Do I Really Need to Change the Filter on My Zip Boiling Water Tap?

Boiling-water taps have become a staple in modern office kitchens, and Zip is one of the most trusted names in the game: they are certainly the most popular brand when it comes to office kitchens. But once the system is installed and working beautifully, the inevitable question arrives: Do I really need to change the filter? And, more to the point, do I need to buy the expensive Zip-branded replacement, or can I use a cheaper alternative like the EDD filters?

The short answer is yes — you absolutely need to change the filter. But the longer answer is more interesting, especially when you factor in cost, performance, and what actually happens inside the tap. Over time, this can lead to slow heating, reduced flow, and even system failure.

The filter is the tap’s first line of defence. It removes hardness minerals before they ever reach the boiler, dramatically extending the lifespan of the unit.

Even if you’re only using the boiling tap for tea, coffee, or cooking, taste matters. Zip’s filtration system uses activated carbon to remove chlorine, organic compounds, and odours. This results in noticeably cleaner, fresher-tasting water — something boiling alone cannot achieve.

Why the Filter Matters More Than You Think

1. Limescale Protection

Zip boiling taps heat water inside a compact tank. In hard-water areas — which includes most of the UK — minerals like calcium and magnesium rapidly form limescale when heated. Without filtration, these minerals accumulate inside the tank, coating the heating element and reducing efficiency. Over time, this can lead to slow heating, reduced flow, and even system failure.

The filter is the tap’s first line of defence. It removes hardness minerals before they ever reach the boiler, dramatically extending the lifespan of the unit.

Although the ‘Taste and Odour’ filter for your tap (this is the one inside the door flap of the unit) will help reduce this limescale, if you are in a hard water area, there is no doubt you should have an additional filter specifically for limescale.

2. Better Taste and Smell

Because you’re using the boiling tap for tea, coffee, or cooking, taste matters. The taste and odour filtration system uses activated carbon to remove chlorine, organic compounds, and odours. This results in noticeably cleaner, fresher-tasting water — something boiling alone cannot achieve.

3. Consistent Performance

A clogged or expired filter forces the boiler to work harder. This can lead to temperature fluctuations, reduced flow, and increased wear on internal components. Regular filter changes keep the system running smoothly and efficiently.

4. Boiling Doesn’t Remove Everything

Boiling kills bacteria, but it does not remove chemicals, heavy metals, sediment, or chlorine. Filtration is what makes the water genuinely clean, not just hot.

5. Lower Maintenance and Fewer Repairs

Replacing the filter is far cheaper than replacing a scaled-up boiler tank. Regular changes reduce the need for descaling and prevent expensive callouts. And remember – if you’re in a hard water area and your tap stops working because it is scaled up and you haven’t been replacing the filter, then it won’t be covered under the Zip warranty, so not changing your filter could be an expensive way to save some money!

But What About the Cost? Zip vs EDD Filters

Here’s where many Zip owners raise an eyebrow. Zip’s official replacement filters are undeniably expensive — often very expensive — especially when you consider they need replacing every 6–12 months, depending on usage and water hardness.

This is why EDD-branded compatible filters have become popular (thousands have been sold in the UK in the last 18 months, and those customers have become repeat customers). They typically cost a fraction of the price while promising similar filtration performance, including limescale reduction and chlorine removal.

Final Verdict

Yes, you absolutely need to change the filter on your Zip boiling water tap. It protects the boiler, improves taste, maintains performance, and prevents costly repairs. Whether you choose the official Zip filter or a cheaper EDD alternative is entirely up to you, but the most important thing is that you change it at the recommended intervals.