How to Install a Drinking Water Fountain

person operating a drinking fountain
  • 2-15 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 200-600
What You'll Need
Water cooler drinking fountain
Wrenches (normal and adjustable)
What You'll Need
Water cooler drinking fountain
Wrenches (normal and adjustable)

If you're considering adding a drinking water fountain to your office, workplace, or outside, there are a few issues to consider. Firstly, the drinking fountain needs to be located in a place where passing people can access it. Adding a freshwater drinking fountain is a great feature to have installed and is very simple to fit with the right tools and a little know-how.

Step 1 - Water Supply

You should always install your drinking fountain near an existing water supply. Locate the right area to attach or install your water fountain and mark the area according to the size of the fountain and height. If it is a wall fountain, you will need a good level of support. If it is freestanding, make sure it has the right fittings and applications.

Step 2 - The Water Fountain

Once your fountain has arrived, take the components out of the box and do an inventory check. It would help if you were certain all parts are included.

Step 3 - Connection

drinking fountain

You will have to detach the front or side panel, depending on the style of the fountain. Inside there is a chiller unit, which needs to be attached to the water supply. Before you do that, you need to install a shut-off valve so the water doesn’t flow before it should. Use the shut-off valve to stop the water flow. You can now proceed to connect the unit.

Step 4 - Flush

Before you use the fountain, flush the lines with water to clear any new smells, new tastes, or anything that interferes with the correct function of the fountain. Open the shut-off valve and flush the lines.

Step 5 - Secure the Unit

The whole fountain unit is designed to secure to a wall or floor. Bolts should be included with your fountain. Locate the brackets on the unit where the screws or bolts go—drill pilot holes to screw the unit into and secure tightly.

Step 6 - The Water

If the water in your area is a little limey, you might want to install a softener or filter to protect the unit from building up minerals or limescale. It will also ensure the water flowing from the fountain tastes like spring water and is always cold and very fresh to drink.

Step 7 - Panel

drinking fountain

Replace the panel on either the front or side and secure it closed with the clips or screws it came with. You should now be able to test the fountain and see how high the water flows. You won’t want to have people get a shower each time they go for a drink, so adjust the drinking fountain pressure to make sure they get the right amount of water when they use it.