hands-free convenience. If you regularly handle raw meat, flour, or other messy ingredients, the touch activation can reduce how often you need to touch the handle with contaminated hands. Families with young children who help with dishes may also appreciate the easy on-off control, since a light tap is simpler than turning a handle.
It is also a sensible choice for anyone replacing an older single-handle faucet with a single-hole fixture. Because the installation footprint matches many common sink layouts, it can be a more direct swap than a multi-hole model. Homeowners who value a traditional look with a modern feature set will find the Leland styling easy to live with.
You should skip this model if you want the simplest possible faucet with no batteries or electronics. Renters who may not want to deal with battery changes, or anyone who prefers a faucet that can be operated entirely by feel and handle position, will likely be happier with a conventional manual model. Those whose sink has three holes or a wall-mounted faucet layout will also need a different configuration.
Buying Guide
Before committing to the delta leland touch kitchen faucet or any similar model, start by measuring your sink. Single-hole faucets need a single opening, typically around 1.375 to 1.75 inches in diameter depending on the base and escutcheon design. Check whether your countertop is thick enough for the supply lines and mounting hardware, and confirm the clearance under the sink for the pull-down hose and the touch sensor’s power source.
Next, decide how important touch activation is to you. Delta’s touch technology is a meaningful feature for some households and an unnecessary complication for others. If you want to read more about how touch systems are set up and maintained, the guide Delta No Touch Kitchen Faucet: How It Works, Setup and Fixes walks through the basics, and Touch Sink Faucet Delta: How It Works and How to Set It Up Right covers the initial configuration in more detail.
Finish is the next consideration. Brushed nickel hides water spots and fingerprints better than polished chrome, which many shoppers find appealing. If your kitchen leans toward darker hardware, a bronze finish may be a better match, and the 8 Best Bronze Delta Kitchen Faucets Compared for Every Need roundup compares several options. For a broader look at finish choices within the brand, 10 Best Delta Kitchen Faucet Brushed Nickel Picks for Every Kitchen is a useful reference.
Two well-known alternatives are worth comparing. The first is a traditional brushed nickel touch model from the same Leland family, which keeps the touch feature while offering a similar look:
DELTA Leland Brushed Nickel Touch Kitchen Faucet with Pull Down Sprayer, Traditional Single Hole Touch On Kitchen Sink Faucet, Single Handle, SpotShield Stainless 9178T-SP-DST
The second is the oil rubbed bronze version of the Leland touch faucet, which suits kitchens that favor warmer, darker metals:
DELTA Leland Oil Rubbed Bronze Touch Kitchen Faucet with Pull Down Sprayer, Traditional Single Hole Touch On Kitchen Sink Faucet, Single Handle, Venetian Bronze 9178T-RB-DST
If you are comparing the Leland with other Delta lines, the Trinsic Delta Kitchen Faucet Review: Features and Performance article covers a different design approach, and Moen vs Delta Kitchen Faucet (2026): Which Is Better for Everyday Use? puts the brand against a major competitor.
FAQ
Does the Delta Leland touch faucet still work if the batteries die?
Yes. The touch sensor depends on battery power, but the faucet’s handle still controls water flow and temperature manually. You will lose the touch function until the batteries are replaced.
How often do the batteries need to be changed?
Battery life varies with use and with the battery type specified in the manual. Owners generally replace batteries when touch response becomes slow or inconsistent, rather than on a fixed schedule. Check the installation sheet for the exact battery type.
Is the pull-down sprayer strong enough for rinsing large pots?
Owners commonly report that the spray is adequate for rinsing and filling pots. Spray strength depends on your water pressure, so homes with low pressure may notice a weaker stream.
What cleaner should I use on the SpotShield Stainless finish?
Use a soft cloth with warm water and a mild dish soap. Avoid abrasive pads, bleach-based cleaners, and harsh chemicals, since they can damage the protective coating.
Can I install this faucet myself?
Many homeowners with basic plumbing experience install single-hole faucets themselves, but the work involves supply lines, shutoff valves, and connections under the sink. If you are unsure, consult a licensed plumber to avoid leaks or water damage.
Will this faucet fit a three-hole sink?
No. This is a single-hole model, so it requires a sink with one opening. For a three-hole layout you would need a different Delta configuration.
Why does the sprayer sometimes not retract all the way?
The most common cause reported by owners is a kinked or pinched hose beneath the sink, or mineral buildup around the docking area. Check the hose path and clean the spray head if needed.
Final Verdict
The delta leland touch kitchen faucet is a practical, well-rounded choice for households that want touch convenience, a useful pull-down sprayer, and a traditional look that works in many kitchens. Its manual handle backup, durable finish, and available parts make it a solid long-term option, provided you are comfortable with battery upkeep and a touch-enabled design. Shoppers who want the simplest mechanical faucet, or whose sink does not match a single-hole layout, should look elsewhere.
About Miles Sinclair
Miles Sinclair is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our kitchen faucets & sinks guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
