InSinkErator instant hot water dispensers provide near-boiling water on demand. Installation requires careful attention to safety guidelines and adherence to the provided instructions. The units dispense water at approximately 190°F, posing a scald hazard if not handled with caution. Proper installation involves mounting the faucet and tank, connecting the plumbing, and ensuring electrical safety. This article details the installation process, safety precautions, and basic maintenance procedures based on official InSinkErator documentation.
Initial Safety Precautions and Warnings
The operation of an instant hot water dispenser presents potential hazards. The documentation emphasizes the importance of reading and understanding all installation and safety instructions before beginning any work. The product is designed to deliver water at approximately 190°F, which is hot enough to cause severe burns. Adult supervision is required when children are present.
Under no circumstances should the product be altered except as specifically outlined in the installation instructions. Unauthorized modifications may void the warranty. The documentation cautions against using an electric drill to drill into metal water pipes, as this could create an electrical shock hazard. A cordless or hand drill is recommended if drilling is necessary.
A “dry start” – connecting the unit to an electrical supply before the tank is full of water – can damage the unit and void the warranty. The tank must be completely full and water flowing from the dispenser before the unit is plugged in. Cleaning should be performed with a soft cloth and warm soapy water; abrasive cleaners, liquids, powders, or scouring pads should not be used, as they may damage the faucet and void the warranty. Like all water heaters, these dispensers have a limited lifespan and will eventually fail, potentially causing property damage.
Preparing for Installation
Before commencing installation, it is crucial to turn off the water supply. The dispenser faucet and associated copper tubing should be unpacked and straightened. It is important to note that different models may contain slightly different components; for example, Series 1100 models include a filter as a standard component.
The installation location for the hot water tank must be selected carefully. The tank should be mounted vertically and level, within reach of both the plumbing and electrical connections. Plumbing and electrical lines should not be extended. Allowance should be made for drainage from the underside of the tank, if necessary. The tank should be positioned within 16 inches of the faucet water lines and within 30 inches of a standard grounded electrical outlet. Two hanging screws will be required to secure the tank to the wall. Eighth-inch holes should be drilled for these screws.
Faucet and Tank Mounting Procedures
Mounting the faucet is the initial physical step. The seal must be properly seated on the dispenser/valve body and positioned around the sink mounting hole. Working from under the sink, the semi-circular mounting plate is placed on the threaded stud. A hex nut is then attached, and tightened using the provided tool to prevent the faucet from rotating.
The hot water tank is mounted vertically, as previously described. While holding the tank in the selected location, pencil marks indicate the positions for the two hanging screws. After drilling the eighth-inch holes, the tank is secured to the wall.
Plumbing Connections
Connecting the tubes requires specific attention to detail. For models incorporating a filtration system, 3/8" polyethylene tubing is inserted into both the inlet and outlet sides of the filter head.
For hot-only models with filtration, the outlet tubing is connected to a quick-connect fitting, followed by the dispenser faucet copper tube marked with white tape, also into a quick-connect fitting. Hot/cold models utilize a “Y” fitting; the tubing from the filter head outlet is inserted into one side of the “Y”, and both dispenser faucet copper tubes (one with white tape, one without) are inserted into the other sides.
The brass nut and ferrule provided with the control valve are slid over the tube before inserting the tube into the compression fitting and tightening it.
Filling and Initial Operation
With the plumbing connected, the tank is filled with water without plugging the unit into the electrical outlet. The cold water supply is turned on, and the hot faucet handle is activated to fill the tank. Cold water will initially flow from the faucet. The faucet should be run for three minutes to flush the system and ensure all connections are watertight.
Once the tank is full, the unit can be plugged into the electrical outlet. It will take approximately 10 to 15 minutes for the water to reach its target temperature. Some water dripping from the faucet during the first heating cycle is normal. To address this, the hot water should be run for 15 seconds and allowed to reheat.
Temperature Adjustment
The thermostat is preset at the factory to approximately 200°F. After 24 hours of operation, the temperature may be adjusted if necessary. Care must be taken to prevent the water from boiling. If boiling occurs, steam and water may drip from the faucet, and prolonged boiling can damage the unit. The temperature can be adjusted in 1/2 dial-mark increments clockwise to increase the temperature and counterclockwise to decrease it.
Conclusion
Installing an InSinkErator instant hot water dispenser requires careful adherence to safety guidelines and precise execution of the provided instructions. Proper mounting of the faucet and tank, secure plumbing connections, and a thorough flushing process are essential for safe and reliable operation. Adjusting the temperature after initial operation allows for customization, but caution should be exercised to prevent boiling. Following these guidelines, as outlined in the official documentation, will ensure optimal performance and longevity of the unit.