As you use any water cooler, whether at work, a waiting room, or any commercial or public building, the chances are countless others have quenched their thirst before you. So one of the most common questions we face is, ‘Do water coolers need maintenance?’ – and the answer is ‘yes’ - regular water cooler maintenance is essential to having a safe and hygienic experience. Here’s what’s typically needed to keep your water cooler clean, hygienic, and in top working order. 

External maintenance

While the refreshing water inside the cooler may be your primary concern, pay attention to the importance of external maintenance. The outer surface of your water cooler can accumulate dust, dirt, fingerprints, and other unsightly marks, making it less appealing and potentially unhygienic. To maintain the pristine appearance and hygiene of your water cooler, follow these simple steps:

Regular wiping: Use a clean damp cloth to regularly wipe down the water cooler's exterior. This process helps remove surface dust and grime, keeping it clean and inviting to use.

Sanitised wiping: At least once a week, use a mild, food-safe sanitiser or wipe to clean the external surfaces thoroughly. Be sure to follow instructions for any cleaning agents used.

Pay attention to high-touch areas: Pay special attention to frequently-touched areas such as the water spouts, taps, handles, and drip trays. Regular cleaning is vital because these areas are more prone to germs and bacteria. By protecting high-touch areas, especially your taps, with Puraguard antibacterial and antiviral coating, you can provide a preventive barrier that kills 80% of microbes within 15 minutes and up to 99.99% within 2 hours.

Check for damage: Inspect the external components of your water cooler for any signs of wear or damage. Cracks or breaks in the casing can compromise the cooler's insulation and hygiene. If you notice any issues, contact your supplier for repair or replacement.

Internal maintenance

Now you’ve taken care of the outside of your water cooler, it’s time to call in the pros so they can help maintain the inside of the unit. Over time, mineral deposits, bacteria, and mould can accumulate, affecting water quality and potentially posing health risks. To keep your water cooler operating at its best, here are the essential steps we take for internal cleaning and maintenance every few months:

Filter replacement: If your water cooler has a built-in filter to help remove impurities, odours, and even microplastics, we must replace it regularly. 

Flushing the system: At every service, we’ll flush the water cooler system to drain any remaining water, clear any debris, and carry out a thorough sanitisation programme.

Regular maintenance checks: Our periodic maintenance checks ensure all internal components are in good condition. We inspect the cooling system, water lines, and electrical connections for any signs of damage or malfunction.

Full service: Professional servicing for your water cooler is done by our qualified engineers at least once a year. This will ensure a thorough inspection and cleaning by experts, which can extend the life of your cooler and maintain its optimal performance.

Water cooler maintenance with Thirsty Work

So do water coolers need maintenance? Absolutely! While there’s plenty you can do to maintain the outside of the unit, as part of your service and maintenance plan, our qualified engineers can take care of the inside so it's deep-cleaned, sanitised, and ready for use. 

And if there’s something we can’t repair or replace on-site, or your cooler has reached the end of its life, we’ll deliver a brand-new unit to you - no questions asked – while your old cooler is recycled correctly.

For more information on our full-service and maintenance packages or to start your free trial, contact our customer service team at 01392 877 172 or email at hello@thirstywork.com today.