Plumb-in

Connecting an espresso machine directly to the mains water supply, bypassing the internal water tank. Standard for commercial machines; optional on many prosumer machines.

Why it matters — A plumbed machine never runs out of water mid-shot, doesn't require tank refilling, and can use line pressure for pre-infusion. The trade-off is installation complexity and the need for water filtration on the inlet.

Good to know

• Plumb-in requires a WaterMark-certified machine for legal Australian installation.
• A 3/8" water line (with a stop valve) is the standard plumb-in connection for most prosumer and commercial machines.