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How To Repair a Water Cooler

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published July 24, 2024

If your water cooler is not working as it should, there are a few things you can check for before you call a professional. Follow the instructions below to pinpoint the problem and learn how to repair it.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

To effectively repair your water cooler, you need to pinpoint the cause of the problem. Let’s look at some common causes

  • The water cooler starts to leak.
  • The water dispensed is not cold enough.
  • The dispensed water tastes foul.

Tip

Make sure to unplug the water cooler before making any repairs.

Leaky Water Cooler

  • The most common leaks are caused because of a punctured, cracked or loosely fitted water bottle. Start by tightening the water bottle and if that doesn’t help with the leak, it is likely that the water bottle itself is cracked. Depending on the damage, you may have to replace the water bottle with a new one.
  • Check the spigots for any misalignments, loose connections or worn-out washers. This can be fixed by simply tightening the handle with a wrench. If that doesn’t stop the drip, you will have to unscrew the handle to tighten the packing nut that is usually situated behind it. Consult your manual to locate the packing nut and any specific instructions to tighten it.
  • Usually you will have to use an adjustable wrench, carefully grip the packing nut (not the handle itself) and turn it clockwise to tighten. Don't over-tighten and aim for a snug fit but not forceful.
  • Once tightened, turn the water supply back on slowly. Open the handle slightly and observe for any leaks around the packing nut. If there's a small leak, try tightening the nut a bit more.
  • An overflowing drip tray can make the cooler appear like it’s leaking. Empty the tray, clean and position it correctly.
  • If none of the above is the issue, the damage is likely internal. It is better to call a professional to further inspect the water cooler .

The Water Is Not Cold Enough

If the water dispensed is not cold enough, it’s most likely an electrical issue.

  • Check the connection. Make sure that the water cooler is plugged in properly. Loose connections can mean that electricity is not reaching your water cooler. Make sure that the switches at the back of the cooler are switched on.
  • If there’s no issue with the connection, you may want to unplug the cooler for a day to restart the system. Once you power it on again, wait a few hours and then check the temperature.
  • If restarting doesn’t work, there’s likely an issue with the cooling system itself. Have a professional inspect the issue.

The Water Tastes Foul

If your water has an unpleasant taste, smell or color, there are various factors that could cause these problems.

Change the Filter

  • Often, your water filter is not cleaned or maintained regularly. Use a diluted vinegar solution to clean and allow it to flush through the reservoir from the spigots.
  • To fix your filter, refer to the instruction manual to locate it. If the filter is easily accessible, clean it with mild soap and water. In any case that it is not, it is advisable to call in a professional.

Clean the Water Cooler

  • It is best to clean your water cooler with mild soap and water and avoid using any chemicals that can contaminate the water. Wipe the exterior of your water cooler with a soft cloth dampened with mild soap solution.
  • Alternatively, if you have recently cleaned your coolers with a cleaning solution like vinegar but it has not flushed out properly, it can leave an aftertaste. Rinse and flush a couple of times with clean water until you get rid of the taste.
  • Mold and mildew development around the reservoir can also affect the taste. Remove the bottle and check if the reservoir requires cleaning. ​​Use a mold remover to clean the affected area. Make sure that you use the mold cleaner only for the exterior parts of the water cooler. Avoid getting the mold remover into the reservoir, or it can contaminate your drinking water.  
  • A new bottle might give off a plastic-like taste. However, this is common and will fade away with use.  

How To Maintain Your Water Cooler

Now that we've identified a few common water cooler problems and given instructions on how to fix and repair your water cooler, it's important to know how to maintain your water cooler to potentially avoid these problems.

  • The best way to care for your water coolers is to follow a ​regular cleaning regime. Wipe down  the exterior of the dispenser daily and consider a thorough cleaning at least once a month. Always refer to the water cooler’s manufacturer label for specific recommendations for cleaning solutions and frequencies. 
  • Always check for any ​problems and address them as soon as possible. This will save on expensive repairs in the future. 
  • Make sure to refer to the instructions before cleaning and repairing to avoid unnecessary damage.

When To Replace Your Water Cooler

The average lifespan of a water cooler is 5–10 years. This can vary depending on how often you use it and how often you clean and maintain it. Sometimes, no matter what you do, your water cooler may keep malfunctioning. Frequently replacing or repairing parts of your water cooler can turn out to be more costly than you’d like. You may want to opt for a full replacement in such a case.

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