Instant boiling water taps are becoming more and more popular in UK homes. They cost less to run than boiling the kettle or heating water on the hob, and you don’t have to waste your time waiting for the water to boil. But how much do they cost?

Boiling water taps vary hugely in price, with entry-level models starting at around £200, rising all the way up to £1,000+ from popular brands like Quooker. Installation usually starts from around £60.

In this guide, we’ll go through all the costs of having a boiling water tap installed and what you need to consider before you buy.

How much does it cost to install a boiling water tap?

The cost to install a boiling water tap typically ranges between £150 and £300, depending on the complexity of the job and your existing kitchen setup. This figure is for installation alone and does not include the cost of the tap unit, which can range from £200 to over £1,000 depending on brand and features.

Factors affecting the cost of installing a boiling water tap

Several elements can influence the final installation price of your boiling water tap:

• Plumbing accessibility: Your plumber will need to fit a boiler tank in your kitchen cabinet, so you’ll need to have space for this to be plumbed in. 
• Electrical requirements: Many boiling water taps require a standard 13-amp socket under the sink for the boiler unit. If one isn't available, an electrician may need to install one.
• Water pressure: Some models require a minimum water pressure. If your home has low pressure, additional plumbing work may be needed.
• Brand and features: Premium brands like Quooker, Grohe, and Insinkerator often come with higher purchase prices and more complex installation steps. For example, a single boiling water tap is usually cheaper than a 3- or 4-in-1 tap that provides boiling, hot, cold and/or chilled water.
• Your location: Installation costs tend to be higher in London and the south east due to the higher cost of living.

At HaMuch, we use our database of plumber rates from across the UK to estimate how much installing a boiling water tap will cost in your area. Take a look at our boiling water tap installation cost table and find your nearest town or city to get a more accurate idea for your home.

Choosing a boiling water tap: brands and features

There are a few things to consider when you’re choosing your boiling water tap brand and model.  The biggest factor is deciding whether you want it to dispense boiling water only, or whether you want it to act as your normal kitchen tap too. 

Most boiling water taps heat water to 75-98°C. Some may allow you to adjust this for different purposes. For example, 75°C is perfect for coffee, but tea should be made as close to 100°C as possible. 

If you want your boiling water tap to also provide standard hot water and cold water, you’ll need a 3-in-1 tap. If you’d also like it to provide chilled water, you’ll need a 4-in-1. 

There are many different boiling water tap brands on the market. Arguably, the most well-known is Quooker, while Franke, Grohe, Qettle and InSinkErator all offer their own taps too.

Here are a few examples of boiling water taps from different brands:

Image	Name	Cost
	Nes Home Instant Boiling Water Kitchen Tap Round Chrome, Boiler & Water Filter	£199.00
	Swirl 3-in-1 Instant Boiling Water Tap Chrome	£224.99
	ETAL 4-in-1 Instant Boiling Water Kitchen Tap Polished Chrome	£449.95
	Qettle Original 4 in 1	£545.00
	InSinkErator 4N1 Touch Boiling Water Tap with Integrated Filter	£1166.40
	Quooker Flex Polished Chrome Tap and PRO3 Tank	£1250.00
	Franke Instante 4-in-1	£1311.42
	Grohe Red DUO C-Spout Boiler Tap Chrome	£1400.00
	Perrin & Rowe Armstrong 3-in-1 Instant Hot Water Tap	£1481.76

How do boiling water taps work?

Boiling water taps provide instant hot water using an electric boiler tank that’s installed under your kitchen sink. The tank keeps a constant supply of boiling water, ready for use when you want it. These tanks usually range from 2 to 7 litres - between 5 and 17 cups of hot water.  

Most boiling water taps come with a filter to remove impurities and carbon. This helps to protect the tap from damage caused by limescale in hard water areas, as well as improving the taste of the water. 

Most boiling water taps these days are 3-in-1, so connect to your mains water supply to provide hot, cold and boiling water from one single tap. However, there are single boiling water taps available, which require you to keep your normal kitchen tap for standard hot and cold water.

Are boiling water taps safe?

Boiling water taps are generally safe to use, even if you have children. They eliminate the need for a kettle and its trailing cord, and reduce the risk of spills and burns if a kettle is dropped or mishandled. 

Most boiling water taps are fitted with safety mechanisms to prevent accidental burns, such as a spring-loaded mechanism that automatically shuts off the boiling water function if it’s not supervised. 

They also tend to require a specific set of movements to turn the tap on, which a child would find difficult to do. So in a lot of ways, a boiling water tap is safer than a kettle - but they should still be used with caution.

How long does it take to install a boiling water tap?

A qualified plumber should take 1 to 2 hours to fit a water boiler tap in your home. For a standard installation such as a like-for-like replacement, expect it to take an hour. 

If you need any additional plumbing or electrical work, it can take up to 2 hours to complete. As the current hourly rate for a plumber in the UK is £60, you could be looking at paying between £60 and £120 to fit your boiling water tap. However, some plumbers may charge their minimum call-out fee, which is an average of £150.

The actual price you pay will depend on the factors we mentioned earlier. Your location often plays the biggest part in how much a plumber will charge.

Do boiling water taps need servicing?

Yes, most boiling water taps require occasional servicing, particularly those with filtration or scale-reduction systems. Common maintenance tasks include:

• Regular cleaning: Like any other tap, simply use a gentle cleaner and no harsh abrasives
• Changing the water filter: Typically every 6 to 12 months, costing £30-£90 depending on the brand
• Descaling the boiler tank: Important in hard water areas; some models include reminders or automatic maintenance cycles
• Inspecting seals and valves: Do this monthly to prevent drips or leaks, and spot electrical faults

Some manufacturers offer maintenance plans or service kits to help with ongoing care.

Another common task that people think you need to carry out is turning off your boiling water tap at night. However, this isn’t necessary - in fact, it will use more energy and therefore cost more as the water will have to reheat when you turn it on in the morning.

If your boiling water tap will be unused for a week or more, for example if you’re going on holiday, you can switch off your boiler tank at the socket and drain it and refill it when you come home. 

What is the lifespan of a boiling water tap?

A well-maintained boiling water tap can last between 7 and 10 years, though high-end models may last even longer. Quooker even says that with servicing every 3-5 years, your tap could last 15-20 years.

The lifespan of your boiling water tap depends largely on:

• Water hardness in your area
  
• How much you use it
  
• Quality of the product
  
• Consistency of servicing and filter replacement

Over time, components such as heating elements or filters may wear out and need replacing. Choosing a reputable brand with good customer support and readily available spare parts can extend your tap’s usable life.

Are boiling water taps worth it?

For many households, boiling water taps are absolutely worth the investment, but it depends on your lifestyle and kitchen habits. Weigh up the pros and cons before you buy:

Pros

• Instant boiling water for drinks, cooking, and cleaning
• Space-saving, as no need for a kettle
• Energy-efficient and cheaper to run than a kettle
• Cleaner aesthetic with sleek, integrated designs
• Multi-functional, as many taps offer hot, cold and filtered water too

Cons

• High upfront cost compared to kettles, and you will need to factor in the cost of the tap before you save money on energy costs
• Ongoing filter replacement costs
• Not essential for occasional hot drink makers

If you’re renovating your kitchen or frequently use boiling water, a tap can be a time-saver and efficiency booster. For occasional use, a high-end kettle may still suffice.

Installing a boiling water tap might not be a budget upgrade, but their convenience, safety features, and potential energy savings can make them a worthwhile long-term investment, especially if chosen with maintenance and quality in mind.

Ready to get a boiling water tap installed? Post your job on HaMuch now and we’ll put you in touch with reliable plumbers in your area who are ready to help.

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