How Much Does It Cost To Install A Bottle Filling Station?

Together with a bottled or mains-fed water cooler, installing a bottle filling station is one of the most effective ways to get people drinking more, reduce single-use plastic, and provide a convenient water source in both indoor and outdoor settings. Whether it’s for a school, office, gym, or sports complex, more people across the UK are investing in bottle filling stations to meet the environmental and health-conscious demands many people expect.

But for many, one question often comes up before making a decision: How much does it cost to install a bottle filling station? A good scale for an installation is usually between £200 and £600, with the final figure depending on different factors, including the type of unit, where it's being installed, and the level of access or infrastructure required, which we look into here.

What is a bottle filling station?

Much like its bottle water cooler or mains-fed water cooler cousins, a bottle filling station is a water dispensing unit for refilling reusable sports bottles. Because they’re designed to refill quickly, cleanly, and conveniently, bottle filling stations are becoming an increasingly common feature in schools, hospitals, workplaces, gyms and sports facilities, public parks, transport hubs, and residential blocks.

Unlike drinking fountains and even water coolers, which can be awkward to use for filling bottles, bottle filling stations deliver a smooth flow of water into sports bottles of different shapes and sizes without spilling a drop. Connected directly to the mains water supply, bottles can be filled with filtered cool or ambient water, either manually or hands-free by sensor, depending on the model.

How much does it cost to install a bottle filling station?

As we mentioned at the top of this article, the installation cost for a bottle filling station from Thirsty Work will be on a sliding scale between £200 and £600. It’s important to remember that this cost will usually refer to the installation work itself and not the ongoing rental cost of the bottle filling station itself. Why the difference in cost? Well, these are the factors we called out, which can include:

Indoor or outdoor installation

Indoor installations in offices, leisure centres, or school corridors, are usually more straightforward as the space will have easier access to essential plumbing and electrics. Outdoor installations might also require additional weatherproofing, groundworks, or drainage.

Plumbing and drainage access

If the location for your bottle filling station already has access to pipework, drainage, or electrical sockets, installation is much simpler – and quicker – reducing the overall installation cost. But if additional connections need to be run, time and installation costs can increase.

Floor-standing or wall mounting

While wall-mounted stations can easily replace existing water fountains, walls may need reinforcement, especially on older or plasterboard walls if it’s a new installation. Floor-standing bottle filling stations for indoor and outdoor use may need securing, which can be more labour-intensive. 

Electricity for chilled units

Excluding outdoor-only bottle filling stations (that only deliver non-filtered, ambient water), most indoor installations will need an electrical supply to ensure the unit can deliver chilled water. These typically need both plumbing and electrical installation, which can increase the cost and complexity.

Public accessibility and compliance

Accessible bottle filling stations in public areas, especially in hospitals or council-run spaces, must comply with Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) regs. This may mean specific height mounting, easy push buttons, or touch-free activation, which might affect the installation and cost.

What else might be included in the installation?

While cutting corners during installation can lead to leaks, unreliable water pressure, or electrical faults, all of which are costly to fix later, working with experienced professionals ensures a safe and secure installation from the start. An expert installation will also include more than just the basic fitting of the unit to a wall or floor. Here are some things which you might get on top:

• A site survey and suitability assessment
• Plumbing and connection to the mains water supply
• Wastewater connection or drainage integration
• Testing and commissioning the station once installed
• Training on use and maintenance
• Cleaning and setup ready for first use
   

Some suppliers, including Thirsty Work, also offer ongoing service and maintenance packages, which, together with your installation, will include complete sanitisation and filter changes, plus full call-out and repair. We include this so every user has access to clean, great-tasting water every day.

Should I choose a floor-standing or wall-mounted bottle filling station?

Both floor-standing and wall-mounted bottle filling stations will help you deliver the ultimate in bottled hydration for your teams or members of the public. But choosing the model most appropriate to your space will depend on the available space and where it will be used. Here’s a guide to which model is best suited to different areas.

• Wall-mounted bottle filling stations work well in indoor areas with limited floor space. With a sleek design, they blend in and are easy to access in school corridors, small office kitchens, or the entrance to public buildings.
• Floor-standing bottle filling stations are more robust and versatile and often better suited to permanent outdoor settings (like the Thirsty Work Oasis OutdoorFS) or indoor high-traffic areas where multiple users will be filling their bottles regularly, like gyms or schools.

As we mentioned above, the installation considerations between the two are also different. Wall-mounted units may involve more internal structural work even when existing plumbing is available to use. Floor-standing units will need a stable floor surface and may need additional connecting pipework.

Bottle filling stations vs other ways to hydrate

Many businesses will have one or more bottled or mains-fed water coolers installed to make sure people stay refreshed and hydrated throughout the day. Households may even have other installations, such as water jugs, fridges, or under-sink options to deliver fresh, fully-filtered water.

But bottle filling stations offer something different. Being durable, robust, and easy to operate, they’re specifically designed for high-use and high-footfall areas for both indoor and outdoor use and especially well-suited to:

• Schools, colleges, and universities promoting hydration and reusable bottles
• Local councils aiming to reduce single-use plastics
• Leisure centres, sports facilities, and gyms encouraging regular hydration
• Public parks and outdoor venues supporting health and wellbeing

Whether used as a standalone option or working alongside other water coolers, bottle filling stations deliver a practical way to support healthier habits for busy indoor and outdoor environments where convenience, sustainability, and reliability matter.

Bottle filling station installations from Thirsty Work

The cost of installing a bottle filling station from Thirsty Work can range from £200 to £600, depending on your chosen model and specific requirements. But, together with complete peace of mind on installation, each station is an investment in sustainability, user wellbeing, and the reduction of plastic waste.

Whether you're installation is in a school, office, workplace kitchen, gym, or public park, getting the best value out of it means choosing the right station, placing it in a practical location, and working with a trusted supplier who can manage both delivery and professional installation.

Are you ready to get started with a bottle filling station? At Thirsty Work, we offer a range of indoor and outdoor units, plus expert installation and ongoing support. Contact us today for your free quote or to start your 10-day free trial on a bottle filling station of your choice. Call 01392 877 172 or email hello@thirstywork.com today to get started.