How I Installed the Elkay Liv EZ Water Dispenser

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Elkay.

Looking to add a built-in water dispenser to your home? I walk you through the process to install Elkay’s Liv EZ, breaking down the tools you need and which steps of the project may need a professional.

I’ve always loved the look (and convenience) of built-in water dispensers. You see them in airports, gyms, and schools. All those Elkay units with the little LED lights make you want to chug a bottle of water on the spot. Plus, it’s always kinda fun to see the on-screen counter of how many single-use plastic bottles you’re saving!

So when I found out Elkay makes a version for residential use, I immediately thought of my brother. His basement home gym is awesome… except for the sad mini fridge filled with plastic water bottles. It made it feel more like a college dorm room than a modern gym space. Sorry, Ry, but it had to go!

For his 40th birthday, I surprised him with the Elkay Liv EZ, which is a sleek, filtered, in-wall water dispenser. The best part? I installed it myself with just a tiny bit of plumbing help.

Why This Dispenser Caught My Eye

Until now, I assumed you had to be building a brand-new house or undergo a large kitchen renovation to have a built-in water dispenser. You would need drainage, electrical, and those things require a home that is ripped down to the studs.

But the new Elkay Liv EZ is specifically designed for remodel projects, not just new construction. You don’t need to run electrical or install a drain. You just need a basic cold water line and a bit of wall space.

So when I saw the chance to install one in my brother’s basement home gym—as a surprise for his 40th birthday—I jumped on it. His setup was already amazing, but this was the missing piece.

The Liv EZ fits snugly between standard-width wall studs, and it runs on AA batteries, so there’s no need to hire an electrician. And the best part? It looks just as sleek and high-end as the commercial models.

Quick Pre-Install Tips

Here are a few things to check before you dive in:

• Choose the right spot: Ideal locations include a home gym, mudroom, kitchen, or pantry.
• Check for a water line: You’ll need access to a basic cold water line behind the wall you choose. If there’s a sink or bathroom nearby, you can usually get some water where you need it!
• Measure your wall space: The Liv EZ fits between standard wall studs, so make sure you have at least 16 inches of width. Also, check to make sure you don’t have any wall switches or outlets nearby. You need a clear cavity without electrical.

How I Installed the Elkay Liv EZ

My brother was out of town for a few days, which gave me the perfect window to pull off this DIY surprise. I snuck over to his house, scoped out his basement home gym, and found the ideal wall for the new Elkay Liv EZ built-in filtered water dispenser.

The best part? The other side of that wall wasn’t drywalled. It was just open studs in a storage closet, which made it incredibly easy to figure out exactly where I wanted to install it. If you don’t have access to open framing like I did, no worries. Just use a stud finder and locate two standard wall studs. The unit is designed to fit snugly right between them.

The detailed installation guide walks you through the entire process—from how high to mount it to the exact size of the hole you’ll need to cut. I grabbed my drywall knife, took a deep breath, and got to work.

Honestly, cutting into the wall is the scariest part. There’s no going back once you start. But it’s also kind of empowering!

Once the hole was cut, the Elkay Liv EZ slid right into place. I used my drill and four screws to anchor it into the studs, and that was it for the mounting process. Easy installation.

A Quick Note on DIY Confidence

If you can hang a heavy mirror or patch a hole in drywall, you can probably handle this portion of the project. Don’t be afraid of the drywall knife. That first cut might feel like a big deal, but it’s actually really doable and satisfying. And if plumbing or electrical isn’t your thing? Just hire a pro for that part. The rest is totally manageable, I promise!

Bringing In a Plumber

The final step is connecting the water line. I always hire out for electrical or plumbing work since those aren’t my strong suits, so I brought in a qualified plumber. Luckily, the home gym wall backed up to a utility room with the existing water supply, so it was a quick and simple job to add a shutoff valve and connect the water. The plumber was in and out in about an hour, and it cost me $150 for his time.

I then finished off the rest of the install myself, adding the filter and the cover. I went with the Aspen White colorway, but it also comes in stainless steel finishes and black.

From Clunky Mini Fridge to Built-In Beauty

Before this upgrade, my brother’s basement gym had a tiny old mini fridge tucked in the corner, packed with single-use plastic water bottles. It worked… but it wasn’t exactly the sleek, functional setup his space deserved.

Now, their gym has a polished feel, and it’s so much more convenient. Whether they’re filling a reusable water bottle before a workout or topping off the dog’s bowl, it’s a total upgrade in both form and function.

Why This Water Dispenser Is So Great for Families

When I finally showed my brother the surprise, he was seriously blown away. He couldn’t believe I had pulled it off while he was out of town, and once he tried it, he immediately said, “Okay… we need one of these in our kitchen too.”

And honestly? I agree. He and his wife have a two-year-old, a baby on the way, and a very thirsty dog! Having filtered, hands-free water access in the basement gym is already making a big difference. It’s perfect for filling water bottles on the go, keeping up with daily hydration goals, and not having to deal with cases of plastic bottles taking up floor space.

The WaterSentry® 71300C filter reduces contaminants like lead, chlorine taste, PFOA, and PFOS. It also meets NSF/ANSI standards, so you know it’s doing its job. The LED light on the front gives a quick filter status check (solid red = time to replace), and with AA batteries, there’s no wiring or power needed. You just need a new filter once a year.

Cheers to drinking safer water, big brother! And thanks to Elkay’s Liv EZ for the unique birthday gift idea. There’s nothing better than giving a gift that gets used daily, and makes someone say, “Wait, how did we live without this?”