For those who have an endless appetite for hot chocolate or tea, boiling water taps are a great way to make warm drinks quickly. But how safe are they? Boiling water taps offer the convenience of providing piping hot water on demand while saving energy costs and limiting potential hazardous spills when lifting heavy kettles full of steaming liquid.
While there is no disputing their usefulness, understanding their safety risks can ensure you make the most informed decision possible before installing one in your kitchen. This blog post will explore some key considerations about boiling water tap safety and discuss ways to mitigate potential dangers before deciding if it’s right for you.
The rising popularity of boiling water taps
In recent years, boiling water taps have become increasingly popular for kitchens across the UK and beyond. Boiling water taps provide a convenient way to quickly dispense hot water at the perfect temperature, making it an ideal choice for any kitchen as it helps to speed up daily tasks such as brewing drinks or blanching vegetables.
Boiling water taps are also great for saving worktop space as the boiler tank can fit into your kitchen cupboard, removing the need for a countertop kettle.
Safety features of boiling water taps
The boiling water tap is a great innovation that has revolutionised how we cook and clean at home. The safety features of a boiling water tap include:
- An insulated tap that prevents the spout from heating up too much
- A spring-loaded handle that turns the supply of boiling water off when not supervised
- A child-safe boiling water handle that can only be turned on by an adult
- A 360° swivel spout that means the tap can be turned away from the kitchen side when not in use
- 98°C temperature ensures you receive a smooth stream of piping-hot water – no spluttering
Why boiling water taps are safer than kettles
Boiling water taps are becoming increasingly popular due to their safety and convenience.
Unlike outdated kettles, boiling water taps are designed to deliver a steady and consistent stream of near-boiling water at the perfect temperature. The boiling water is also held in an insulated tank that prevents it from overheating and emits no steam, reducing the risk of burns.
Boiling water taps are also easier to handle than traditional kettles as they don’t require you to carry them and fill them up every time they’re needed. This means there’s less chance of an accident caused by spilling hot water or a kettle slipping out of your hands.
Finally, boiling water taps are designed with safety features such as a spring-loaded handle that turns the supply of boiling water off when it is not being supervised and a child-safe handle that requires an adult to turn it on. This makes them much safer than kettles for households with children.
The benefits of boiling water taps
Boiling water taps provide a range of benefits, from convenience to cost savings. Boiling water taps allow households to access a large amount of boiling water instantly, helping busy homeowners save time and energy. With a hot water tap, people don’t have to wait for the stove to heat a pan of water or use electric kettles to boil water, making cooking and cleaning infinitely faster.
Switching to a boiling water tap will also eliminate wasted energy and electricity, only dispensing the exact amount of water you need. If you’re like the majority of Brits and fill your kettle with almost twice the amount of water you need each time, you’ll find you use less energy with a boiling tap.
Safety considerations if you have young children
When buying a boiling water tap, it is essential to take safety into consideration. Boiling water taps are generally safe and come with a range of features such as an insulated spout and spring-loaded handle that turns the flow off if left unattended. However, households with young children should always exercise caution and make sure their hot water tap is kept out of reach. Boiling taps are not toys and should only be used by adults.
Safely installing a boiling water tap
If you’re thinking of installing a boiling water tap in your kitchen, it’s important to make sure you’re either comfortable with basic plumbing or it is fitted by a qualified professional. Boiling water taps are connected directly to your mains supply and require some basic knowledge to install safely and correctly. During installation, ensure all connections remain tight, as loose connections can cause faults and leaks.
Maintaining your boiling water tap
It is important to inspect it at least once every six months to maintain your boiling water tap. Make sure you clear any limescale buildup that may have accumulated in the tap head and check for any signs of wear and tear throughout the system. Consider replacing any defective rubber washers or gaskets if you see substantial wear. Boiling water taps are generally very reliable, but if you want to ensure it delivers the safest and best performance, regular maintenance will help.
Testing your boiler tank
Regular maintenance of your boiler tank is key to preserving the longevity of your boiling water system. Testing your boiler tank periodically can help detect potential problems early, preventing costly repairs. A good rule of thumb is to test your boiler tank at least twice a year, though it’s best to follow any specific instructions in your product manual. By running a pressure gauge test, you can observe any changes in the pressure levels and ensure that everything is working as it should.
You should also do a visual inspection every so often – looking for signs of corrosion or mineral buildup.
Replacing the water filter
Taking the time to replace the water filter in your boiling water tap is a great way to ensure you always get the best quality drinking water. Not only does a new filter help remove impurities from your tap water, but it also prolongs the life of your boiling tap by keeping it free from any buildup of limescale caused by hard water minerals.
We recommend you change your boiling tap’s filter every 6 months to ensure it runs optimally and remains under warranty.
Conclusion
Boiling water taps have revolutionised the way we make hot drinks and cook, providing an instant supply of near-boiling water directly from your kitchen tap. Boiling water taps are a great addition to any modern kitchen and are designed with maximum safety in mind. With regular maintenance, inspection and a few simple measures, you can ensure your boiling water tap runs optimally for years to come.
Our boiling water taps are incredibly safe for homes with children and pets. Shop our full collection of boiling water taps today and never look back at your outdated kettle.
