Pot Filler Faucets: Hot Or Cold Water?

Pot fillers are usually plumbed with cold water. This is because hot water can leach more lead and contaminants from pipes and solder. It's also safer, as you won't get scalded by passing your hand under the water.

However, some people opt for hot water pot fillers, especially in professional settings where chefs need hot water for faster preparation.

Pot fillers are usually connected to the cold water supply

The case for hot water

Some people prefer to have their pot fillers connected to the hot water supply to save time in heating the water. However, this is not recommended for health and safety reasons, as detailed above.

The case against pot fillers

Some people consider pot fillers to be unnecessary, especially in small kitchens where the sink is only a few steps away from the stove. They can also be expensive to install and can get greasy and dirty from cooking.

The case for pot fillers

Pot fillers can be a convenient feature in large kitchens, saving you from having to carry heavy pots of water across the room. They can also be aesthetically pleasing, adding a professional or elegant look to the kitchen.

Hot water can leach more lead and contaminants from pipes

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that older homes are more likely to have lead pipes and fixtures, but that even newer plumbing advertised as "lead-free" can still contain as much as 8% lead. A study published in The Journal of Environmental Health in 2002 found that tap water represented 14-20% of total lead exposure.

Scientists emphasize that the risk of lead exposure is small. However, to minimize it, the EPA recommends always using cold tap water for preparing baby formula, cooking, and drinking. The EPA also warns that boiling water does not remove lead but can, in fact, increase its concentration.

Lead can enter drinking water when plumbing materials that contain lead corrode, especially where the water has high acidity or low mineral content. The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes and plumbing parts. Even new "lead-free" pipes and plumbing parts may contain up to 0.25% lead.

To address the issue of lead and copper in drinking water, the EPA issued the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The LCR requires corrosion control treatment to prevent lead and copper from contaminating drinking water by making drinking water less corrosive to the materials it comes into contact with.

While there is no safe level of lead in a child's blood, taking action to reduce exposure can improve outcomes. Lead is harmful to health, especially for children, and can cause damage to the brain and kidneys, and interfere with the production of red blood cells. Young children, infants, and fetuses are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure, and scientists have linked the effects of lead on the brain with lowered IQ in children.

To reduce exposure to lead in water, it is recommended to let the water run for at least two minutes if it has been standing in the pipes for six hours or more. This helps to flush out water that might have absorbed lead from the pipes or solder. Additionally, using cold water for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula is advised, as hot water releases more lead from pipes than cold water. Boiling water does not reduce lead levels and may even increase them.

Cold water is safer as you won't get scalded

Pot fillers are usually installed using a cold water supply. This is because it is the safer option as you won't get scalded if you pass your hand under the water.

Hot water is generally not recommended for cooking or drinking as it can contain more contaminants and heavy metals. Hot water heaters and boilers contain metallic parts that corrode over time, contaminating the water. Hot water also dissolves contaminants in pipes faster than cold water.

Additionally, pot filler taps do not use a mixer valve, so you cannot control the temperature of the water coming out of the tap. In some instances, you may want to fill up the pot with cold water to boil a brisket. With a hot water pot filler, you are stuck.

One exception where a hot water pot filler would be a good choice is in a professional setting where the chef always needs a pot of hot water for faster preparation.

Cold water is also recommended by the EPA for cooking or drinking.

Pot fillers are popular in large, modern kitchens

Secondly, pot fillers offer convenience and functionality. They provide a water source directly above the stove, eliminating the need to carry heavy pots of water from the sink to the cooktop. This reduces physical strain and the risk of spills and splashes on the kitchen floor. With a pot filler, cooking and food preparation become more accessible and efficient, especially for individuals with mobility challenges or weak arms.

Additionally, pot fillers improve safety in the kitchen. By reducing the need to transport heavy pots of boiling water, pot fillers minimise the potential for accidental spills or splashes of scalding water. They also offer greater control over water flow and temperature, making it easier to fill pots without the concern of water splattering.

Furthermore, pot fillers are versatile and can be used for various tasks beyond filling pots. They can be used for rinsing vegetables, filling cleaning buckets, or even watering plants. This frees up the sink for other tasks such as thawing frozen ingredients or draining pasta.

Lastly, pot fillers have become more widely available due to increasing demand, making them more accessible and affordable for homeowners. With a range of options available, homeowners can select a pot filler that aligns with their needs and preferences, enhancing their kitchen experience.

Pot fillers can be a sign of luxury and newer construction

Pot fillers are a sign of luxury and newer construction. They are a relatively new invention and are often associated with modern, large, open-concept, or chef-quality kitchens. They are a "piece of jewellery" that can break up a wall of tile, stone, or drywall and add a high-end, elegant, and custom look to the kitchen. They are also a status symbol, indicating that every detail has been well-considered in a remodel. Pot fillers are a convenience for home cooks who love to prepare farm-to-table meals or struggle to carry heavy pots of water across the kitchen. They eliminate the need to run back and forth between the sink and the stove, streamlining the cooking process and making it more enjoyable. They are particularly useful in larger kitchens or those with a less-than-ideal layout, where the sink is far away from the stove.

Frequently asked questions