Shutdown Guide for Coffee Machines & Water Coolers
- Dec 9, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
If you work in an office, school or another workplace that is closing for five days or more over the Christmas period, it is important to ensure your machines are properly shut down. Following the correct shutdown procedure for your office coffee machine or water cooler will help ensure everything functions correctly when you return.
Shutting down your machine only requires a few simple steps, but doing it properly can help prevent damage, hygiene issues and unnecessary maintenance costs.
Machines Connected to the Mains
For all machines connected to the mains water supply, you will need to turn off the mains water before closing.
This includes:
Mains-fed water coolers
Commercial coffee machines
Hot water boilers
Drinking water fountains
Undersink chillers
Turning off the mains supply helps prevent pressure build-up within the system, which could otherwise cause leaks or internal damage while the machine is not in use.
Water Machines
Turn Off the Power Supply (Hot & Cold Units)
For hot and cold water coolers or boiling water units, turn off the electricity supply before closing. This helps prevent unnecessary energy usage and reduces running costs while the machine is not in use.
Important: Ambient & Cold Coolers
Please do not turn off the power supply to ambient and cold only water coolers. Turning these off can affect normal operation and may cause issues when restarting after the Christmas shutdown.
Bottled Water Coolers
If you have a bottled water cooler, the water bottle must be removed before you leave.
Leave the power supply on.
Please note: once opened, a bottled water cooler bottle should not be used for more than three weeks. Before removing the bottle, make a note of the open date so you can replace it if necessary when you return.
Coffee Machines
For all commercial coffee machines, ingredients and canisters should be removed first.
Some fresh products can be stored in a fridge during the shutdown period. However, please be aware that no product should be refrozen.
Next, clean and flush your coffee machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This ensures no excess coffee, milk or chocolate product remains inside the machine during the closure period. Performing a full clean before shutdown helps maintain hygiene standards and supports normal machine performance.
Regular cleaning should be carried out routinely, not just before extended closures.
Once cleaning is complete:
Turn off the mains water supply
Turn off the electricity supply
Following this office coffee machine shutdown procedure will help prevent blockages, hygiene issues and potential servicing callouts when you reopen.
As always, our team is here to help. If you need assistance with shutting down your commercial coffee machine or water cooler, please get in touch or head to our dedicated page below.
Comments