A leaking water dispenser is one of the most common problems you’ll have to deal with if you have the appliance in your home or office.
And since the problem is unlikely to resolve itself, you’ll have to fix it fast since you don’t want the water to damage your floor. You also don’t want to expose your family to injuries from slips and falls.
Luckily enough, a leaking water dispenser is easy to fix in most cases. You only need to identify where the leak is coming from and then get the right tools to repair it.
If you find the issue too difficult to handle, get a professional to help you get the dispenser up and running.
This post will enable you learn how to stop a water dispenser from leaking. Continue reading to learn more.
How to Fix a Leaking Water Dispenser
The first step to stopping a leaking water dispenser is determining the source of the leak.
Some of the causes of a leaking water dispenser include;
- A faulty water valve
- Improper installation
- Air or sediment blockage
- Improperly set taps
- Loose nozzle seal
- A crack in the water bottle
- Catch pan overflow
- Loose taps
Note that the process of fixing a leak caused by a faulty water valve isn’t the same as that of leaks originating from a loose nozzle, among others. Different problems require different techniques to solve.
After figuring out where the leak is coming from. Fixing the issue becomes easier. However, there are a few steps to follow depending on the nature of the leak.
Materials Required to Fix a Leaking Water Dispenser
To repair a leaking water dispenser, you’ll require the following materials;
- Manufacturer manual
- A screwdriver
- Flashlight
- Empty bucket
- Several clean kitchen towels
How to Stop a Water Dispenser from Leaking
Step 1: Shut off the water supply
If your water dispenser is connected to an internal waterline, you have to shut it off. Otherwise, it would be impossible to work on the unit.
All you need to do with a freestanding unit is turn the faucet off or disconnect it to stop the water flow. You don’t need a tool to complete the task; just double-check to ensure that you’ve completely shut off the water supply.
Step 2: Mark the water level
Marking the water level on your water dispenser lets you figure out how fast the water leaks from the unit.
The speed and nature of the leak flow can give you a clue about the cause of the leak. For instance, if the leak has a continuous flow, it indicates trapped air in the waterline that you need to remove.
Also, the slower the leak, the smaller the hole. A small leak is usually the most difficult to locate.
If the water level gets low fast, it means that the unit has a large leak somewhere, which should be easy to spot.
Step 3: Check the spout
Of all the components of a water dispenser, the spout should be the first place to look for a leak. Check whether the faucet is dripping. Check the catch pan as well as it could be overflowing and causing leakage.
You also need to evaluate the top part of the taps with a red or blue handle. Turn the handle to verify whether the spigot is tight enough.
Step 4: Remove and inspect the bottle
After checking the spout, the next step is removing your water bottle from the dispenser. Place it in the sink since you don’t want to mess the floor with water if the bottle continues to leak.
Check on the water dispenser to see whether it continues to leak. If it doesn’t leak, then the bottle is the source.
Check the bottle carefully for a crack if you notice that it’s leaking water on the placement (in the sink). The only way to stop a leaking water bottle is to replace it with a new one.
If the bottle isn’t leaking, try step 5.
Step 5: Detach and reattach the water bottle
If the water dispenser is still leaking, try reattaching the water bottle. Sometimes, a leak can be caused by an improperly installed water bottle.
If the water bottle is not attached correctly, take it off the unit and reattach it by tightening the connectors.
Step 6: Check for blockages.
Clog contribute to a leaking water dispenser as well. A water dispenser by can clogged by dirt or air bubbles.
Dirt blocks the reservoir of a water dispenser if the unit stays for a long time without cleaning. If the unit’s water tank is clogged, the water backs up the tank, eventually spilling on the floor.
Step 7: Replace the broken part
After figuring out where the leak is coming from, replace the broken part. For example, if you discover that the issue is with loose taps, tighten them. If the unit is leaking because it was poorly installed, reinstall it to stop the leak.
Get a new replacement component if that is what it takes to stop the leak. And if the problem is with the water dispenser, you’ll have to replace it with a new model.
Conclusion
Fixing a leaking water dispenser is easy if you know where the leak is coming from. Just ensure that you address the issue as soon as you notice it since you don’t want to damage your floors.
A leaking water dispenser can also lead to the wastage of a lot of water.
After locating where the leak is coming from, get the necessary tools and repair the unit. Most replacement parts are available in local hardware stores, so it should be easy for you to get the replacement you need.
Should you realize that you can’t fix the unit on your own, seek professional help.