10 minute read
The Fix
ADVICE ON INSTALLING THREE-WAY, FILTER AND BOILING WATER TAPS
JERRY WHITELEY
CIPHE technical manager Jerry has worked as a self-employed installer and also has experience teaching. He advises on technical issues and compliance jerryw@ciphe.org.uk
Go with the fl ow
Filter, three-way and boiling taps are increasing in popularity, presenting installers with a lucrative line of revenue to tap into
Convenience is a big factor when it comes to consumer spending, which is why innovations within the tap sector have focused on developing products that can dispense boiling, chilled and fi ltered water. Due to high demand, this market is growing every year.
Safety fi rst
Popular with consumers wanting to simplify their kitchen and maximise worktop space by removing the need for a kettle, boiling water taps have become increasingly common and are now available from a number of manufacturers.
“There are one million kitchens sold a year and there’s currently around 150,000 boiling water taps supplied per annum,” says Stephen Johnson, managing director of Quooker UK. “That number is growing signifi cantly. As a company we grow by around 50% a year.”
Although the idea of having boiling water on tap is extremely appealing for many customers, there are questions surrounding safety, particularly for households which include children or vulnerable adults.
“Instant boiling kettle taps are designed with safety in mind,” reassures Dario Palumbo, marketing manager at Monarch Water. “These types of taps feature child-proof safety locks and are made using a specialised anti-scald material.”
Safety features on a Quooker tap, like the one pictured above, include a mechanism where the user must press the handle twice and then turn it for boiling water; a light indicates when the boiling water feature has been activated, to warn the user. In addition, boiling water taps
Monarch's units deliver fi ltered water as well as boiling water
tend to operate at much lower water pressure than regular taps, which prevents the hot water from splashing uncontrollably. These taps are ideal for people who have problems with mobility as they remove the need to lift kettles and the associated risks.
“If you do lots of activity in your kitchen that requires the use of boiling water, then a boiling water tap is by far the quickest, safest and most sustainable way to deliver true boiling water,” says Johnson.
Inside information
The majority of houses should be able to install a boiling water tap as long as there is space to mount the water tank, access to a power supply and adequate water pressure. The water tank is connected to a power socket in addition to the cold water supply. A heating element inside the tank, much like a kettle, brings the water to temperature, which is then fed through to the tap.
“In most cases, kettle taps come with under sink fi lter systems which remove scale and scum, bad tastes, odours and organic chemicals, providing the perfect water for hot beverages,” explains Palumbo. “The fi lter also protects the tap’s boiler tank from limescale, ensuring that it’s running at optimum e ciency.”
Although tanks vary in size and capacity, most are compact and will fi t easily under kitchen sinks. Despite the fact that the boiling point of water is 100°C, not all boiling water taps reach that temperature.
“Most kettle taps dispense water around 98°- 99°C due to the time it takes to travel through to the tap,” explains Jerry Whiteley, CIPHE technical manager. “Hot water taps should come with adjustable temperature options, so end users can choose the appropriate level of heat for themselves.”
Installation advice
In most cases, boiling water taps are made in a monobloc style, meaning everything is contained in one unit. As most kitchens have one mixer tap, swapping them out for a boiler tap should be a straightforward process.
“If installers are replacing two separate hot and cold taps, then they’ll need to adapt the plumbing,” points out Whiteley. “Installers also need to check the cold water pressure to ensure it is adequate or that it doesn’t exceed that tap’s maximum pressure. If it does, then a pressure-reducing valve will need to be fi tted, otherwise the warranty could be void. "Isolation valves should also be fi tted for maintenance and fi lter changes and installers should remember to leave a maintenance schedule with the user.”
Commissioning of the tap and the fi lter is also important to ensure that it performs to meet the requirements and expectations of the customer.
“Check the power rating of the boiling water tank against the circuit it will be connected to and employ the services of a suitably qualifi ed electrician for electrical work,” adds Whiteley. “Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to each specifi c product.”
Pure and simple
As consumers become increasingly focused on health, fi lter water taps are becoming more popular and there are a variety of products on the market which feature stand-alone taps in addition to three-way taps, which provide hot, cold and fi ltered water.
The majority of water fi lter taps use carbon block fi lters (activated charcoal), which reduce or remove unwanted impurities in water such as scale-producing minerals, chlorine, herbicides and pesticides, resulting in clean, ultra-clear and fresh-tasting water.
“Some fi lters feature auto-shut-o heads, which allow the cartridges to be changed without having to turn o the water supply,” explains Palumbo. “Although compact, some fi lters have capacities of around 10,000 litres, catering for the needs of all lifestyles.”
When it comes to fi tting fi ltered water taps, it is pretty straightforward. When fi tting a three-way tap, you can simply swap out the old for new and connect the water fi lter that’s installed under the sink according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Positive impact on the environment
Reducing energy consumption is a high priority in the UK and, when it comes to boiling water taps, they can be more economical to run than a bog standard kettle.
Although kettle taps keep the hot water on ready, Quooker says that its taps cost 3p per day on standby compared to the cost of boiling a litre of water in a kettle, which costs just over 2p. Therefore, if the kettle is being boiled multiple times a day then there are energy savings to be made with boiling taps. This means they are not only better for the environment, but consumers’ bank balances too.
With an estimated 13 billion plastic water bottles being used in the UK each year, reducing plastic consumption is essential. Fitting a water fi lter at home can help consumers reduce their use of plastic bottles. Filter cartridges have a long life – six months to a year, depending on usage – and they are usually made from food-grade plastic, so can be put in a recycling bin after use.
TECHNICAL GUIDANCE
Visit the Advice section on the P&H Engineering website to find archived TechTalk articles www.pandhengineering.co.uk
TAPS
Boiling taps or three-way taps
1How is the question around safety of a boiling tap addressed? Select two correct answers below. a Keep out of a child’s reach b Child-proof safety locks c Anti-scald material d Age restrictions apply
2If you are replacing separate hot and cold supply taps for a boiling tap, what alterations might be applicable? a Altering the pipework, bringing an electrical supply across and two double-check valves, one pressure-reducing valve b Altering the pipework, bringing an electrical supply across and two single-check valves, one TPR c Altering the pipework, bringing an electrical supply across, two gate valves, two check valves and one pressure-relief valve d Altering the pipework, an electrical supply, two isolation valves and a pressure-reducing valve
3If the property has a lead or copper water main coming into the dwelling, how might the fi lter perform? a The charcoal activated fi lter will not remove lead or copper particles b The carbon block fi lter will reduce the impact on taste c Filters work in all scenarios as long as you change them every six months d Lead or copper pipes will be fi ne as they are commonly found and make no di erence
4Why is it important to correctly commission a new boiling tap? a To make sure it boils at 90°C b To make sure fi lter settings are correct c To make sure the cupboard door closes afterwards d To make sure it makes a good brew
5Which component helps protect the tap's boiler tank from limescale? a Installing a separate limescale reducer is a must b The fi lter supplied c Installing a magnetic
scale reducer nearby d Installing an electronic limescale reducer nearby
6Which important documents should be left behind with the consumer after commissioning? a Manufacturer’s instructions b Warranty card c Maintenance schedule d Your invoice
7The boiling tank requires a power supply, identify the correct checks to be made for the power requirements. a Find the nearest socket and extend from this b Check the circuit power rating before you connect c Change a single socket behind the washing machine for a double d Connect in behind the electric cooker supply as this is a 6 mm cable
8A three-way fi lter tap can remove the need for which items a Bottled water b Kettle c Pans d Blending valves
YOUR CPD
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WHAT TO DO
Answer the questions (using an additional A4 sheet if necessary) and return by scanning and emailing or posting to the address below.
YOUR DETAILS
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RETURN TO:
CPD Assessment, CIPHE, 64 Station Lane, Hornchurch, Essex RM12 6NB
info@ciphe.org.uk Or visit the members-only area of the CIPHE website: www.ciphe.org.uk/cpd
WATER SAVING
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New additions
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Perfect pairing
The Dene Basin Mono Mixer Tap from Triton Showers provides a sleek and aesthetically pleasing solution for any bathroom. This compact unit has a single handle and is supplied with simple-to-fi t fl exible tap connectors, so installers are able to carry out installations within confi ned spaces. It comes with a slotted click clack waste, making it easy to operate, and ideal for replacing existing fi ttings. The horseshoe fi xing plate, which is also included, ensures precise fi xing for extra peace of mind. For more information, please visit www.tritonshowers.co.uk
Smart shower
The new Aqualisa Quartz™ Smart Retrofi t Shower is an all-in-one upgrade solution that transforms any brand of wall-mounted exposed mixer shower into a smart digital shower system, without the need for major pipework alterations. Its patented shelf design also provides storage space for bathroom accessories.
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