In this article, we will take a look at common water dispenser problems and tips you can use to resolve them.
Water dispensers or water coolers are a useful tool for both the home and the office. There are several models available that can provide you with cool, filtered water, as well as some that can provide cool water from one tap and hot water from another.
However, regardless of the type of water dispenser you have, it is common to encounter issues down the road, as with any frequently-used appliance.
Here is how to Handle Common Water Dispenser Problems;
- Turn it off
- Replace parts
- Keep it clean
- Call in the pros
- Check on it
Common water dispenser problems
- Odd Tastes
- Dispensing Water To Bottles With Small Opening
- Leaving The Child Safety Lock Off
- Enough Water Isn’t Pouring Out
- Water Temperature Isn’t Right
- Water is Leaking Out
Odd Tastes
If the water tastes unusual, mold has most likely grown inside the device. All you need to do is clean up your dispenser.
Use water mixed with a little dishwashing liquid to clean the dispenser and cooler. It is essential to rinse thoroughly, or else your water will taste like soap. You should also regularly check your water filter if it gets clogged with debris.
Dispensing Water To Bottles With Small Opening
Hot water burns caused by water coolers occur only once in a blue moon. However, this does not mean that people do not get hot water burns when using water dispensers.
Tapping water into a bottle with an extremely small opening is one of the most common causes of hot water burns when using water dispensers.
Bottles with a small space necessitate an extremely high level of precision. If you aren’t very precise, you will most likely miss the bottle opening, resulting in water spilling on your hands.
Leaving The Child Safety Lock Off
Most modern water coolers include numerous advanced safety features. Child locks, for example, are designed to increase user safety and protect children from hot water burns.
When you turn off this feature while doing other chores, your children are at risk of being burned by the hot water. Keep the child safety lock turned on even when you’re not busy.
Enough Water Isn’t Pouring Out
When there is insufficient water running out of the faucet, it may well be congested, preventing a smooth water flow.
Cleaning the water dispenser – particularly the faucets – can solve the problem. If this does not work, there could be air trapped in the dispenser.
To rectify the issues, have a friend take the water bottle out of the dispenser and press both taps together as the bottle is replaced. This process will clear the air from the dispenser’s system.
Water Temperature Isn’t Right
You may forget to turn on the heating/cooling feature if your dispenser isn’t heating/cooling water (usually located at the back of the appliance). If you didn’t turn it on before, you’d have to wait a few moments for it to heat up or cool down.
If it doesn’t work, you can try cleaning the dispenser’s coils, but make sure the power plugs are unplugged. If that fails, try removing the water in the dispenser and replacing the bottle.
If all else fails, contact an experienced professional or the dispenser manufacturer to have a look at it.
Water is Leaking Out
Water dispenser leaks are frequently misidentified. People have often forgotten to empty the drip tray (located beneath the taps). If it’s overflowing, you’ve found the source of your leak.
In addition, as it heats up, water expands in volume. So, if a few drops fall now and then, there’s nothing to worry about.
Some water dispensers have a back valve that can leak if it is not tightly screwed shut. Check to see if this is correct.
If the leak remains, you may have a faulty valve and should consult an experienced professional or the dispenser company.
Tips to keep your dispenser healthy
Turn it off
A water dispenser is a low-maintenance, high-capacity machine designed to run continuously for long periods. But, after all, it is a machine, and thus, needs rest.
Remembering your machine and turning it off occasionally could do wonders for its health and overall upkeep.
When you turn on a water dispenser that has had a break – say, because you were gone all day or even for the weekend – it will serve you better and last longer!
Keep it clean
When it comes to water dispenser problems, cleanliness is the most important factor. A clean dispenser will automatically cause fewer problems with the machine’s operation and, more importantly, with you and your family.
Some common problem areas that require maintenance are the water pipes, where you insert the bottle and the water jugs.
So, clean and sanitize your water dispenser with a homemade bleach or vinegar solution. It’s as simple as that.
Replace parts
Some of the most frequently used parts wear out faster than others. Keep an eye out for details such as the dispenser coils and dispenser spouts.
Check for leaks or corrosion, which are sure signs that a part needs replacement. Make sure you get replacement parts for your specific dispenser model and make.
Water dispenser repair is doable by yourself with a little effort. If that’s not your thing, book a water dispenser service for a quick and easy solution to all your water dispenser problems.
Call in the pros
Overuse or lack of maintenance can result in complex problems for you to handle on your own. In such cases, seek the assistance of an experienced professional water dispenser repair company.
Professional help should be able to handle minor or major repairs and thorough cleaning of your machine. Even if there are no obvious problems, an annual preventive water dispenser service is advisable to be on the safe side.
Check on it
Despite being a low-maintenance appliance, you must check a water dispenser regularly. Doing this will help you avoid unexpected breakdowns, which can be quite disruptive to your daily routine.
And if you’re planning a party or another event at home, the last thing you want to deal with is a water dispenser repair problem.
Though booking a technician for a visit is a quick and easy process, nothing can compensate for the inconvenience a faulty dispenser can cause. So, keep the checks coming and avoid surprises.
Conclusion
When used properly, water coolers can be the most dependable piece of home or office equipment. On the other hand, the wrong usage puts your water cooler at risk of damage and increases the chances of injury.
You will never be sorry if you follow the safety precautions outlined by the manufacturer of your water coolers.
More importantly, make sure you get the best water dispenser for your office or home. Regardless of how careful you are with it, a poor-quality model will always misbehave and may easily lead to accidents.
