Drinking fountains provide a clean, sustainable, and cost-effective way to keep people hydrated in public and commercial spaces. Whether you’re installing a drinking fountain in a school, office, park, or gym, choosing the right model ensures durability, ease of use, and hygienic water dispensing.
Why Choose a Drinking Fountain?
✔ Cost-Effective Hydration – Provides free, clean drinking water for users.
✔ Eco-Friendly Alternative – Reduces plastic bottle waste and landfill pollution.
✔ Durable & Long-Lasting – Made from stainless steel for longevity.
✔ Hygienic & Safe – Designed with easy-to-clean surfaces and anti-microbial features.
✔ Ideal for High-Traffic Areas – Perfect for schools, offices, gyms, and public spaces.
Types of Drinking Fountains
Wall-Mounted Drinking Fountains
Wall-mounted drinking fountains feature a space-saving design by being mounted directly on walls, which frees up valuable floor space. They are commonly found in indoor settings such as schools, offices, and hospitals. These fountains are typically integrated with plumbing, ensuring a continuous flow of water.
Best For: Indoor settings with limited space.
Floor-Standing Drinking Fountains
Floor-standing drinking fountains are designed to be freestanding and robust, making them suitable for high-traffic areas. They are built with heavy-duty construction, which allows them to endure both outdoor and indoor use. These fountains provide greater stability and accessibility, making them ideal for locations such as parks, stadiums, and shopping centers.
Best For: Public areas with high foot traffic.
Recessed Drinking Fountains
Recessed drinking fountains are built directly into the wall, which helps save space while offering easy access to water. With a minimalist and modern design, they blend seamlessly into contemporary buildings. Additionally, recessed fountains are less prone to vandalism, as their pipes and fixtures are concealed within the wall.
Best For: Locations where space and security are concerns.
Combination Drinking Fountains & Bottle Fillers
Combination drinking fountains and bottle fillers offer dual functionality, providing both a drinking spout and a station for refilling bottles. This design helps reduce queues, as users can either sip from the fountain or refill their bottles. Additionally, these fountains are eco-friendly, promoting the use of reusable bottles and helping to reduce plastic waste.
Best For: Schools, gyms, offices, and eco-conscious environments.
How to Install a Drinking Fountain
To begin installing a drinking fountain, it’s important to choose a suitable location. Make sure the fountain is near a water supply and drainage system. Additionally, check local regulations to ensure the installation meets required accessibility and safety standards.
Next, prepare the installation area by marking the mounting height according to accessibility standards. For wall-mounted models, install a wall bracket, while standing models will require preparing a floor base.
For the plumbing, connect the fountain to a cold-water supply line using flexible tubing and ensure a drain line is properly installed to prevent water buildup.
Once everything is connected, secure the fountain by mounting it with bolts or wall brackets. Turn on the water supply and check for leaks, adjusting the water pressure to ensure proper flow.
Tip: Professional installation is recommended for handling plumbing and electrical connections in advanced models.
How to Use a Drinking Fountain
To use a drinking fountain, press the button or sensor to release water. Drink directly from the stream without touching the nozzle for the best hygiene. If the fountain includes a bottle filler, simply place your bottle under the dispenser and wait for it to fill.
To maintain hygiene, avoid putting your mouth on the spout.
Tip: If the water pressure is too high, adjust it using the built-in flow regulator.
Are Drinking Fountains Filtered?
Some drinking fountain models come with built-in filtration systems to remove chlorine, sediment, and bacteria. Non-filtered models, however, rely on municipal water quality. If you prefer cleaner water, consider upgrading to a filtered model to improve taste and safety.
Tip: If you're unsure whether a fountain is filtered, check the product specifications for filtration capabilities.
Are Drinking Fountains Safe?
Yes, drinking fountains are designed for public use and are built to comply with water safety regulations.
Filtered models offer additional protection by providing cleaner water, free from contaminants. Modern fountains also feature antimicrobial surfaces to reduce the buildup of bacteria.
Tip: Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to ensuring continued safety and hygiene.
Are Drinking Fountains Sanitary?
Drinking fountains are generally sanitary when maintained properly. Touchless fountains, which are sensor-activated, help reduce germ transmission.
Additionally, antimicrobial nozzles help prevent bacterial growth, while regular cleaning and filter changes help maintain high water quality.
Wall-mounted and recessed models are ideal for reducing water splash and contamination risks.
Tip: Regular cleaning and proper maintenance are key to keeping fountains sanitary.
How to Maintain a Drinking Fountain
To maintain a drinking fountain, it’s important to clean the surfaces daily using mild soap and water to prevent bacterial buildup.
If your fountain has a built-in filter, replace it every 6-12 months. Inspect the fountain regularly for leaks and clogs, especially around the pipes and nozzles, to ensure a steady water flow.
To keep the nozzles sanitized, use a vinegar solution to clean the spout and remove any mineral deposits.
Tip: Use stainless steel cleaners to keep your drinking fountain looking polished and new.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do Drinking Fountains Provide Filtered Water?
Some drinking fountains come with built-in filtration systems to remove chlorine and other contaminants. Non-filtered models rely on municipal water quality.
Can Drinking Fountains Be Used Outdoors?
Yes, outdoor models are made with weather-resistant stainless steel. Look for freeze-resistant or vandal-proof designs if the fountain will be in a public area.
How Often Should I Clean a Drinking Fountain?
Daily surface cleaning and weekly nozzle sanitization will help keep the fountain hygienic. Replace the filters every 6-12 months for filtered models.
What’s the Difference Between a Drinking Fountain & a Bottle Filler?
A drinking fountain allows you to sip water directly from the spout, while a bottle filler is designed to refill reusable bottles with clean water.
Tip: Combination units offer the best of both worlds!