Office Watercoolers

Generally, once the water cooler for your office is plugged in and powered on, it takes about 30 minutes to a few hours to reach the desired cold temperature. Also, the time it takes for an office water cooler to get cold depends on a couple of things:

• the cooler model of cooler
• the initial temperature of the water (Aquastream strongly recommends keeping bottled water away from strong sunlight and heat)
• the ambient room temperature of your office (and where the bottled water is stored)
• how frequently the cooler is used (for instance if a lot of people are getting water at the one time, it can take a little bit of time for the water to flow through and get cold again in the storage tank)
• and ensuring that the cooler is placed in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight will help to keep water cool or cold.

Generally, it's recommended to clean office water coolers every three to six months, however, if you notice any unusual tastes or odours, it's a good idea to clean it more frequently. Regular cleaning will help prevent the build-up of bacteria, mould, and mineral deposits, not only improving the quality of your water but also extending the life of your office water cooler.

1. Unplug the water cooler from the power source. Remove the water bottle or shut off the water supply.
2. Drain any remaining water from the reservoir into a bucket.
3. Mix a cleaning solution of one tablespoon of unscented bleach to about 4 litres of water, or 2 litres of white vinegar to 2 litres of water. Fill the reservoir with this solution and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to sanitise.
4. Use a long-handled brush to scrub the interior surfaces of the reservoir. After scrubbing, drain the cleaning solution and rinse the reservoir thoroughly with clean water (to remove any residual bleach or vinegar).
5. Also soak the drip tray, nozzles, and other detachable parts in the cleaning solution for a few minutes. Scrub them with a brush and rinse well with clean water.
6. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior surfaces of the water cooler, including the taps and handles.
7. Reassemble the water cooler and plug it back in. Before using, flush the system by running a few litres of water through it to ensure any residual cleaning solution is completely removed.

1. Freestanding Water Coolers
   • How They Work: Freestanding water coolers use large water bottles, typically 11 or 15 litres, placed on top of the unit. They have built-in refrigeration units to chill the water. Some units serve cold and cool (room temperature water), or the other option is cold and hot water (has a heating element as well).
   • Benefits: Easy to set up, portable, and can be placed anywhere in the office. The hot and cold water coolers are handy for making hot drinks and cup-a-soups.
2. Benchtop Water Coolers
   • How They Work: Similar to freestanding coolers, benchtop water coolers are more compact so they take up less space and can sit on countertops or tables.
   • Benefits: Space-saving and ideal for smaller offices or break rooms. They can also take smaller water bottles.
3. Bottleless Water Coolers
   • How They Work: Bottleless water coolers connect directly to the office’s water supply. They include filtration systems to purify tap water and refrigeration units to cool it.
   • Benefits: Cost-effective in the long run as there’s no need to purchase water bottles. They provide a continuous supply of filtered water and reduce plastic waste.
4. Countertop Water Dispensers
   • How They Work: These dispensers can be similar to benchtop coolers but are designed specifically for dispensing room-temperature (or filled with water that has been refrigerated).
   • Benefits: Compact and convenient for small offices (with kitchenettes or break rooms),or individual use. They are super easy to maintain.
5. Under-Sink Water Coolers
   • How They Work: These units are installed under the sink and connected to the existing plumbing. They include filtration systems and a separate tap for dispensing cold water or cold and hot water.
   • Benefits: Space-saving and discreet, providing filtered cold water without taking up countertop or floor space. Ideal for offices with limited space but high water demand.

Having a water cooler for the office not only provides easy access to fresh, clean water, it also encourages workers to drink more water (we should be having at least 8 glasses) throughout the day. Here are some more great benefits to having an office water cooler installed:

• Promotes Hydration: Drinking more water leads to better overall health and increased energy levels.
• Convenience: Provides a quick and easy way to access water (hot and cold depending on your system), for drinks and snacks.
• Cost-Effective: Reduces the need for purchasing bottled water and other beverages, saving money in the long run (for both your business and workers).
• Improves Productivity: Well-hydrated employees are more alert and focused, which can enhance their performance.
• Encourages Social Interaction: The old saying, ‘talking around the water cooler,’ is quite true! Office water coolers often become the area where people stop to have a break and stop to have a friendly chat with their co-workers.
• Eco-Friendly Options: Many water coolers offer sustainable solutions, reducing plastic waste.
• Health Benefits: Access to clean, filtered or spring water helps in maintaining good health by removing impurities and contaminants often found in tap water.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Modern water coolers can add a sleek, professional look to the office environment, and work really well in waiting areas where people are able to help themselves to a refreshment.

Yes, many office water coolers offer the versatility of both hot and cold water dispensing options. From refreshing cold water for hydration, to piping hot water for your favourite teas, coffees, or instant meals, these dual-function coolers are incredibly practical.

If you’d prefer to keep your hot water separate, Aquastream also provides offices and workplaces with wall mounted hot water boiler units.

Knowing when to replace the water bottle in your office water cooler is key to ensuring a steady supply of fresh water for everyone, so here are some clear signs:

1. Visible Water Level - most water cooler bottles are transparent, so at about a quarter full, it's time to get a new one ready.
2. Cooler Stops Dispensing Water - is the most obvious sign that the bottle is empty and needs to be replaced immediately.

To replace the water bottle, follow these steps:

• Remove the Empty Bottle: Carefully lift and remove the empty bottle from the cooler (so you don’t spill any remaining water).
• Install the New Bottle: Most systems pierce the cap when the bottle is placed into the system, so all you need to do is turn the bottle upside down (so seal end down first), and place the bottle into the system. Allow it to settle as water fills the cooler.
• Check for Leaks: Ensure that the bottle is properly seated to avoid leaks.

From an office water cooler to maybe even a drinking water fountain, see how easy it is to have fresh, cool water every day with Aquastream!