Filtered drinking water is a useful kitchen upgrade, but many homeowners do not want a separate filter tap taking up space beside the main kitchen mixer.
A three-way kitchen tap provides a cleaner solution. It delivers normal hot water, cold water and filtered drinking water through a single tap while keeping the filtered supply separate from the standard mains water.
RJT Plumbing & Gas recently returned to the home of an existing client in North Lakes to complete this practical kitchen plumbing upgrade. We installed a three-way kitchen tap together with a triple-stage water filtration system beneath the sink.
The completed installation gives the household convenient access to filtered drinking water without adding another tap, drilling an additional hole in the sink or creating more clutter around the kitchen benchtop.
What Is a Three-Way Kitchen Tap?
A three-way kitchen tap combines three separate water functions within one fixture:
- Standard hot water
- Standard cold water
- Filtered drinking water
The hot and cold water operate like a normal kitchen mixer. The filtered water is supplied through a separate internal pathway, helping prevent it from mixing with the unfiltered mains water inside the tap.
This allows the household to use normal hot and cold water for washing dishes, cleaning and cooking while accessing filtered water separately for drinking, filling bottles, making coffee or preparing food.
Filtered Water Without Installing a Second Tap
Traditional under-sink water filter systems are often connected to a small secondary tap installed beside the main kitchen mixer.
While this setup can work well, it usually requires another hole to be drilled through the sink or benchtop. It also creates an additional fixture that needs to be cleaned, maintained and positioned around the sink.
A three-way filtered water tap removes the need for the separate drinking water tap. Everything is incorporated into one fixture, creating a more streamlined appearance.
This can be particularly useful in kitchens with limited sink space, compact benchtops or a minimalist design where the homeowner wants to avoid unnecessary fittings.
How Does a Triple-Stage Under-Sink Water Filter Work?
A triple-stage water filtration system passes the incoming water through three filtration stages before it reaches the filtered water outlet in the kitchen tap.
The exact role of each stage depends on the cartridges selected for the system. A typical configuration may be designed to help reduce sediment, chlorine, unpleasant tastes, odours and other impurities from the drinking water supply.
The stages may include:
- A sediment filter to capture particles such as dirt, rust and fine debris
- A carbon-based filter to help reduce chlorine, tastes and odours
- A finer filtration or polishing stage suited to the particular system
Because filtration systems and cartridge combinations vary, it is important to select a setup that suits the property’s water supply and the homeowner’s expectations.
The filter cartridges are installed beneath the kitchen sink, keeping the system out of sight while remaining accessible for future replacement and maintenance.
Benefits of a Three-Way Filtered Water Tap
Installing a three-way tap and under-sink water filter can provide several practical benefits.
One Tap Instead of Two
The most obvious advantage is the clean installation. Hot, cold and filtered water are all available from one kitchen tap, removing the need for a separate drinking water fixture.
Filtered Water Directly From the Sink
There is no need to fill a benchtop filter jug and wait for the water to pass through. Filtered water is available directly from the kitchen tap whenever it is needed.
More Space Around the Kitchen Sink
A single-tap setup leaves more room around the sink and avoids adding another fitting to the benchtop.
Reduced Reliance on Bottled Water
Having filtered water available at home may reduce the need to purchase bottled drinking water, store bottles in the kitchen or continually dispose of plastic containers.
Separate Filtered Water Supply
A purpose-designed three-way tap keeps the filtered drinking water separate from the standard hot and cold water pathways.
Suitable for New and Existing Kitchens
A three-way tap can often replace an existing kitchen mixer, making it an option for both established homes and new kitchen renovations.
Can a Three-Way Tap Replace an Existing Kitchen Mixer?
In many kitchens, a three-way tap can be installed in the existing mixer tap position.
The suitability of the installation will depend on the sink, benchtop, available space beneath the cabinet and the condition of the existing plumbing.
The plumber will also need to consider where the filtration system can be mounted and whether there is enough room to access the cartridges for future replacement.
Under-sink cabinets can already contain waste pipes, isolation valves, dishwasher hoses, bins and cleaning products. The filter system should be positioned so it does not interfere with the drainage or place unnecessary strain on the connected hoses.
Planning an Under-Sink Water Filter Installation
Before installing a three-way tap and filtration system, several parts of the existing kitchen plumbing need to be assessed.
These include:
- The condition of the existing kitchen tap connections
- The available water supply beneath the sink
- The position and accessibility of the isolation valves
- The amount of cabinet space available for the filter cartridges
- The location of the sink waste and dishwasher connections
- The space required to remove and replace cartridges
- The condition of the existing flexible hoses and fittings
A good installation is not only about connecting the filter and making the water flow. The system should also be secure, accessible and arranged so future servicing does not require the cabinet to be dismantled.
Three-Way Taps During a Kitchen Renovation
A kitchen renovation is an ideal time to include a filtered water tap in the plumbing plan.
The cabinet layout can be designed to leave enough room for the filtration system, and the water connections can be positioned before the cabinetry is completed.
Homeowners planning a new kitchen may also want to consider:
- The location of the kitchen sink
- The position of the dishwasher
- Whether a fridge water connection is required
- Whether filtered water is needed at another sink
- How much storage space will remain beneath the sink
- Where replacement cartridges will be accessed
Discussing these details early can prevent the filtration system from being squeezed into an impractical location after the cabinets have already been installed.
Can You Add Filtered Water Without Renovating the Kitchen?
A complete kitchen renovation is not always required.
As this North Lakes installation demonstrates, an existing kitchen may be upgraded by replacing the current mixer with a compatible three-way tap and installing the filtration system inside the cabinet below.
The amount of plumbing modification required will depend on the existing setup, but many installations can be completed without changing the benchtop, sink or cabinetry.
This makes a three-way tap a practical standalone kitchen upgrade for homeowners who are happy with the rest of the room but want easier access to filtered drinking water.
Does Filtered Water Come Through the Same Spout?
Three-way taps are designed so hot, cold and filtered water can be delivered through one fixture while remaining separated internally.
The way the water is controlled depends on the tap model. Some taps use a separate lever or control for filtered water, while others incorporate the filtered function into the main tap design.
Using a purpose-designed three-way tap is important. A standard kitchen mixer should not simply be connected to a water filtration system unless it has been designed for that use.
Do Under-Sink Water Filters Need Maintenance?
Yes. The cartridges inside a triple-stage filtration system need to be replaced periodically.
The appropriate replacement interval will depend on the manufacturer’s instructions, the cartridge type, water usage and the condition of the incoming water supply.
Leaving cartridges in service beyond their recommended lifespan can reduce water flow and filtration performance.
Homeowners should keep a record of the installation date and the recommended cartridge replacement schedule. The cabinet should also remain accessible so the cartridges can be changed without damaging nearby plumbing or cabinetry.
Signs Your Water Filter Cartridges May Need Replacing
Possible signs that an under-sink water filter needs attention include:
- Reduced water flow from the filtered outlet
- A noticeable change in the taste or smell of the water
- Water appearing cloudy or different from normal
- The cartridges reaching their scheduled replacement date
- Leaks appearing around filter housings or connections
A sudden reduction in pressure does not always mean the cartridges are the cause. Kinked hoses, closed valves or other plumbing issues may also restrict the water flow.
Why Professional Installation Matters
An under-sink water filter involves connections to the home’s water supply. Poorly secured fittings, incorrectly installed hoses or unsuitable components can cause leaks inside the kitchen cabinet.
Even a slow leak can damage cabinetry, flooring and surrounding building materials if it goes unnoticed.
A licensed plumber can make sure the water supply is connected correctly, the filter housings are secure, the tap operates as intended and the completed installation is tested for leaks.
The plumber can also assess the existing isolation valves and flexible hoses while the work is being completed. Replacing worn or inaccessible fittings during the installation may reduce the likelihood of future problems beneath the sink.
Can a Water Filter Be Connected to a Fridge as Well?
Depending on the filtration system, plumbing layout and manufacturer’s requirements, it may be possible to supply filtered water to another appliance, such as a fridge with a water dispenser or ice maker.
This should be considered during the planning stage because additional connections can affect water flow, filter capacity and the layout beneath the sink.
A plumber can assess whether the proposed arrangement is suitable and determine the most practical way to run the additional water line.
Three-Way Filtered Water Tap Installation in North Lakes
RJT Plumbing & Gas provides kitchen tap installation, under-sink water filter installation and kitchen plumbing services throughout North Lakes and surrounding Moreton Bay suburbs.
Our kitchen plumbing services include:
- Three-way kitchen tap installation
- Filtered water tap installation
- Triple-stage under-sink filter installation
- Kitchen mixer replacement
- Kitchen renovation plumbing
- Dishwasher water and waste connections
- Fridge water connections
- Leaking kitchen tap repairs
- Isolation valve replacement
- Under-sink leak repairs
We service North Lakes, Mango Hill, Griffin, Murrumba Downs, Kallangur, Narangba and surrounding Moreton Bay areas.
Want Filtered Water From One Kitchen Tap?
A three-way kitchen tap provides hot, cold and filtered drinking water through one streamlined fixture.
Combined with a triple-stage filtration system beneath the sink, it can provide convenient filtered water without adding another tap to the kitchen benchtop.
Whether you are renovating the kitchen or upgrading an existing sink, RJT Plumbing & Gas can assess the available space, install the filtration system and connect the new tap correctly.
Contact RJT Plumbing & Gas to arrange a three-way filtered water tap installation in North Lakes or the surrounding Moreton Bay area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a three-way kitchen tap?
A three-way kitchen tap provides standard hot water, standard cold water and filtered drinking water through one tap. The filtered water travels through a separate internal pathway so it remains separate from the normal hot and cold water supply.
Can I add filtered water without installing a second tap?
Yes. A purpose-designed three-way tap can provide hot, cold and filtered water from one fixture, removing the need to install a separate filtered water tap beside the kitchen mixer.
Can a three-way tap replace an existing kitchen mixer?
In many kitchens, a three-way tap can replace the existing mixer using the same tap position. The available cabinet space, existing plumbing connections and condition of the isolation valves should be assessed before installation.
How does a triple-stage under-sink water filter work?
A triple-stage water filter passes drinking water through three separate filter cartridges before it reaches the filtered outlet. Depending on the cartridges used, the stages may help reduce sediment, chlorine, unpleasant tastes, odours and other impurities.
Where is an under-sink water filter installed?
An under-sink water filtration system is normally installed inside the kitchen cabinet beneath the sink. It should be positioned securely while leaving enough room to access and replace the filter cartridges.
Do triple-stage water filters need maintenance?
Yes. The filter cartridges need to be replaced according to the manufacturer's instructions. Replacement frequency depends on the cartridge type, household water usage and the condition of the incoming water supply.
Can an under-sink water filter be installed without renovating the kitchen?
A complete kitchen renovation is not usually required. Many existing kitchens can be upgraded by replacing the current mixer with a compatible three-way tap and installing the filtration system beneath the sink.
Who installs three-way filtered water taps in North Lakes?
RJT Plumbing & Gas installs three-way kitchen taps, triple-stage under-sink water filters and other kitchen plumbing upgrades throughout North Lakes and surrounding Moreton Bay suburbs.
