The Zip HydroTap range is a collection of drinking water tap systems that deliver boiling, chilled and sparkling water directly from a single tap mounted on a counter or splashback. Zip HydroTap units are installed in UK cafés, restaurants, offices, schools and hospitality venues where fast access to multiple water temperatures improves service speed, reduces waste and eliminates the need for kettles, hot water boilers and bottled water.
The Zip HydroTap connects directly to the mains water supply, treats the water internally and dispenses it at the user-selectable temperature. Unlike under-sink water boilers, the Zip HydroTap delivers water on demand — there is no storage tank that reheats water repeatedly. This means no stale-tasting water, no energy wasted on maintaining a hot water tank, and no risk of scalding from a continuously-boiling vessel.
TL;DR
- Zip HydroTap delivers boiling, chilled and sparkling water from a single tap
- No storage tank — water is heated and chilled on demand
- Eliminates the need for kettles, boilers and bottled water
- Saves space, energy and reduces single-use bottle waste
- Requires mains connection, power supply and regular filter changes
In This Article
- What the Zip HydroTap Does
- The Zip HydroTap Range
- How Zip HydroTap Works
- Where Zip HydroTap Fits in a Commercial System
- Installation and Space Requirements
- Maintenance and Filter Changes
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Interested in the Zip HydroTap?
What the Zip HydroTap Does
The Zip HydroTap is a drinking water tap system that delivers boiling, chilled and sparkling water from a single unit. It connects to the mains water supply, treats the water internally and dispenses it at the temperature the user selects — all without a storage tank.
The Zip HydroTap replaces multiple appliances: kettles, hot water boilers, water coolers and bottled water dispensers. A single tap point provides instant boiling water (for tea, coffee and food preparation), chilled water (for drinking and ice), sparkling water (for mixed drinks and culinary use) and filtered ambient water (for drinking and cooking).
The Zip HydroTap Range
The Zip HydroTap range includes multiple models, each delivering a combination of the four water types:
- Zip Hot - Boiling and ambient water only, for sites that do not need chilled or sparkling water
- Zip Chilled - Chilled and ambient water only, for sites that do not need hot or sparkling water
- Zip Sparkling - Sparkling and ambient water, for venues that want carbonated drinking water
- Zip Filtration - Filtration-focused models with enhanced pre-filtration for sites with specific water quality requirements
All models connect to the mains water supply and include built-in filtration. The exact configuration depends on the model — a site that wants all four water types can select the full Zip HydroTap unit that delivers boiling, chilled, sparkling and ambient water from a single tap.
How Zip HydroTap Works
The Zip HydroTap connects to the cold water mains supply. The water passes through a multi-stage filtration system that removes chlorine, particulates and contaminants. For the hot water function, the water passes through an instantaneous heating element — there is no storage tank, so water is heated only when the user selects the boiling function. For the cold function, a refrigeration circuit cools the water on demand.
Sparkling water is produced by injecting carbon dioxide from a refillable cylinder into the water stream just before dispense. The carbonation level can be adjusted, and the cylinder is refilled on a regular schedule as part of the service contract.
Where Zip HydroTap Fits in a Commercial System
The Zip HydroTap is a self-contained drinking water system. It includes its own filtration, so it does not rely on a separate point-of-use filter. However, for sites with very hard water or high chlorine levels, installing a softener and carbon pre-filter upstream of the Zip HydroTap can extend the life of the unit's internal filters and improve performance.
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The Zip HydroTap is typically installed as a standalone unit on a counter, splashback or wall. It does not require under-sink space or a dedicated plumbing run — it connects to the nearest cold water supply point.
Installation and Space Requirements
The Zip HydroTap requires a cold water mains connection, a power supply and a drain for waste water. It is typically mounted on a counter, splashback or wall, and requires clear access in front of the tap for use.
The unit's footprint is small — it fits on most counters and does not require under-sink space. Installation is carried out by a qualified engineer, who connects the water supply, the power supply and the drain, and tests the unit before handover.
Maintenance and Filter Changes
The Zip HydroTap requires regular maintenance. The internal filters need replacing on a schedule determined by the site's water usage and the quality of the incoming water. The carbon dioxide cylinder for sparkling water needs refilling, typically every two to four weeks depending on usage.
A service contract is recommended. This includes filter replacement, carbon dioxide cylinder delivery, internal inspection and performance checks. The service interval depends on the volume of water dispensed and the quality of the incoming water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Zip Hot and the full Zip HydroTap?
Zip Hot delivers only boiling and ambient water. The full Zip HydroTap delivers boiling, chilled, sparkling and ambient water from a single tap. The choice depends on the site's needs — a café that only needs hot water for tea and coffee might choose Zip Hot, while a restaurant or bar would benefit from the full range.
Does Zip HydroTap need a storage tank?
No. The Zip HydroTap heats and chills water on demand. There is no storage tank, which means no stale-tasting water and no energy wasted on maintaining a hot water tank.
How much does the sparkling water cylinder cost to refill?
The cost of the carbon dioxide cylinder refill depends on the site's usage and the service contract. It is typically included in a full service agreement with Sovereign Water.
Is the boiling water safe?
Yes. The Zip HydroTap delivers boiling water at 95°C, which is the standard temperature for tea and coffee production. The tap includes a safety mechanism that prevents accidental dispense of boiling water.
How often do the filters need replacing?
Filter replacement depends on the site's water usage and the quality of the incoming water. A service contract includes regular filter changes as part of the maintenance schedule.
Interested in the Zip HydroTap?
We can recommend the correct Zip HydroTap model for your site and install it as part of a complete water treatment plan.