Kitchen Renovation Planning: Hot Water, Water Filters and Product Choices to Check Before Cabinets Go In

May 27, 2026

A kitchen renovation is not just about cabinets, benchtops, splashbacks and appliances. Before the kitchen is locked in, it is worth checking whether the home’s hot water system, water pressure, filtration, pump setup and appliance plans will still suit the finished space.

This matters because a new kitchen can change how the home uses water. A larger sink, filtered drinking water tap, fridge water point, dishwasher, butler’s pantry, second sink or updated hot water layout can expose old plumbing issues, poor pressure, slow hot water delivery or a product that no longer suits the home.

Installed Today can help homeowners compare product options such as hot water systems, heat pump hot water systems, electric hot water systems, gas hot water systems, instant gas hot water systems, water filters, drinking water filtration systems, reverse osmosis systems, rainwater pumps and mains water pressure boosting pumps.

For kitchen renovation plumbing, sink rough-ins, dishwasher connections, fridge water points, gas cooktop work, tapware installation, leak repairs, drainage changes, water filter installation or on-site plumbing advice, use a licensed plumber such as JR Gas & Water through their kitchen renovation plumbing service or broader plumbing services across Greater Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Quick answer

Before cabinets and benchtops go in, homeowners should check whether the existing hot water system, water pressure, filtration plans, sink layout, dishwasher connection, fridge water point, pump setup and appliance choices suit the new kitchen. Installed Today can help compare replacement products such as hot water systems, water filters and pressure pumps, but kitchen renovation plumbing, gas fitting, installation, drainage and on-site service work should be handled by licensed trades.

Why product planning matters before the kitchen is finished

Once kitchen cabinets and stone benchtops are installed, changing plumbing or product locations becomes harder.

That is why product choices should be considered early, especially if the renovation includes:

A new sink location
A larger sink or double bowl sink
A dishwasher
A fridge water point
A filtered drinking water tap
Reverse osmosis drinking water
Whole-home filtration
A butler’s pantry sink
A second kitchen or kitchenette
A gas cooktop
Changes to hot water demand
Poor water pressure concerns
A rainwater or pressure pump setup
A hot water system that is old or unreliable

Installed Today can help with product comparison, but the site work still needs to be confirmed by the correct licensed trade.

Product selection can happen online. Plumbing rough-ins, gas fitting, filter installation, pump installation, appliance connections and drainage work need licensed trades.

When Installed Today can help

Installed Today is best suited to comparing product options before or during a kitchen renovation.

This may include:

Replacing an old hot water system before the new kitchen is finished
Comparing electric, gas, instant gas or heat pump hot water options
Checking whether a heat pump may suit a home with solar PV
Comparing under-sink drinking water filters
Comparing reverse osmosis systems
Comparing whole-home water filtration options
Replacing filter cartridges and service kits
Comparing pressure boosting pumps where water pressure is poor
Comparing rainwater pump options where the home uses tank water
Planning product choices before a plumber finalises the renovation scope

Installed Today can help compare:

If the work involves moving plumbing, installing a sink, fitting a dishwasher, connecting a fridge water point, installing a filter, connecting gas, repairing leaks or altering drainage, use JR Gas & Water or the appropriate licensed trade.

When JR Gas & Water is the better next step

Kitchen renovations involve plumbing and gas work that should be handled on site by licensed trades.

Use JR Gas & Water for:

Kitchen renovation plumbing
Plumbing services across Greater Brisbane and the Gold Coast
Sink water and waste rough-ins
Dishwasher water and waste connections
Fridge water points
Water filter installation
Tapware installation
Leak repairs
Drainage changes
Gas cooktop connection or relocation
Hot water repairs and servicing
On-site plumbing advice before cabinets and benchtops go in

Installed Today can help with product comparison. JR Gas & Water can help when the renovation needs licensed plumbing, gas fitting, installation, repairs or site assessment.

Hot water should be checked before renovating a kitchen

A kitchen renovation can expose hot water problems that were easy to ignore before.

The existing system may have been acceptable with the old kitchen, but the new layout may include a larger sink, longer pipe run, butler’s pantry, second sink or additional household water use.

Check the hot water system if:

Hot water takes a long time to reach the kitchen
The current system is old or unreliable
The home runs out of hot water
Recovery time is slow
The kitchen is moving further from the hot water system
A butler’s pantry or second sink is being added
The renovation is part of a larger home upgrade
The existing system is leaking or rusty
You want to compare running cost options
The current system location clashes with renovation plans

If the current system is due for replacement, compare hot water systems before the kitchen is finished.

The right system depends on the home, not just the kitchen. Household size, available space, energy supply, gas availability, usage patterns and installation requirements all matter.

Comparing hot water options for a kitchen renovation

Heat pump hot water

A heat pump can reduce running costs compared with standard electric storage when selected and installed correctly. It may suit homes with suitable outdoor space, airflow and household demand.

Compare heat pump hot water systems if the renovation is part of a broader upgrade away from standard electric storage.

Heat pump placement matters. Outdoor space, noise location, drainage, access and airflow should be checked before choosing a system.

Electric hot water

Electric storage can suit homes wanting a familiar replacement type, especially where the existing setup is simple and household demand is predictable.

Compare electric hot water systems if you want a conventional storage option.

Electrical work should always be completed by a licensed electrician.

Gas hot water

Gas hot water may suit homes with suitable gas supply and existing gas infrastructure.

Compare gas hot water systems where a gas storage-style replacement is being considered.

Gas work should always be completed by a licensed gas fitter.

Instant gas hot water

Instant gas can suit homes wanting continuous flow hot water, but sizing, gas supply, flow rates and installation conditions matter.

Compare instant gas hot water systems if the renovation is part of a broader change away from storage hot water.

Instant electric hot water

Instant electric systems can suit selected applications, but they are not automatically suitable for every kitchen or whole-home setup. Electrical capacity, flow rate and intended use matter.

Compare instant electric hot water systems where the application is suitable.

Filtered drinking water is easier to plan before cabinets are installed

A kitchen renovation is one of the best times to plan filtered drinking water because the sink cabinet, tap hole, cartridge location and future servicing access can be designed properly.

Installed Today can help compare:

Before choosing a filter, think about:

Whether you want filtered water only at the kitchen sink
Whether you want reverse osmosis for drinking water
Whether the home needs whole-home filtration
Whether the filter will sit under the sink
Cartridge replacement access
Whether a separate filter tap is needed
Sink and benchtop tap hole planning
Water pressure
Available cabinet space
Whether the filter will clash with drawers or bins

A filter that is planned early is easier to access later. A filter squeezed into a finished cabinet may be harder to service.

Under-sink filters, reverse osmosis and cabinet space

Under-sink filtration can be a good fit for a kitchen renovation, but the cabinet needs to allow enough space.

Check space for:

Filter housing
Cartridge replacement
Reverse osmosis tank if applicable
Filter tap hose
Drain connection if required
Isolation valve access
Pull-out bin clearance
Dishwasher hose clearance
Sink bowl depth
Cleaning storage

Reverse osmosis systems can require more under-sink space than a basic drinking water filter. That does not mean they are unsuitable, but they should be planned before cabinetry is finalised.

Installed Today can help compare reverse osmosis systems and drinking water filtration systems. Plumbing changes and installation should be completed by licensed trades.

Whole-home filtration and kitchen renovations

Some homeowners use a kitchen renovation as the trigger to review water quality throughout the home.

A whole home water filtration system may be worth comparing if the household wants filtered water at more than one tap, not just a drinking water point.

Whole-home filtration planning should consider:

Incoming water supply location
Available installation space
Flow rate requirements
Cartridge replacement access
Pressure impact
Household size
Existing plumbing
Whether outdoor space is suitable

Whole-home water filtration is not just a kitchen product. It affects water entering the home, so the correct system and installation location need to be confirmed by a licensed trade.

Water pressure should be checked before choosing fixtures

Water pressure can affect how the finished kitchen feels.

Low pressure may become more noticeable after adding:

A larger sink mixer
Pull-out spray mixer
Water filtration
Reverse osmosis
Fridge water connection
Dishwasher
Long pipe runs
A butler’s pantry sink
Tank water supply

If the whole home has poor pressure, it may be worth comparing mains water pressure boosting pumps. If the home uses tank water, compare rainwater pumps or rain harvesting pump sets.

Pump selection should match the home’s water source, pressure needs, pipework, demand and installation requirements. For pump installation, pipework and on-site plumbing, use a licensed plumber such as JR Gas & Water through their rainwater tank plumbing and pump connections.

Fridge water points need early planning

Modern fridges often need water connections for chilled water or ice. This is not an Installed Today product category, but it does affect kitchen planning.

Before the fridge cabinet is built, check:

Whether the fridge needs a water point
Water point location
Isolation valve access
Hose route
Whether the fridge can slide in and out
Manufacturer clearance requirements
Whether a filter is built into the fridge
Whether the water line will be protected from kinks or damage

If the fridge water point is in the wrong location, the fridge may sit too far forward or become difficult to service.

Fridge water point installation should be handled by a licensed plumber.

Dishwasher connections and drainage should not be left until fit-off

Dishwashers need water, waste, power and access to be planned properly.

Before cabinets go in, confirm:

Dishwasher location
Water supply connection
Waste hose route
Hose length
Isolation valve access
Power point location
Distance from sink cabinet
Cabinet penetrations
Future service access

A dishwasher connection that is treated as an afterthought can lead to leaks, drainage smells, water left in the appliance or cabinet damage.

Installed Today can help compare related home water products, but dishwasher plumbing should be handled by a licensed plumber.

Gas cooktops and kitchen renovations

Some kitchen renovations include a gas cooktop, gas oven or gas appliance relocation.

Gas appliance work should always be completed by a licensed gas fitter. Do not disconnect, move or connect gas appliances yourself.

Before choosing or relocating a gas cooktop, confirm:

Whether the home uses natural gas or LPG
Whether the appliance suits the gas type
Existing gas pipe location
Gas supply requirements
Cooktop clearance requirements
Ventilation requirements
Cabinet design
Isolation valve access
Whether gas pipework needs relocation

LPG and natural gas are not the same. Appliances and gas work need to suit the gas type.

For gas cooktop connection, disconnection, relocation or compliance work, use JR Gas & Water’s gas fitting service.

Product choices to confirm before rough-in

Before the plumber completes the rough-in, confirm the products and choices that affect plumbing set-out.

These may include:

Sink type and bowl depth
Mixer type
Pull-out spray mixer clearance
Dishwasher location
Fridge water point requirement
Water filter type
Filter tap location
Reverse osmosis space requirements
Whole-home filtration plans
Hot water system plans
Pump plans
Gas cooktop type
Whether the home uses LPG or natural gas
Any future water point requirements

Installed Today is most relevant for hot water systems, filters and pump product comparison. For sink plumbing, dishwasher connections, fridge water points, gas work, drainage and rough-in, use a licensed trade.

Renovation plumbing should be planned before benchtops are cut

Benchtop cut-outs are difficult to change once stone or finished benchtops are cut.

Before cutting, confirm:

Sink model
Mixer location
Filter tap location
Cooktop model
Any separate drinking water tap
Soap dispenser or accessory holes
Appliance clearances
Cabinet supports
Under-sink space

A filtered water tap or reverse osmosis tap is much easier to include when the benchtop is planned properly from the start.

Common product planning mistakes in kitchen renovations

Avoid these common mistakes:

Choosing a sink before checking cabinet and waste clearance
Forgetting space for a water filter
Adding reverse osmosis without checking under-sink room
Planning a fridge water point too late
Comparing hot water systems after the kitchen is finished
Leaving an old hot water system until it fails after renovation
Assuming a pressure pump will fix every low-pressure issue
Adding filtration without checking pressure and cartridge access
Choosing a gas appliance without confirming LPG or natural gas
Forgetting isolation valve access
Treating product selection and licensed installation as the same thing

Good planning separates the product decision from the site work. The product still needs to suit the home, and licensed trades still need to confirm what can be installed safely and correctly.

Older Brisbane homes and kitchen renovations

Older Brisbane homes can have hidden plumbing and product challenges.

Common issues include:

Older pipework
Long hot water runs
Slow hot water delivery
Low or inconsistent pressure
Previous DIY plumbing changes
Old electric hot water systems
Limited space for new hot water units
Narrow side access
Clay soil and drainage issues
Established trees affecting drains
High-set homes with long pipe runs
Mixed old and new services

If the home has an older hot water system, the renovation is a sensible time to compare replacement electric hot water, heat pump hot water, gas hot water or instant gas hot water options.

For the plumbing work itself, use JR Gas & Water’s plumbing services across Greater Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Gold Coast kitchen renovation considerations

Gold Coast homes can bring different kitchen renovation conditions.

Common considerations include:

Coastal corrosion
Outdoor hot water system exposure
Duplex and townhouse access
Flat blocks with drainage constraints
Slab construction
Body corporate requirements
Tight side access
Limited outdoor space
Heat pump noise and airflow placement
Gas availability
Shared services in some properties

For product comparison, Installed Today can help homeowners review hot water, pump and filtration options. For kitchen plumbing, installation, gas fitting, access or drainage work, use licensed trades.

Slab homes, townhouses and units

Kitchen renovations in slab homes, townhouses and units need careful planning before products are ordered.

Ask early:

Can the sink waste move?
Will concrete cutting be required?
Is the kitchen upstairs?
Are services shared?
Does body corporate approval apply?
Can a fridge water point be added?
Will a filter fit under the sink?
Is there outdoor space and airflow for a heat pump?
Is there suitable gas supply for instant gas or a gas cooktop?
Can future servicing access be maintained?

Installed Today can help compare products, but the plumber, gas fitter and installer need to confirm whether the site can support the selected product and layout.

Renovation timing: when to compare products

The best time to compare product options is before the kitchen rough-in and benchtop planning are finalised.

Compare early if:

The old hot water system is unreliable
Hot water delivery to the kitchen is slow
A filtered water tap is planned
Reverse osmosis is being considered
Whole-home filtration is being considered
The home has low water pressure
A rainwater pump is part of the setup
A fridge water point is planned
The kitchen layout is changing
A gas cooktop is being added or moved
Outdoor product locations may change

Leaving product decisions until after cabinetry and benchtops are installed can make the project more awkward.

What homeowners can safely plan themselves

Homeowners can prepare useful details before speaking with trades.

Helpful details include:

Existing hot water system type
Photos of the hot water system label
Existing kitchen photos
New kitchen plans
Sink model
Mixer model
Fridge model and water connection needs
Dishwasher location
Whether a filtered water tap is wanted
Whether reverse osmosis is wanted
Whether whole-home filtration is wanted
Whether the home uses mains water or tank water
Existing water pressure issues
Existing pump details
Whether the home uses LPG or natural gas
Any body corporate or access restrictions

Do not move pipework, alter drains, modify valves, connect gas, open electrical equipment or attempt plumbing work yourself.

What needs a licensed trade

Use licensed trades for:

Kitchen renovation plumbing
Sink water and waste rough-ins
Dishwasher connections
Fridge water points
Water filter installation
Reverse osmosis installation
Whole-home filter installation
Hot water installation
Pump installation
Drainage changes
Leak detection
Gas cooktop connection
Gas line relocation
Electrical work

Gas work should always be completed by a licensed gas fitter. Electrical work should always be completed by a licensed electrician. Plumbing work should be completed by a licensed plumber.

Installed Today can help compare products. The site work should be handled by the correct licensed trade.

FAQs

Can Installed Today help with a kitchen renovation?

Installed Today can help with product comparison for hot water systems, water filters, reverse osmosis systems and pumps that may be relevant during a kitchen renovation. Kitchen renovation plumbing, installation, gas fitting, drainage and fixture connections should be handled by licensed trades such as JR Gas & Water.

Should I replace my hot water system during a kitchen renovation?

It may be worth considering if the current system is old, unreliable, leaking, rusty or slow to deliver hot water to the kitchen. If the renovation is part of a larger home upgrade, compare hot water options before the kitchen is finished.

What hot water system is best for a kitchen renovation?

There is no single best option for every home. Heat pump, electric, gas, instant gas and instant electric systems all suit different situations. The right choice depends on household demand, available space, energy supply, gas availability, usage patterns and installation requirements.

Should I add a water filter during a kitchen renovation?

A kitchen renovation is a good time to plan a water filter because the sink cabinet, tap hole, cartridge access and under-sink space can be designed properly. Installed Today can help compare drinking water filters, reverse osmosis and whole-home filtration options.

Is reverse osmosis suitable for every kitchen?

Not always. Reverse osmosis can require under-sink space, a suitable tap location, pressure considerations and cartridge access. It should be planned before cabinetry and benchtops are finalised.

Can low water pressure affect a renovated kitchen?

Yes. Low pressure can affect mixers, filtered water, fridge water points and general kitchen use. If poor pressure affects the whole home, compare pressure boosting options and get licensed plumbing advice before choosing a pump.

Does Installed Today install kitchen plumbing?

Installed Today is product-focused and should not be treated as a kitchen renovation plumbing service. For kitchen plumbing, rough-ins, dishwasher connections, fridge water points, water filter installation, gas fitting, repairs or site work, use licensed trades such as JR Gas & Water.

Should I order a product before the plumber checks the site?

It is better to get site advice first if the product depends on plumbing, gas, pressure, drainage, power supply, outdoor space or installation location. This helps reduce the risk of choosing a product that does not suit the home.

Planning a kitchen renovation?

Before cabinets and benchtops go in, make sure the product choices and plumbing requirements line up.

Installed Today can help you compare hot water systems, heat pump hot water systems, electric hot water systems, gas hot water systems, instant gas hot water systems, instant electric hot water systems, water filters, drinking water filtration systems, reverse osmosis systems, rainwater pumps and mains water pressure boosting pumps.

For kitchen renovation plumbing, rough-ins, sink and dishwasher connections, fridge water points, water filter installation, gas cooktop work, hot water installation, pump installation, leak repairs or on-site plumbing support, book JR Gas & Water through the kitchen renovation plumbing page or the quote request and bookings page.

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