Water Cooler Issues and Troubleshooting

Most common water cooler problems can usually be resolved with a few simple checks. This quick troubleshooting guide will help you identify and resolve the most common issues that may affect your water cooler.

The information below is designed to help you solve typical problems without the need for an engineer visit. If the issue you are experiencing is not listed here, or if the suggested steps do not resolve the problem, please contact the Clyde Valley Water customer care team on 01555 666 438 and we will arrange for an engineer to assist you.

Water Cooler Not Cold Enough

All water coolers are fitted with an internal thermostat which controls the temperature of the chilled water. The thermostat is factory set to dispense water at an optimal temperature of between 4°C and 10°C.

If the water temperature is too warm or too cold, you can adjust the thermostat to suit your preference using a small flat-headed screwdriver.

Please note the following when adjusting the thermostat:

• Adjust the setting in small increments
• Allow up to 30 minutes for the cooler to stabilise after each adjustment
• Avoid turning the thermostat fully to the maximum setting

If the thermostat is set to the maximum position it may cause the cooler to freeze internally, which can stop water from dispensing.

Water Cooler Not Chilling

One of the most common issues reported with water coolers is that the unit appears to have stopped chilling the water. In many cases this is caused by a simple power issue.

Check the following:

• Ensure the plug is firmly inserted into the wall socket and the power is switched on
• Check the fuse in the plug is intact
• Confirm there is power to the socket by plugging in another appliance
• Ensure the kettle-type power lead is securely connected to the back of the cooler

Power leads can sometimes become loose if the cooler has been moved or if the socket has been switched off. If the cooler still does not chill after checking these points, please contact our team on 01555 666 438 and we will be happy to assist.

Water Cooler Not Dispensing Water

If your water cooler has stopped dispensing water, the cause will usually depend on whether you have a bottled water cooler or a mains fed plumbed-in cooler.

Bottled Water Coolers

Air Filter Saturated With Water

This is a common issue that can affect bottled water coolers. It is usually noticeable when the water flow starts strongly and then quickly slows or stops.

The air filter prevents airborne contaminants from entering the cooler reservoir. If the filter becomes wet it can restrict airflow, which in turn stops water flowing from the taps.

To resolve this:

• Remove the bottle from the cooler
• Remove the collar from the top of the cooler by applying light pressure and turning anti-clockwise
• Lift off the collar to reveal the DryGuard assembly
• Locate the air filter inside the small blue protective cap
• Remove the filter and dry it gently using a clean paper towel
• Ensure the surrounding area is dry before reassembling the unit

Once the filter has been dried and reinstalled the water flow should return to normal.

Reservoir Iced Up

If the thermostat has been turned fully clockwise to the maximum setting, the reservoir inside the cooler may freeze. When this happens the taps may stop dispensing water completely.

If this occurs, adjust the thermostat back to a lower setting and allow the cooler time to defrost and return to normal operation.

Plumbed-In Water Coolers

Safety Shut Off Switch Activated

Many plumbed-in Crystal Mountain coolers include a safety shut off switch which prevents flooding in the event of a malfunction. Occasionally this switch can trip accidentally.

To reset the switch:

• Remove the top cover of the cooler to access the POU assembly
• Locate the small slider switch on top of the assembly
• If the switch is red, the safety mechanism has been triggered
• Slide the switch back to the green position to restore water flow

This reset normally takes only a few seconds.

Reservoir Iced Up

As with bottled coolers, if the thermostat has been set to the maximum position the internal reservoir may freeze. If the cooler stops dispensing water, reduce the thermostat setting and allow time for the system to stabilise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q) Why is my water cooler not cold?

This is usually caused by the thermostat setting or a power supply issue. Check that the power lead is connected properly and that the thermostat has not been set too low or too high.

Q) Why has my water cooler stopped dispensing water?

This may be caused by an iced reservoir, a wet air filter in bottled coolers, or a safety shut off switch being activated in plumbed-in models.

Q) How long does it take for a water cooler to chill water?

After being switched on or adjusted, most water coolers take around 20 to 30 minutes to reach their normal chilled water temperature.

Q) Can you repair older water coolers that are no longer supported by the manufacturer?

Yes. Clyde Valley Water regularly services and repairs water coolers and drinking water systems that are no longer supported by the original manufacturer. Our engineers have experience working with a wide range of models and can often keep older machines operating safely with replacement parts, servicing and maintenance.

Q) Do you service water coolers supplied by other companies?

Yes. Our engineers can service and maintain water coolers supplied by many different manufacturers and suppliers. If your cooler was installed by another company, we can still provide maintenance, filter replacement and repairs.

Q) How often should a water cooler be serviced?

Most water coolers should be serviced every six months to maintain hygiene and ensure the system continues to operate efficiently. Servicing normally includes filter replacement, sanitisation of internal components and general performance checks.

Q) Do you provide water cooler servicing across Central Scotland?

Yes. Clyde Valley Water provides water cooler servicing, repairs and installation support across Central Scotland, including Glasgow, Lanarkshire and surrounding areas.

Q) Can you help if my water cooler has completely stopped working?

Yes. If your water cooler has stopped working and the troubleshooting steps on this page do not resolve the problem, our engineers can visit your premises to diagnose the issue and carry out repairs where possible.

Q) Do you maintain mains fed water coolers and drinking water taps?

Yes. We service and maintain both bottled water coolers and mains fed drinking water systems, including modern filtered drinking water taps that provide chilled, ambient and hot water.

Q) Can you replace filters and sanitise water coolers?

Yes. Regular filter replacement and system sanitisation are important for maintaining water quality and hygiene. Our servicing visits include replacing filters where required and sanitising internal components to ensure the system continues to deliver clean drinking water.

Q) Can you upgrade an older water cooler system?

Yes. If your current cooler is outdated or inefficient, we can recommend and install modern replacement systems such as mains fed bottleless coolers or filtered drinking water taps that provide chilled, ambient and optional hot water.

Still Experiencing Problems?

If your water cooler problem is not listed above, or the steps provided do not resolve the issue, our team will be happy to help and advise you further. Please contact Clyde Valley Water on 01555 666 438 or email our customer service team and we will arrange for an engineer to visit and resolve the issue as quickly as possible.