Keurig With Water Line: Which Keurig Machines Can Be Plumbed In?

Single-serve coffee makers are super convenient, but most have refillable water reservoirs that not only take up extra counter space but can also be annoying to have to refill all the time, especially in an office or a home with a lot of coffee drinkers. A Keurig with a water line is a great solution.

There are a handful of Keurig coffee makers that you can hook up directly to your plumbing system for an endless supply of water. In this article, I’ll review all of the Keurig models that can be connected to a water line.

Which Keurigs Can Be Connected to a Water Line?

Most Keurig coffee makers are designed only to work with the removable water reservoir they come with. So if you want to hook up your Keurig directly to a water line, your options are limited to just a few models specifically made for that purpose. Here are the plumbed-in Keurig coffee makers to consider.

1. Keurig K2500 Commercial Coffee Maker

The Keurig K2500 is a commercial-grade single-serve coffee maker designed for plumbed installation. You can buy this in two versions: one that’s ready to connect to a water line out of the box, and one that comes with a large 110 oz removable reservoir. The options are great to have, but note that it doesn’t seem like you can convert the reservoir model to a plumbed-in Keurig, so choose wisely.

I’ve used the K2500 extensively at a previous job, and it’s an absolute workhorse. With features like an interactive touchscreen, automatic descaling alerts, and commercial-grade internal parts, this Keurig can handle constant use in a busy office or large household.

The K2500 brews cups in under a minute and can brew five different sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 ounce cups. It works with hundreds of K-cup pods including refillable pods, so if you want your employees or family to be able to grind coffee for use in the Keurig, this is a great option.

With sturdy metal construction, this Keurig is built to last through years of frequent use. It’s one of the best Keurig machines if you’re looking for a plumbed-in single-serve coffee maker.

2. Keurig K3500 Commercial Coffee Maker

Very similar to the K2500, the Keurig K3500 offers the same commercial-grade quality and performance, and it’s ready to connect to a plumbing line right out of the box. I haven’t seen the K3500 with a water reservoir, so I don’t think that’s an option. This one will have to be plumbed in.

The K3500 has a compact footprint, making it a great option when counter space is limited. It includes convenient features like a touch color screen, strength control, and hot water on demand for homes or offices that want access to tea, hot chocolate, water for instant oatmeal, and more. This Keurig can brew five cup sizes as well—4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 ounces—and is compatible with hundreds of K-cup varieties.

This machine is compact but beefy and heavy, so it feels super high-quality, and I expect it to last for many years before needing replacement. The construction is mostly metal, too, so it’s perfect in high-traffic areas. If you need an efficient, easy-to-use single-serve coffee maker that can be plumbed directly into your water supply, the K3500 is a great choice.

3. Keurig K4500 Commercial Coffee Maker

Keurig also offers the K4500 as a commercial-grade, plumbed coffee maker option. It’s Keurig’s high-end commercial coffee maker, and it comes with a pretty hefty price tag to match—close to $2,500 if you opt for the premium bundle and professional installation directly through Keurig.

The K4500 has a compact, durable metal construction and is designed for efficiency and convenience with features like one-touch brewing and an interactive touchscreen display.

It also is a cafe suite, so it uses two powder hoppers—one for coffee and one for milk—to make mixed coffee drinks. You can choose from over 20 recipes, which is really spectacular. It can brew five cup sizes for standard coffee—4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 ounces—as well as three cup sizes for mixed coffee drinks and specialty drinks—8, 10, and 12 ounces.

With the ability to brew cup after cup, each in under a minute, the K4500 works great for offices, breakrooms, and large households. It’s compatible with hundreds of K-cup varieties and is built to handle constant daily use. If you don’t mind the hefty price tag, the K4500 is sure to impress and last for years to come.

4. Keurig K150 and K155 With Plumb Kit

The Keurig K150 and K155 are single-serve coffee makers designed for lighter commercial use, like in small offices. They come standard with large 90 oz removable reservoirs.

However, Keurig offers a Direct Plumb Kit for both the K150 and K155 that allows them to be converted for direct water line installation. The plumb kit replaces the reservoir and lets you hook the Keurig directly to your water supply line. This takes convenience and continuous brewing to the next level.

Keep in mind you will need a professional plumber to install the water line and connect your Keurig if you go this route. But it transforms the K150/K155 into true commercial-style coffee makers perfect for uninterrupted all-day use. Definitely a great option for plumbed-in convenience, especially if you already have the K150 or K155 and want to upgrade it to a Keurig with a water line.

Related Article: Keurig K150 Is Clicking and Not Turning On: Causes and Solutions

Benefits of a Plumbed-In Keurig

Connecting your Keurig coffee maker directly to a water line offers some nice benefits, so it very well might be worth the cost to connect yours:

• Endless supply of water for continuous brewing. No more spills from refilling the reservoir.
• Less wasted counter space since you don’t need the bulky water reservoir.
• Perfect for high traffic areas like busy offices and large households.
• Fewer parts to clean since you don’t have the reservoir.
• Consistent water pressure for optimized coffee flavor.
• Eliminates the hassle of frequently refilling the water tank.

Having an endless supply of water on tap is great for workplaces, events, or just households with multiple coffee drinkers. Plumbed-in Keurigs provide maximum convenience.

Downsides of Plumbed-In Keurigs

However, there are some downsides to consider with a direct plumbed coffee maker:

• The descaling process is more involved since you have to shut off and disconnect the water line.
• The machine is not portable and can’t be easily moved once installed.
• Any issues require a plumber to disconnect the water line and repair.
• Installation itself requires hiring a plumber, adding to the initial cost.
• If your water pressure is too high, a regulator may be needed.

While the endless water supply is nice, the installation and descaling complexities are definite downsides. And you lose the ability to easily move the machine around your countertop or to different rooms.

Related Article: How to Descale a Keurig Machine in 4 Easy Steps

Cost to Install a Plumbed-In Keurig

The cost to hire a professional plumber to install a water line and connect your Keurig coffee maker directly to your home or office water supply can vary quite a bit based on your unique situation. Some factors that influence the cost include the following.

• How close the Keurig will be to an existing water supply line. The closer the better. Longer pipe runs will increase labor and material costs.
• Whether drywall must be cut into and patched for pipe installation. Opening walls is time consuming and can get expensive.
• Your geographic location. Plumber hourly rates vary.
• Any special adapters or connectors needed.
• Your pipe material. PEX tubing is easier to work with than copper.

For most standard countertop installations where the Keurig is relatively close to the water supply shut-off valve, expect a plumbing bill in the $200 to $400 range on average. Simple connections will be toward the lower end, while long pipe runs or tricky installations will cost more.

And remember, this is for professional installation only—I don’t recommend attempting a DIY plumbing job!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any special tools or parts to connect my Keurig to a direct water line?

In most cases, you’ll need to hire a plumber to get the job done. Most of the Keurig models designed to be plumbed in are ready to hook up to a standard water line right out of the box, though. As long as you have a water supply line with a standard shut-off valve near where the Keurig will be installed, no special adapters are needed. The one exception is if you have very high water pressure, then a pressure regulator may be required. Your plumber will be able to determine if a regulator is needed.

How difficult is it to disconnect the water line from my Keurig for descaling or maintenance?

Disconnecting the attached water line from your plumbed-in Keurig is relatively quick and simple. Just turn off the shut-off valve for the water line to stop the water supply. Then use a wrench to loosen the fitting connecting the line to the Keurig. This will detach the water line so you can move the Keurig and access the inner parts. Reconnecting just reverses the process—tighten the fitting back onto the Keurig water inlet once maintenance is complete. The whole process only takes a couple minutes.

Can I install a water filter to my plumbed-in Keurig?

Yes, installing an inline water filter is recommended for plumbed-in Keurig machines, especially if your tap water has high mineral content. The filter will help remove minerals and impurities that can cause scale buildup inside the Keurig over time. You’ll need a filter that can handle the flow rate and water pressure from your supply line. Your plumber can install the filter on the water line before it connects to the Keurig. Just be sure to replace the filter cartridge periodically per the manufacturer instructions.

How do I clean the external parts of my plumbed-in Keurig coffee maker?

The external housing and parts of a plumbed-in Keurig can be cleaned just like a standard Keurig. Wipe down the outside with a damp soapy cloth periodically. The drip tray, K-cup holder, and other removable pieces can be washed with warm soapy water. Do not submerge the Keurig itself. And avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as they can scratch the surfaces. For thorough cleaning, unplug the Keurig and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations.