Water Heaters

Compact electric water heaters provide a localised hot water solution for washbasins, small office kitchenettes and utility sinks. These units are designed for immediate installation directly at the point of use, making them a practical choice for retrofits where space is limited. Our range consists exclusively of ATC Electrical & Mechanical units designed for undersink placement, ensuring the ideal model can be selected based on sink demand and available cabinet space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I choose a 5-litre or 10-litre water heater for a sink?

Choose a 5-litre heater for a single hand-wash basin and a 10-litre model for a kitchen sink or office kitchenette. A 5-litre unit is ideal for light, intermittent use, while a 10-litre unit provides enough hot water for rinsing dishes and several consecutive uses.

What is the difference between an undersink and oversink water heater?

The main difference lies in the mounting position and the visibility of the unit. Undersink water heaters are installed inside cabinets, keeping them hidden from view. In contrast, oversink models are mounted above the tap, which makes the plumbing more accessible, especially when there is no cabinet space.

Can I use an undersink water heater for multiple taps?

No, a compact point-of-use heater is designed to serve a single outlet. Connecting one unit to multiple taps increases heat loss and can drain a 5 or 10-litre tank very quickly. For properties with multiple sinks, it is best to install a dedicated heater at each point of use.

Does an undersink water heater require an expansion vessel?

Yes, unvented water heaters typically require an expansion vessel and a pressure relief valve to manage the water expansion that occurs during heating. As the tank stores pressurised water, these components are essential for preventing damage and ensuring the installation complies with UK building regulations.

How fast does a 10-litre electric water heater heat up?

The heating time depends on the power of the heating element, but a 10-litre electric water heater is designed to recover quickly between uses. In a busy environment like an office kitchen, the 10-litre capacity provides a useful buffer of pre-heated water, ensuring the unit does not run cold during periods of repeated use.

Choosing the right water heater capacity for your sink

Matching the storage capacity to actual usage patterns ensures a steady supply of hot water without constant recovery cycles. The available undersink units come in different volumes to suit specific basin demands:

  • 5-litre options are ideal for light, intermittent use, making them suitable for a single washbasin, guest cloakroom, or very light-duty sink applications. For these scenarios, a compact storage volume is more important than maximum output.
  • 10-litre options are designed for a busy small kitchen sink or an office kitchenette where water is drawn more frequently or for longer periods. The higher capacity, combined with a faster recovery time, efficiently handles clustered demand.

Undersink point-of-use water heater installation

Compact undersink units are designed to be concealed inside a kitchen cabinet, positioned as close to the tap as possible. This point-of-use placement minimises the distance the hot water travels, reducing heat loss compared to routing pipes from a distant central source. Their compact dimensions allow them to fit within tight cabinet spaces, leaving ample room for essential plumbing and service access.

Energy efficiency and recovery in an electric water heater

The practical performance of an electric point-of-use system depends on both its reheating speed and standby efficiency. For washbasins with repeated short bursts of use, high-quality insulation and low standby energy loss are critical. Conversely, kitchen sinks with clustered demand require a quick recovery speed to maintain a consistent supply. These units operate as unvented water heaters, meaning the installation may require specific expansion vessels and pressure-control accessories, depending on the local plumbing system.

We offer ATC Electrical & Mechanical units tailored for tight under-counter spaces, ensuring you can find a compact model with a capacity that perfectly matches your basin's hot water demand.