A step-by-step guide to replacing water cooler filters

When it comes to installing a mains-fed water cooler, the one thing that trips up a lot of people is changing the filter themselves.

It may sound hard, but once you get the hang of it, it only takes a few minutes. Plus, it’s a small price to pay for fresh, clean water whenever you need it, wouldn’t you say?

Instead of trying to tackle the job yourself, keep reading for an easy step-by-step guide to replacing your water cooler filters, so you can do it yourself every few months.

Are you looking for a clean, modern water cooler for your office or home? Browse our bottled water coolers today for easy access to fresh spring water with less maintenance hassle.

How often should you change your water cooler filter?

It’s advised that you change your water cooler filter around every 6 months, more so if you use it often, such as in a large office where staff are constantly preparing drinks.

Your water filter works hard to filter the water from your mains system to make it more pleasant and safe to drink, blocking and collecting any bacteria and contaminants.

Since it works so hard, it can get blocked, causing your water to smell and taste weird and overworking other parts of your water cooler, which can cause it to fail over time. That’s why changing your filters often is essential!

Before you begin: check your filter and water cooler

Before you start fiddling with your water cooler, make sure that you have the correct replacement cartridge and understand how it connects to your cooler.

You can find the make and model of your water cooler by looking for the manufacturer’s label on the back, side, or underside of the cooler or inside the service panel. Similar-looking coolers can use different filters and fittings, so make sure it matches the model number

Then locate the current filter and note any product codes, model numbers, or capacity information printed on the cartridge so you can get the exact same filter. Most water cooler filters use either a twist-lock cartridge or an in-line push-fit connection.

Safety checks before changing the filter

This may go without saying, but always make sure that the water cooler is switched off and unplugged from the socket before you start messing with it.

If you have a water cooler with hot and cold settings, it’s best to let the hot components cool down before working near internal parts so you don’t end up with a nasty burn.

To turn off the water supply, you can locate the isolation valve either behind the cooler, underneath a nearby sink, or attached to the water inlet line. You should also press the dispensing button or tap until the flow stops to avoid any leaks when you take the old filter out.

How to replace a water cooler filter step-by-step

Once you’ve done all the safety steps, it’s time to replace your water cooler filter.

The exact process may differ slightly depending on your water cooler, so always check the manufacturer’s guidelines first to see if there are any extra steps.

1. Locate the existing filter

The filter may be inside the cooler, behind an access panel, beneath a worktop or attached to the inlet pipe.

Place a towel or small container underneath it to catch any remaining water, as it will leak onto the floor and cause a mess otherwise.

2. Check the flow direction

Look for the arrow printed on the old filter, as this shows the direction in which the water travels.

We recommend taking a picture of it before disconnecting it so you can fit the new filter in the same position.

3. Remove the old filter

The steps for removing your old filter will depend on the make and model of your plumbed-in water cooler.

For a twist-lock cartridge, support the filter and turn it in the direction shown in the manufacturer’s instructions, carefully pulling it away from the filter head. Keep it upright to avoid any spills!

If you’re dealing with an in-line push-fit filter, then remove any locking clips and press the connector collar towards the filter while gently pulling the tubing out. Don’t force the filter out or pull on the water pipes, as this will damage the tubing or connector.

4. Inspect the connections

Before adding the replacement filter, check the tubing, filter head, and fittings for any issues that could degrade your water cooler or cause any blockages.

Look closely for signs of damaged seals, split tubing, loose connections, or limescale, and if you find any, replace the old, worn parts before installing the new filter.

5. Prepare the new filter

Check that the new filter matches the old cartridge in size, model number, and connection type, then remove the protective caps from the new water filter.

You’ll also need to check the flow direction arrow printed on the filter and position the cartridge so the arrow points towards the water cooler.

Keep the filter openings and exposed tubing clean throughout the process, avoiding touching the open ends with your fingers or placing them on the floor, worktop, or any unclean surface.

6. Fit the new filter

For a twist-lock filter, line up the cartridge with the fixed filter head and push it into position and turn it in the direction shown in the manufacturer’s instructions until it locks securely.

Don’t overtighten it or force the cartridge if it doesn’t align correctly, as this will just result in it breaking. For an in-line filter, push each section of tubing firmly into the correct inlet or outlet connection. The tubing should slide fully into the fitting rather than sitting loosely at the entrance.

Once connected, gently pull each tube to confirm that it’s locked into place and replace any locking clips that were removed.

7. Turn the water back on and flush the filter

Once everything is in place, open the isolation valve slowly and allow the system to refill while checking the filter and connections for any leaks.

Then, dispense water through the new filter for a few minutes to remove any trapped air and loose carbon particles from the cartridge. Do not drink the water used during this stage!

8. Switch the cooler back on

Once you’ve checked everything and made sure that there are no leaks, plug the cooler back into the wall and switch it on.

Give it around 30 minutes to allow the water to chill or heat up again before you start using it. It’s also a good idea to make note of the date you’ve replaced the filter so you can keep track of when it’s next due to be changed.

Fresh water, less hassle

If replacing your water cooler filter every few months is too much hassle for you, then let us take it off your hands.

Our team provides reliable water cooler servicing, filter replacement, and sanitisation for businesses across the UK for our mains-fed water coolers. You can enjoy a modern water cooler without having to worry about maintenance and replacements.

Get in touch today to find out more or try out our 14-day free trial before purchasing!