Troubleshooting Common Water Cooler Issues
Water coolers are easy to work with and require little upkeep. But sometimes, things can go wrong. Whether it fails to dispense water, makes strange noises, or simply does not cool the water as it should, dealing with a malfunctioning water cooler is frustrating.
Imagine trying to get a refreshing drink only to find that the water isn’t cold or doesn’t even dispense. These issues are bound to disrupt your day.
Thankfully, common water cooler problems can usually be fixed without professional help. Here, we walk through simple troubleshooting steps for frequent water cooler issues, helping to ensure that your cooler is back up and running in no time.
No water flowing from the cooler
One of the most common issues you’ll experience with your water cooler is when no water dispenses.
Reasons for this might include the water bottle being empty or not properly placed on the cooler system, an airlock in the water cooler, a blocked spout, or filter issues. Thankfully, these are relatively straightforward issues to rectify.
Troubleshooting steps:
- Replace or reseat the water bottle securely
- Check for any blockages and clear them
- Reset the cooler by turning it off, waiting a few minutes and turning it back on
The water cooler is not cooling
You’re ready to glug a nice, fresh, and cold glass of water, only to find it tepid – utterly disappointing. The problem is that the water cooler is functioning, but it’s not cooling the water as it should.
Reasons for this could include that the thermostat settings need to be adjusted, that the cooling system or compressor might be faulty, or that the cooler itself is placed near a heat source.
Troubleshooting steps:
- Adjust the thermostat and wait to see if the water cools
- Relocate the system to a cooler spot, ensuring it’s away from sunlight or radiators
- If either of these don’t work, it might be time to get the cooler serviced
Water cooler leaks
A frustrating issue you might encounter with your water cooler is leakage, which wastes delicious water that could be keeping you hydrated.
This issue could be caused by a misaligned water bottle, a cracked or damaged water bottle, or loose or damaged seals.
Troubleshooting steps:
- Check that the water bottle is properly seated on the cooler
- Inspect the bottle for cracks and replace if needed
- Tighten or replace any damaged seals
Strange noises from the cooler
Water coolers, similar to fridges, can sometimes make odd noises. Gurgling sounds that make it sound like your water cooler is coming alive can certainly be distracting.
Thankfully, it’s likely due to one of these causes, such as air bubbles in the system, the cooler sitting on an uneven surface, or possibly loose components inside the cooler.
Troubleshooting steps:
- Refill or adjust the water bottle to release air bubbles
- Level the cooler by adjusting its placement
- Check for any loose parts and secure them
Poor water taste or odour
Water coolers are meant to encourage people to drink more water, but if your cooler is giving out poor-tasting or foul-smelling water, it will have the opposite effect.
The reasons for the bad taste or smell might include a dirty water cooler, old filters that need replacing, water that has been sitting in the cooler for too long, or a contaminated water source.
Troubleshooting steps:
- Clean the water cooler; use this guide if you’re not sure where to start
- Replace the filters regularly
- Empty and refill with fresh, filtered water
The dispenser is not producing hot water
If your hot water dispenser is not working properly and heating the water as it should, there may be a problem you need to fix.
Reasons for this might be power supply issues, a faulty heating element, or incorrect temperature settings.
Troubleshooting steps:
- Check that the hot water switch is on and connected to a working power supply
- Adjust the temperature settings and wait for the water to heat
- If unresolved, it’s time to call in the professionals and get them to look at it
Installing a water cooler is a simple way of encouraging people to drink more water, yet these common issues don’t help. With our troubleshooting steps, you can hopefully get your water cooler back to full working order without calling a professional.
However, if you think that it’s time to give up hope with your existing water cooler, browse our range of top-quality systems today, and we’ll work to get it installed quickly so you can enjoy the benefits of hydration. Call us today on 0800 0353 449, and we can answer any questions you may have.