What you should know before buying a drinking fountain or water dispenser (2023)

Known as the iconic office location for gossip in the workplace, the drinking fountain or drinking fountain has also become a practical and in many cases essential device for the home, especially for large families. It's simple, a drinking fountain or cooler encourages family members to drink water, the perfect no-calorie drink to quench thirst, stay hydrated, and stay healthy.

There are many products on the market from dispensers to coolers to bottleless filters; the screening options can be confusing. Learn about the differences and unique features to consider between systems, cost differences, and how to buy water for your fountain.

Before buying a drinking fountain or drinking fountain

Fees apply for dispensers, coolers, and bottleless (point-of-use) systems. However, if your household drinks a lot of water, a water dispenser can be significantly cheaper and more environmentally friendly than bottled water in a box.

A brief summary of the three most common systems:

• vending machine: This is a container for room temperature water flowing from a faucet, using a jug as the water source.
• Cooler:This looks like a dispenser, but often cools (and heats) the water before dispensing it from the kettle's faucet.
• Purpose of use: The bottleless filter system is installed directly into the tap water supply line.

Dos and Don'ts When Buying a New Drinking Fountain or Drinking Fountain

Space

One of the best places to set up a drinking fountain or drinking fountain is in the kitchen. High-traffic common areas like family rooms, bars, dens, gyms, or home offices are often good locations for water coolers or coolers. Regardless of where you place it, protect your water bottle system from direct sunlight. The sun heats the water, changing its taste and turning it green.

Material

Drinking fountains and drinking fountains come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors. The outside of the cabinets can be plastic or metal depending on the room.

However, the reservoirs or containers in which the water is kept vary widely. Most dispenser units have stainless steel or plastic containers. Stainless steel is more hygienic and easier to clean than plastic alternatives. It also keeps the plastic taste out of the water for a pure, crisp taste. However, you can also get porcelain dispensers.

Although there are few styles of porcelain, they enjoy great popularity among consumers. Since these devices are not electrically operated, there are no operating costs. They have a faucet for dispensing water at room temperature. The storage tank is 100% vitrified porcelain but is fragile which might be worth considering if you have active kids or large pets.

Size

Most water fountains typically have a footprint of about 1 square foot. Many drinking fountains or drinking fountains can hold standard 2 gallon, 4 gallon, and 5 gallon pre-filled plastic water bottles. Tabletop models are limited to smaller bottle sizes. Large plastic bottles can be manually refilled with drinking water and reused, but this method is not recommended. You need to sterilize your bottles with water and a small amount of solutionbleachingBefore refilling. Rinsing is essential.

With point-of-use water chillers, there are no capacity limitations as long as the water connection is flowing.

If you have a large family and you know that your water dispenser will be used frequently, you should consider using a dispenser or buying a larger bottle. Smaller water bottles are a better choice if you don't use the cooler very often. Long-term standing water can become a breeding ground for bacteria.

special feature

In addition to the primary decision of whether to purchase a standard water dispenser, heating/cooling unit, upright or countertop water dispenser, there are other variables to consider when purchasing a water dispenser such as: such as faucet design and water treatment system, and more.

• Faucet Design:When you want to fill your personal water bottle, stemware, or travel mug, there should be enough space between the drip tray and the faucet, and the spout should be small enough to insert into your personal use bottle for filling.
• drip tray:Is the drip tray removable? Models with a removable drip tray are easier to clean.
• cleaning system:Some systems come with filter sets or reverse osmosis filtration systems to remove small particles, sediment, lead, and chlorine from water pipes.
• cup holder:While the trend is away from using single-use cups, the sustainable preference is towards reusable water bottles, and there are still models that offer holders for storing water cups.
• conversion kit:Some bottle dispensing units offer the option to convert to a point-of-use (no bottle) system. To give yourself more flexibility in the future, consider a model with this option.
• Self cleaning mode:Drinking fountains and drinking fountains need cleaningto prevent the ingress of bacteria. Some systems offer ozone self-cleaning at the touch of a button
• Pet station:Some top-loading systems have a dog or cat water bowl that you pull out from the bottom of the dispenser and refill with the push of a button.
• Parental control:This feature helps prevent children from accidentally accessing water while still making adult access simple and easy. This feature is important if your appliance is capable of dispensing hot water that could cause scalding.
  

Refilling the water bottle

If you prefer the convenience of a service that will bring you a new water bottle and pick up used bottles, check to see if there is a bottled water service in your area before purchasing a refillable cooler - the service changes the bottles regularly. In addition, many retailers offer discounts on bottle returns.

If you want to use a jug system but have physical limitations, you can usually downsize the jug to a 2 gallon jug if the 5 gallon size is difficult to carry or load onto a water dispenser. Also, consider using a bottom loading system or a bottleless system to avoid excessive lifting.

You can also buy a pitcher at most water stores, order refills online, and physically refill the pitcher at a refill station.

Type of water cooler or water dispenser

shopkeeper

Water fountains are typically simple devices that have a large bottle (2 to 5 gallons) of water standing on top of the fountain and gravity directs the water to the faucet. Replace the bottle when empty. These simple drinking fountains are classic pieces of equipment that were once standard in offices across the United States and are still popular for their low cost and ease of use. Water fountains have a simple faucet that allows you to pour water at room temperature. You do not need sockets and have no electricity costs.

water coolers and heaters

The most popular option is the electric dispenser, which has a cooling coil that cools the water as it dispenses through a 2 to 5 gallon purified water tank. Many models also have a second faucet that can dispense hot water for making hot drinks or instant soups. These devices often resemble a simple water dispenser, but require an electrical outlet to perform the cooling and heating functions. Some fountains use the same top-loading design as basic fountains, while others hide the jug in a cabinet under the faucet.

For cooling or heating models, the water temperature tends to vary by model and brand. Chilled water temperature is primarily determined by the size and type of compressor or other technology used in the design. If this is important to you, please confirm that the displayed water temperature is what you want.

Freestanding floor models with dividers on the worktop

Whether you choose a standard water dispenser or an electric water dispenser that heats or cools water, you also have the option of purchasing a stand-alone, floor-standing water dispenser or one for placement on a countertop or other surface. Freestanding floor models are most commonly used in offices, but even large, busy families may find the 4 or 5 gallon capacity worthwhile. If you don't have kitchen floor space or need a large capacity, a countertop model with a 1 or 2 gallon bottle may be sufficient. Remember that water coolers or heaters need to be plugged in, so they need to be close to an outlet.

Bottom load cooler

If you don't want to see the bottle, you can buy a bottom-loading or bottom-mount water cooler. These also don't require as much heavy lifting. You can use the 2 to 5 gallon bottles that sit in the unit's bottom cabinet instead of on top of the dispenser, which also takes up more space. Bottom-fill bottle coolers and smaller countertop-standing models generally don't chill water as well as freestanding, top-mount models.

Bottleless dispensers or point-of-use filters

Another way to treat drinking water is to install onePoint-of-Use-FiltersystemConnect directly to the supply line with domestic tap water. These systems are available in different versions, often with several stagesFilterDesigned to capture many different types of contaminants. The filter can be placed under the kitchen sink, in the water cooler cabinet, or in another space near the cold tap water line. The filter faucet can be mounted on the sink countertop, on a countertop near the sink, or in a place where the whole family can reach the drinking fountain. These systems require a thin hose to connect to your water supply.

You can get one tooFilter system for the whole housepurifies all water in the home, but is typically used by water utilities such as B. installed and maintainedwater softenerPeddler.

bottled water pump

The cheapest option that doesn't require a closet or separate system is a water pump assembly that fits a 2 to 5 gallon water bottle. Think of it like a top mounted faucet. This option is ideal when you are traveling, on a family picnic with friends or at a children's sports game. The pump assembly universally fits the jug you would normally use in a water dispenser with a 2.16" rim. At the push of a button, the pump dispenses water through the nozzles. Most are battery operated. The water is not cooled, it stays at room temperature.

The cost of purchasing water for your drinking fountain

The cost of purchasing water for your drinking fountain depends on which route you choose. Below is a summary of the many options available to you.

Rent a water cooler

At the water service, you can rent water dispensers on a monthly basis and have your water bottles replaced regularly. If you decide to rent an apartment for an average family, the monthly cost can range from $30 to $50.

Buy a water dispenser

Another option, if you prefer the variant that uses a pitcher, is to get a water dispenser. You can then use a water delivery service to replace your bottle, buy a replacement bottle from the store, or refill your bottle at a refill station. A water cooler or dispenser can cost anywhere from $50 to $500 depending on the features you want. The lower end is a ceramic non-electric tank dispenser, while for $500 you can get a bottom-fill tank with a self-cleaning water treatment system.

Buy jug refills

The costs vary depending on the water consumption and the frequency of refilling. For reference, the average price for a replacement 5-gallon jug purchased in a store or online is around $10-$15. If you order through a drinking service, the cost per tank may be lower depending on the service contract.

Install the point-of-use dispatcher

If you choose to go with the bottleless system or the point-of-use system, these water coolers have a lower running cost than their bottled counterparts, despite their higher upfront cost. No need to remember to change water bottles. Point-of-use water chillers draw water directly from your water supply line. High-end types have reverse osmosis systems to ensure the highest water quality. You don't have to worry about packing slips or storing spare bottles or empty jars. Prices for these dispensers range from $300 to $1,000.

Choose a mobile water pump

If you would like a pump to siphon water from your 5 gallon pitcher on the go, you can purchase a kit that mounts to the top of the pitcher. It draws water in through a spout, which flows into your glass. Battery-powered models range from $15 to $50.

How to choose a fountain or cooler

The decision of which water distribution system to purchase should depend on several variables. For example, your usage requirements, your preferred features, your water supply options, your ability to move, store and exchange large, heavy jugs, and your budget. Ask yourself the following questions to help you decide.

Is there a water supplier near you?

First, check if there is a drinking service in your area. With this system, you no longer have to think about going out and buying a bottle. In addition, service workers can guide you through different methods and different costs and install everything. Service is the cheapest option, but the costs can add up over time and end up being the most expensive option. You can also install a bottleless system if you prefer a bottleless option.

Do you often use the water dispenser?

You might want to try a bottleless system for heavy water drinkers. If it is convenient for you, you can install it yourself or pay a one-time installation fee. This will be the most economical option in the long run; even if you buy an expensive reverse osmosis filtration unit, it will pay for itself in the end. And you never have to think about buying, storing or refilling a water bottle.

Are you on a tight budget?

The cheapest variant offers the fewest additional functions. This is the quickest, cheapest and easiest way to get a pump cover for your water jug ​​or ceramic water dispenser. The water is served at room temperature, yet you can provide clean water to many people.

Which option provides the best water?

Reverse osmosis water filtration is the top choice for water filtration systems.It has become the industry standard and is one of the more energy efficient methods of using membranes to filter out particles and chemicals.

Do you want to lift heavy bottles?

Heavy pitchers can be off-putting to some. Water bottle coolers can be empty for days as changing out water bottles is a chore that no one wants to do. For some it is a question of physical incapacity. In homes with elderly residents, residents with back problems, or pregnant women, safe bottle lifting may not be possible. In this case, your best options are a bottleless system, a bottom loading system, or buying a smaller capacity jug such as a jug. B. a 2 gallon jug that weighs about 16 pounds and a 5 gallon jug that weighs 41 pounds.

where to shop

Large shops, water suppliers and online shops have many options when making purchasing decisions. Balance comfort, preference, functionality and price. Areverse osmosis systemMight be a more expensive option, but if you're looking for a bottleless system with ultra-pure drinking water, you can't go wrong.

shop to buy

If you want to buy a water cooler from a store, you can find it at hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowes, department stores like Target, Walmart, or Sears, and wholesale clubs like BJs, Costco, and Sam's Club. Most stores don't have many, if any, floor models to view in person. It is best to do your research online and choose from the wealth of products available.

buy online

You will find the largest selection of drinking fountains, drinking fountains and home water systems online. See if there is a home water delivery service in your area. If so, it wouldn't hurt to speak to a representative to review your options and find out about costs. Service is the most convenient option, but may not be the cheapest.

If you know you don't want a water delivery service but would rather buy a water dispenser, you can find a variety of sellers online, from big box stores to online water retailers. If you go for a bottleless system, once you know the shipping costs, do they also cover the installation? Find out about the various manufacturer warranties for their systems.