I spend a lot of time carrying water around the house. I water the plants, fill the humidifier, top up the coffee machine, replace the robot mop water, and occasionally remember to lug a water bottle into the office to rehydrate myself. Recently, a number of products have been introduced with a solution to all water hauling problems: attach them directly to your water pipes. You no longer have to lug a jug around, and in some cases, you don't even need to drain the product.
Products you want to plug into your water pipes
I was excited when I turned on a coffee maker that connected directly to my water line. But before long, I was also unpacking a water dispenser, an ice maker, a humidifier, and a robot vacuum that all wanted the same thing. In most cases, this is an option, not a requirement. But even if you wanted to hard-pipe everything, how many devices could you actually use to do that? You may already share a water line with your refrigerator, or it may share a filtration system. In some cases, like a coffee machine or water dispenser, this means they'll be placed on the counter next to the sink, close to the water pipes - but that's not always convenient.
I like the Spinn Coffee Maker and the Terra Kaffe TK-02 , which are smart espresso machines that want you to connect directly to the water line. I'm currently testing the Coway Aquamega 200C countertop water purifier, which also wants access to my water line (it won't work without it). My plumber simply won't tolerate adding another countertop water heater, which becomes even more problematic when you're talking about a robot vacuum or humidifier. Where should these products enter your water line?
Last year I talked about utilizing the washing machine valve as a water source in the home, in this case we used it as the water inlet and outlet for the green wall. This is another possible access point, but you also don't want too many diverters at the washer entrance. In new construction, it certainly makes sense to plan plumbing access into areas such as the coffee bar, utility room, or bathroom, but how do you compensate for this in a remodel, and what does it mean for tenants?
I'm especially fascinated by new robot vacuums that not only autofill but also autoempty, like the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra R&D and the upcoming Switchbot S10 floor cleaning robot. Not only do these robots need entrances, they also need exits, and the exits are close to the floor. Your washing machine outlet won't work here.
More water pipe connections means more leaks
There's another component to this problem: Each connection represents another possible leak point in the pipeline. Spills are already one of the most common insurance claims . While there are smart leak sensors and even more advanced smart water monitors and shutoff valves, all of these extra devices and connections are sure to lead to more water damage. I can't find any conversation in plumbing industry blogs or publications about this happening.
I've talked about the shift in smart technology toward new builds rather than retrofits, whether it's smart doors and windows or lighting fixtures, and I think the waterline issue plays into that trend. In the future, will your Sodastream be connected directly to the house? How about a smart indoor garden or pet water bowl? While I'm excited about using less water at home, I'm also wary of what it means for flooding, leaks, and those who don't have access to water pipes.
What to consider before connecting your product to your water supply line
Since this emerging trend seems likely to continue, it makes sense to carefully consider other access points for your water lines if you're embarking on a home remodel or new home construction. I predict that within two to three years, direct-connect robot vacuums/mops will become the standard. If you plan on opening a coffee bar, it also makes sense to have an access point there.
If you're remodeling without a major remodel, work with a plumber to create an access point behind the refrigerator (where the wiring already exists) or under the sink. Your bathroom is another possible access point. While you can connect these connections yourself, remember that you are cutting off the water line, which is serious business. I think it's the same as replacing a light socket - something the average person can do, but it takes some courage and safety measures. You need to turn off the water and have the right tools, and also know that you have access to the water pipe first (it may be hidden behind a wall). This is where plumbers become key players.
If you do connect your appliances to your water pipes, you can prevent leaks and flooding by using smart leak sensors in your home. These small devices can send an alert at the first sign of water on the floor. Smart flow sensors can automatically cut off the water when a leak is detected, and you can install them near the connection point - if your coffee bar is the endpoint, consider installing a smart shut-off valve in the line and then one before the connection point you utility room or laundry room. This is where smart technology can really lighten the load.
Finally, remember that you usually don't have to connect these devices—it's just an option. For me, the freedom of having a coffee machine never tell me "no" when I ask it to make me coffee is worth any potential risk of leakage, but everyone is different.
