Is your water dispenser leaking, and you don’t know how to fix it? Afraid that you might have to throw it away? Worry no more; you’ve just landed on the right place. Here, we’ll help you learn the possible reasons why your dispenser is leaking and how to solve the problem.
It’s actually normal even for the best water dispenser to leak after a long period of use. Some dispensers leak not because they’re old and worn out but due to improper installation, faulty valves, among other things.
Water leakage is a common malfunction that any water dispenser can have. In this guide, we’ll help you learn how to fix the dispenser without seeking help from a professional.
Causes of a Leaky Water Dispenser and How to Fix Them
To solve your dispenser’s leaking problem, you have to identify where the leak is coming from first. This will help you find out the main cause of the leak. It’s only after knowing this that you can come up with the most appropriate solution.
1. Leaking from the Spout
A. The taps are improperly set
If your bottom loading water dispensing machine is leaking from the spout, check the taps to ensure they’re correctly set.
- Solution
If your dispenser has manual controls, turn off the switches and unplug it. Open the top cover and place a container under each spout. After that, look past the water reservoir and check the control bracket.
Disconnect each tap lever and gently pull up on and extend each lever, one at a time. Push down on each lever fully.
Repeat the process 2 or 3 times and then reconnect the levers to see whether the spout drips. If not, reconnect the taps.
If the unit doesn’t leak, ensure that all levers are reconnected and place the top cover back on your dispenser.
B. It has a loose nozzle seal
A loose nozzle seal might be the reason why your water dispenser is leaking from the spout. If you suspect that this is the case, evidenced by moisture on the seal, you need to;
Replace the nozzle seal to solve the problem.
- Solution
Remove the old seal and get a new one from an online store or your local hardware. Get pliers to attach it back, and the problem will be solved. You can also use your bare hands to fix it back.
2. Leaking from the Bottom
A. It was improperly installed
To install your water heater correctly, you need to follow the model’s manual. This will help you avoid any future problems. If you don’t have a manual and you’re installing a dispenser for the first time, it would be wise for you to seek professional help.
An improperly installed dispenser could be the reason why there are leaks from the bottom.
- Solution
Carefully check the water dispenser to ensure that all the components are correctly aligned. You also need to verify that the valves are well tightened, as this could also be the cause of the leaks.
In case of misaligned components, you’ll have to uninstall and put up the dispenser again. This time, you have to be careful enough and ensure that all components are properly attached.
B. There’s a blockage
As aforementioned, any blockage in the dispenser leads to leaks. If you’re using tap water in your dispenser or just don’t clean it regularly, dirt buildup might block the unit’s components.
- Solution
The first thing to do is to verify that your dispenser indeed has a blockage. Get a clean tool to remove the blockage to stop the leak.
You also need to start cleaning your water dispenser after a month of use to avoid this problem. Also, always use clean water if you don’t want it to revert to the same condition after some time.
3. Leaking from the Top
- There’s a crack in the water bottle
If your dispenser leaks from the top, the chances are that the leak is coming from the water bottle. It might be the result of a crack in the bottle that alters the pressure within the dispenser. This pressure change draws water into the tank, causing an overflow.
- Solution
Remove the bottle from the dispenser and test it with another bottle. If the bottle is the main cause of the issue, the leak will stop.
4. Leaking from the Tap
A. There’s mineral build up in the tap
The main reason why a water dispenser would leak from the tap is because of minerals buildup. It is actually a common problem that you don’t have to worry about. All you need to do is clean the tap thoroughly.
- Solution
Switch off all control buttons of the dispenser and remove the main plug. To carry out the cleaning process, you’ll require;
- An empty jar
- Vinegar
- An old toothbrush
Take off the water bottle and empty all the water in the reservoir. Open the taps and empty them. After that, measure a 1/3rd portion of vinegar and add it to 1 litre of water.
Fill the water reservoir with the solution and leave it to rest for about 15 minutes. The mixture will act on the mineral buildup and clear it out.
To remove the mineral buildup from the taps, dip the toothbrush in the mixture and wash the taps with it. You’ll have to wash the taps with clean water after that to avoid altering the taste of your water.
Refill the reservoir with fresh water and flush it out. You should repeat the process a couple of times to ensure no traces of vinegar are left in the pipes and taps.
B. The taps are loose
If the leak is coming directly from the taps, your faucets might be loose.
- Solution
Tighten the taps by simply twisting them lightly.
5. Leaking from the Back
A. Air is trapped inside
If you notice that your water dispenser is leaking from the back, it might be because air bubbles are trapped in the waterline. This air causes unusual pressure buildup in the water system. The pressure forces water out of any potential crack or opening in the dispenser.
- Solution
You need to remove the air trapped in the dispenser when you first connect it or after every replacement.
To do so, place a container below the dispenser and start pressing and releasing the lever at intervals of 5 seconds. Repeat the process until water begins to flow. You need to flush at least 15 litres (approx. 3 gallons) of water that has been dispensed. This is enough to release the trapped air.
B. The dispenser has a faulty water valve
A faulty water valve could also be the reason why your top loading water dispenser is leaking from the back. This happens when the water pressure in the dispenser is too high.
The water valves might also become faulty if they are worn out because of excess usage. When the valves malfunction, they cause blockage making the incoming water force its way out of the connector.
- Solution
The best way to fix this problem is by replacing the broken part of the valve or tightening it. When tightening it, be extra careful. A simple mishap can lead to more problems.
6. Leaking After Filter Change
- There’s Air in the Water Line
If water leaks out of the water dispenser after changing the filter, there might be air in the waterline. You need to flush all the air out of the system to stop the leak.
- Solution
Get an empty container, hold it against the dispenser’s lever and dispense water for about 3 minutes. This will help to flush out the air from the unit.
If your dispenser is the type that shuts off automatically after every one or two minutes, don’t worry. Just lift the container away from the unit for a few seconds and then press the lever again to repeat the process.
Keep dispensing the water until all air gets removed.
Additional Steps to Fix a Leaking Water Dispenser
If you’ve tried all the ways mentioned above to stop your dispenser from leaking to no avail, try the following;
- Reattach the water bottle
If your dispenser draws its water from an attached water bottle, check its connecting point. It might be improperly attached to the jug, hence the leaks.
If it’s not correctly attached, take the jug off and reattach it back by tightening all connectors into place.
- Check for Clogs
If using a bottleless water cooler dispenser and suspect that it leaks because of a clog, check it thoroughly. Physical blockage or clogs increase internal pressure forcing water to leak out just like with air buildup. This pressure is, however, harder to remove since you’ll have to remove the clog physically.
If unsure how to go about it, get a professional bottleless water cooler service provider to remove the blockage.
- Tighten loose valves
Water valves can loosen up over time and allow excess water to drip as it flows through them. This will make you use more water and pay more. To avoid this, tighten the valves and ensure that they provide the best seal.
Conclusion
No one likes a leaking dispenser. It leads to water misuse, damages the floor, and can make you pay more when the bill comes. But you don’t have to throw it away just because it leaks.
We believe that you might come up with a solution for the leaky water dispenser at your home by following our guide. You also won’t have to spend a dime on a professional service provider. Good luck!