How To Fix The Most Common Water Dispenser Problems At Home

A water dispenser isn’t just for offices and public spaces. It’s also a fantastic appliance that gives convenient access to fully filtered, great-tasting water – ambient, chilled, hot, or sparkling – at home too. But like any other household appliance, even the best water coolers can experience occasional problems. Whether you have a bottled or mains-fed water cooler, fixing common water dispenser problems yourself can save time – and a lot of frustration.

In this guide, we’ll cover some of the most common problems homeowners experience with their bottled and mains-fed water dispensers. So if you’re looking for water dispenser troubleshooting tips and what you can do to get everything back to full working order, without needing to call out an engineer, you’ve come to the right place.

How to fix water dispenser issues

Floorstanding or countertop bottled water dispensers are popular in many homes, offering convenience and flexibility. But they can occasionally run into minor problems that affect their water supply. Likewise, while being a more permanent home installation option, mains-fed water dispensers can sometimes experience plumbing or power supply faults. 

No dispensers are 100% infallible and can suffer from performance or mechanical issues just like any other appliance. But, below, we tackle some of the most common problems that can be found with bottled and mains-fed models and give you simple and effective ways to fix water dispenser issues and get everything back up and running.

1. My water dispenser isn't chilling

Problem: You’re expecting ice-cold water, but instead, it’s room temperature…

Solution for both types of water dispenser: It sounds obvious, but check that your dispenser is plugged in and the power is switched on. Also, make sure the power socket is working properly. 

If that doesn’t fix the issue, switch off the power at the wall socket, unplug the dispenser, and remove the power cable from the back of the unit. Wait a few seconds before reconnecting the power cable, making sure it’s firmly in place. Plug back into the power socket, switch on at the wall, and leave it for 30 minutes, giving the dispenser time to re-chill.

2. My water dispenser isn’t heating

Problem: You’re expecting near-boiling water, but instead, it’s cold…

Solution for both types of water dispenser: As above, check your dispenser is plugged in and the power is switched on, while making sure the power socket is working properly. Check that the red switch at the back of the dispenser is in the on position.

If the issue isn’t fixed, switch off the power at the wall socket, unplug the dispenser, and remove the power cable from the back of the unit. Wait a few seconds before reconnecting the power cable, making sure it’s securely connected. Plug back into the power socket, switch on at the wall, and leave the dispenser for 30 minutes, giving the dispenser time to reheat.

3. There’s no water coming out of my dispenser

Problem: You pull the tap or push the button, but no water comes out…

Solution for bottled water dispensers: Firstly, check the water bottle – it may be empty. If so, replace it with a new one and wait for the internal reservoir to fill. 

There might also be an airlock in the system that’s stopping the water from dispensing properly. Remove the bottle, open both taps, and drain any water that’s inside the dispenser. Place the bottle back onto the unit to break the airlock. Leave the dispenser for 30 minutes, giving it time to re-chill.

Solution for mains-fed water dispensers: First, check that your dispenser is plugged in and the power is switched on, while making sure the power socket is working properly. Second, check that the unit’s water isolation tap is open. Find the blue water tap on the back of the dispenser and turn it to the ON position. Some mains-fed dispensers will also have a ‘reset’ button, which can also be used.

4. My water tastes funny or smells weird

Problem: Your water dispenser is working, but the water doesn’t taste right or has an odd smell…

Solution for bottled water dispensers: Remove the bottle and drain the remaining water inside the unit until it’s empty. Regardless of how much water may be left inside the bottle, replace it with a new bottle. Again, leave it for 30 minutes for the tank to re-chill.

This is a great example of why regular servicing and maintenance are vital to the inside of your water dispenser to keep everything clean and sanitised. As well as this, try to keep any unused water bottles in an area that’s cool and shaded. And consider repositioning your water dispenser if it stands in direct sunlight. 

5. My water dispenser is leaking

Problem: Water leaks from somewhere on your dispenser, but you’re not sure where…

Solution for bottled water dispensers: Start by checking the water bottle for any cracks and holes. If you find any, remove the bottle and replace it with a new one. If a bottle replacement doesn’t fix the leak, check the water taps. If water is leaking from the tap lever (rather than the tap itself), try tightening the connector between the paddle and the tap by gently turning it clockwise.

If these steps don't fix your leak, remove the water bottle and drain all remaining water from the dispenser, and call the Thirsty Work team for an engineer call-out. 

Solution for mains-fed water dispensers: First, switch the dispenser’s power off at the wall and take out the plug before checking to see whether the leak is coming from the pipework or the dispenser itself.

If you see the leak is coming from the dispenser itself, you should find the blue isolating tap on the back of the dispenser and turn it OFF.  You can also check whether your dispenser has an internal waste tank and needs emptying. If so, open the dispenser door at the base of the unit, remove the tank, and empty it. If this fixes the leak issue, you can turn the isolator tap back ON.

If the leak is coming from the pipework before it reaches the blue isolating tap, you should turn the water off at your mains tap. After doing this, drain all the remaining water from the dispenser until empty by pressing the water dispense button. At this point, you should call the Thirsty Work team for an engineer call-out.

For more information on these issues and other water dispenser troubleshooting tips, read and download our fault-finding and troubleshooting guides for bottled water dispensers and for mains-fed water dispensers. However, don't risk a DIY fix if the problem continues after water dispenser troubleshooting or you suspect an electrical or plumbing fault. Contact the Thirsty Work team ASAP for a certified engineer to visit you.

Complete service and maintenance from Thirsty Work

Whether you're using your dispenser for convenience or to reduce plastic waste, knowing how to fix some common issues means you get easy access to the great taste of fully filtered water all the time. By following these water dispenser troubleshooting tips, you’ll extend the life of your dispenser and avoid many of the common frustrations home users can face.

But the Thirsty Work team can take care of any – and all – water dispenser issues for you. Together with a range of modern, energy-efficient water dispensers designed for home use, you can get our complete service and maintenance package that includes full installation, superior cleaning and sanitisation, full call-out and repair service, and expert support and advice.

So why not take advantage? For more information on our maintenance and service packages, contact the Thirsty Work team today. Call 01392 877 172 or email hello@thirstywork.com, and we’ll give you a free quote and the chance to start a 10-day free trial on your choice of water dispenser.