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A hot water dispenser is one handy kitchen accessory that will make you wonder how you ever managed without one! Providing hot water at a temperature of around 190 degrees, the hot water dispenser makes quick work of preparing soups, hot cocoa, coffee, and other drinks. A hot water dispenser puts an end to the boiling time for water that frustrates many cooks and slows down work in the kitchen. Installing a hot water dispenser in your home's kitchen is not a huge task, and many homeowners are happily surprised that they can actually do the installation themselves, making the cost of getting a hot water dispenser attainable for most budgets. Although installation instructions will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, this article will give you the basics for most installations. As with any product that you install in your home, always follow the specific instructions for your brand and model that will be included in the packaging.
Hot Water Dispenser Installation Tools, Supplies, and Materials Needed
Most homeowners are able to install their hot water dispensers in less than two hours, making this a good weekend of afternoon project. For installation of your hot water dispenser, you will need the following supplies and materials (in addition to the hot water dispenser and installation materials included with it):
Preparing for Installation of Your Hot Water Dispenser
Before you install your hot water dispenser, you will need to turn off the main water supply to the kitchen. To do this, switch the main water supply valve off. This is often found underneath your kitchen sink but can be located elsewhere.
You will also need an opening on the sink through which you can install your hot water dispenser. Many sinks have an available opening which is covered with a plate. If your sink model does not have an opening, you can remove the spray hose that is attached to your faucet and replace it with a spray faucet or replace your existing faucet with one that requires fewer holes. If your sink is stainless steel, you can actually drill a new hole out (assuming you have room for this). If your sink is cast iron, you can install a deck mounted spray faucet (which will "free up" one hole). When drilling a hole in your sink for installation of your hot water dispenser, be sure that you have plenty of available clearance beneath the spot where you are drilling and drill straight down.
Electrical Concerns with Hot Water Dispenser Installation
Hot water dispensers normally plug into either a 115 or 120 volt GFCI wall outlet that is active. If you do not have an available outlet that can service your hot water dispenser, you will need to install one. If you are not familiar with electricity, contract an electrician to do this part of the project. If you elect to add the extra outlet yourself, use the following guidelines for your own safety: - Turn off the power to the kitchen area or the entire house. Test the wires to ensure that the power is actually off. Lock the power panel box so that no one accidentally turns the power on while you are working.
- Check with your local building code authorities to determine if a permit is required for this type of work.
- Have your work inspected by an electrician once you are finished.
- Wear a dust mask and goggles for your perso
Installation of Your Hot Water Dispenser
The hot water dispenser has a tank that is made to sit beneath your kitchen sink and mounts with brackets that screw to the wall or cabinet's side (or mounted with drywall anchors if you have drywall under the sink). Most hot water dispensers are mounted within three feet of the sink's bottom, but this may be more or less, depending on the model and manufacturer of your hot water dispenser.
With the water supply shut off as mentioned above, your first step is to run the dispenser tubing through the hole and fit the dispenser into the place where it will be mounted. Someone will need to hold the dispenser in place while you are working. Next, slip the washer and nut overtop the rod and tighten, securing the dispenser in place. Place the tank mounting bracket as close as possible to the electrical outlet and the tubing of the dispenser. Check to make sure the bracket is level and mark the holes that will be used for mounting the hot water dispenser. You can now attach the bracket with screws and attach the hot water dispenser tank to the bracket.
Once the dispenser tank has been mounted, you will need to connect a saddle valve to your cold water supply line or a t-fitting (this depends on plumbing codes in your area). Tighten the valve or fitting and turn clockwise until the needle pierces the line of cold water. Connect the hot water dispenser’s cold water tube to the valve using a compression washer and nut combination. Slightly tighten the nut with a wrench without over tightening. Connect the dispenser’s cold water line, hot water line, and overflow line with fitting provided in the packaging.
You can now turn on the water supply by resetting the main water switch. Turn the sink on and check for any leaks in your work. Open the dispenser’s tap and plug the dispenser in. Wait for a few minutes to allow the tank to fill before using the hot water dispenser. Enjoy!
Common Hot Water Dispenser Problems
While most hot water dispensers will operate without maintenance, there are problems that might arise. While you should always consult the owner’s manual that accompanies your particular hot water dispenser model for trouble shooting and hire a qualified plumber to service your hot water dispenser is anything goes awry, let’s look at common problems with hot water dispensers and what you can do to solve them:
- Hot water is leaking from the faucet! This is normal and shouldn’t be a cause for concern if it is a very minimal amount. This is due to the increase in water’s volume as it is heated, so you can expect a very small amount to drip from the faucet in order to relieve pressure in the hot water dispenser’s tank. A continuous leak, however, may indicate that the shut off valve is in need of repair; consult a service technician if the water is more than minimal and continues long after use.
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The water is too hot or too cold! Most hot water dispensers have a factory set control that regulates temperature. Resetting the temperature control is easy, but it is different for every manufacturer, brand, and model. Your owner’s manual can instruct you how to reset your hot water dispenser to your desired temperature.
- The water pressure of the dispenser is too low! The amount of water dispensed from your hot water dispenser is determined by the water that is coming into your dispenser’s tank beneath your sink. Low water pressure may be caused by an obstruction in the incoming water. Perhaps something is blocking the tank or a valve is not opened thoroughly. If so, you may need to call a service technician to determine the cause of the obstruction.
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