How long do water dispensers last?

A water dispenser provides your team with clean, fresh water — it’s an easy way to improve the employee experience. As you choose the right model for your company, consider how long water dispensers last. Durable, long-lasting water coolers make it easier to offer high-quality drinking water while maximizing your return on investment.

What affects the lifespan of a water dispenser?

Not all water dispensers are created equally; the water cooler lifespan can vary considerably between different units. Some of the factors that can impact the lifespan of a water dispenser include:

• Frequency of use: Heavy-use environments put more stress on the water dispenser, which can shorten its lifetime.
• Dispensing volume: If employees are dispensing water into tiny paper cups, they’re likely to come back more often and put more stress on the machine. If they’re filling up larger water bottles, they might only use the dispenser once or twice per day. 
• Construction quality: Dispensers made with high-quality materials and components tend to last longer.
• Environment: Harsh environments, such as cold warehouses or dusty production facilities, can increase the wear and tear on a water dispenser.
• Water supply: Substances in the water can accumulate on the internal components of the water dispenser and reduce its lifespan.

Do water dispensers need maintenance?

Like all appliances, water dispensers need basic maintenance to run efficiently. While most models don’t require extensive care, it’s important to keep up with tasks such as cleaning, changing the filters and checking components for wear. Maintenance is another factor that can impact the lifespan of your water dispenser — keeping up with the manufacturer’s recommended schedule can help the unit last longer.

Bottled vs. bottleless water coolers

When you’re selecting a water cooler, you often have a choice between bottleless coolers and traditional bottled coolers. A bottleless cooler connects directly to your water pipes, so it delivers a steady supply of clean, filtered water on demand. Bottled coolers require you to change the water bottle frequently.

How long do bottled water coolers last?

While traditional bottled water coolers require frequent bottle changes and maintenance, bottleless water coolers offer a more durable and hassle-free solution. With fewer external components, bottleless dispensers often last longer with minimal upkeep.

How long does an automatic water dispenser last?

How long do water dispensers last when there’s no bottle to change? The lifespan of a bottleless automatic water dispenser varies by model. For example, the Culligan Quench point-of-use water systems typically last 7-10 years. Other units may last anywhere from 5-10 years, depending on the quality of construction.

With regular filter changes and maintenance, a bottleless dispenser can easily last a decade. And because these models have fewer external components, they’re often less susceptible to breakage.

Purchased vs. rented water coolers

As you’re deciding whether to rent or buy a water cooler for your business, it’s important to consider how both options could impact the lifespan of the unit. In general, a purchased unit has a shorter lifetime than a rented unit. When you own the dispenser, you must keep up with recommended maintenance, cleaning and filter changes. This can be a challenge in a busy commercial environment or a harsh industrial setting.

How renting can extend the lifespan of a cooler

While rented water dispensers aren’t necessarily different from purchased coolers, they often last longer. That’s because providers like Culligan Quench include maintenance services, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning or changing filters. In a high-traffic office, this service helps ensure your employees always have access to clean, delicious water.

Many water dispenser rentals also come with a replacement guarantee. If your unit breaks, Culligan Quench offers hassle-free replacements at no extra cost. Renting a bottleless cooler is a convenient, cost-effective solution for busy work environments.

Maximizing the lifespan of your water dispenser

While the basic water dispenser lifespan can vary by model, there are a few things you can do to help your unit last longer:

• Changing filters: If your unit has filters, you should change them according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule. If not, the filter can become clogged, and the buildup could impact other components of the dispenser.
• Cleaning: Cleaning the water dispenser helps prevent bacteria and other substances from accumulating. On a bottleless unit, all you need to do is wipe down the components on a regular basis. For a bottled dispenser, you should wipe down the machine and clean the reservoir. This process takes about 30 minutes and should be performed every 3 to 6 months or more frequently in busy environments.
• Inspection: Every few months, check hoses and other components for leaks and cracks that could affect performance.

Extend your water dispenser’s lifetime with Culligan Quench

With Culligan Quench’s rental service, you don’t need to worry about the lifetime of your water cooler. Our team of water experts handles installation, maintenance, filter changes, cleaning, and replacement, ensuring your dispensers run smoothly. Contact us today to find the perfect point-of-use water dispenser for your business.