Q: I am constantly boiling water to prepare meals for my family. To speed things up, I'm thinking about having a hot-water dispenser installed on the kitchen sink. I have an under-mount kitchen sink with granite countertops. Can this be installed to my type of kitchen sink, and will it supply enough hot water for a typical family? -- Sally, Indiana
A: Kitchen-sink hot-water dispensers can quickly deliver piping-hot water for things like tea, oatmeal, soups and instant coffee. Some larger units can even deliver up to 60 cups of hot water every hour, so hot-water supply is usually not an issue.
Models are even available with higher gooseneck spouts so you can directly fill a thermos.
Now, as far as kitchen-sink installations, in most cases three issues should be addressed with your plumber: First, you'll need an available hole in the counter or sink to mount the spout. Drilling may be necessary. Second, electrical work may be needed since the units plug into code-approved electrical outlets under the sink. Finally, a potable-water tap is needed to supply water to the unit.
So, as you can see, even though a hot-water dispenser can be a nice addition to your kitchen, when all the steam clears, they can also be a little pricey!
Master plumber Ed Del Grande is the author of "Ed Del Grande's House Call," the host of TV and Internet shows, and a LEED green associate. Visit eddelgrande.com or write eadelg@cs.com. Always consult local contractors and codes. Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service.
Q: I am constantly boiling water to prepare meals for my family. To speed things up, I'm thinking about having a hot-water dispenser installed on the kitchen sink. I have an under-mount kitchen sink with granite countertops. Can this be installed to my type of kitchen sink, and will it supply enough hot water for a typical family? -- Sally, Indiana
A: Kitchen-sink hot-water dispensers can quickly deliver piping-hot water for things like tea, oatmeal, soups and instant coffee. Some larger units can even deliver up to 60 cups of hot water every hour, so hot-water supply is usually not an issue.
Models are even available with higher gooseneck spouts so you can directly fill a thermos.
Now, as far as kitchen-sink installations, in most cases three issues should be addressed with your plumber: First, you'll need an available hole in the counter or sink to mount the spout. Drilling may be necessary. Second, electrical work may be needed since the units plug into code-approved electrical outlets under the sink. Finally, a potable-water tap is needed to supply water to the unit.
So, as you can see, even though a hot-water dispenser can be a nice addition to your kitchen, when all the steam clears, they can also be a little pricey!
Master plumber Ed Del Grande is the author of "Ed Del Grande's House Call," the host of TV and Internet shows, and a LEED green associate. Visit eddelgrande.com or write eadelg@cs.com. Always consult local contractors and codes. Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service.
