What Is a Mains-Fed Water Cooler? Your FAQs Answered
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
What is a mains-fed water cooler?
Mains-fed water coolers take water directly from your mains supply. This means they are plumbed into your existing water system. Plumbed-in water coolers can still produce hot, cold and even sparkling water, just like bottled options.
Are mains-connected coolers more eco-friendly than bottled coolers?
Yes. Mains-fed coolers don't rely on bottled water deliveries to run. This not only reduces the number of vans on the road, reducing CO2 emissions, but it also reduces the number of larger plastic bottles needed for transporting the water.
What types of mains-fed water cooler are available?
There are a few different styles to choose from, depending on your space and needs. Freestanding models work well in open areas like kitchens or breakout spaces, while countertop options are ideal if floor space is limited. You can also choose from coolers that dispense chilled water only, or models that offer hot, cold, and sparkling water, all from the mains. Take a look at our mains-connected water cooler range to see what's available.
Can I get sparkling water from a mains-fed cooler?
Yes! Several of our mains-fed water coolers offer sparkling water as an option, alongside hot and cold. It's a great feature for offices and hospitality settings where you want to offer something a little extra.
Can a mains-fed cooler be installed anywhere in my workplace?
No. Unlike bottled coolers which only need a power supply, mains-fed water coolers need to be in a place where there is access to the mains water supply. This makes it easier to plumb in when installing.
How much does a mains-fed cooler cost?
Prices range depending on your capacity needs and the types of water you would like to have from the machine. Our mains-fed water coolers range from £3.93 to £15.45 per week.
How do the water filters work?
Most mains-fed water coolers come with a water filter installed for you. This is to help reduce any smell or taste to your mains water, so it tastes just as good as the stuff you get from bottles. These filters also help reduce bacteria and viruses by up to 99%.
What is the installation process like?
Typically, a site survey should be carried out first. This makes sure the mains-fed water cooler is placed in the ideal position, with access to the mains water supply as well as a power supply.
On the day of, the engineer should arrive with your choice of cooler, as well as a plumbing rail, to help connect the cooler to the mains.
The rail will be installed first, as it allows us to turn its supply of water off without affecting the rest of your mains water flow. The cooler will then be connected.
Once supply is established, the engineer should run some tests to make sure everything is running correctly.
How long does installation take?
In most cases, a mains-fed water cooler installation takes just a couple of hours, with minimal disruption to your workplace. Your engineer will let you know what to expect on the day.
Is a mains-fed water cooler suitable for a hard water area?
Yes, but it's worth being aware that hard water can cause limescale build-up over time, which can affect the performance of your cooler. If you're in a hard water area, we'd recommend more frequent engineer visits, potentially every 3–4 months rather than the standard 6, to keep your cooler running at its best. Not sure if you're in a hard water area? Get in touch and we can advise.
What maintenance does a mains-fed cooler require?
Plumbed-in water coolers require similar maintenance to bottled coolers. Weekly maintenance should include wiping down the surfaces and emptying the drip tray. To maintain the filter and sanitisation correctly, we recommend having an engineer visit every 6 months (or sooner if it is a particularly hard water area).
If you would like more information on maintaining your cooler, click the button below to head to our cleaning and maintenance page.
What certifications should I look for in a mains-fed cooler supplier?
We always recommend looking for companies that are WHA (Water Hydration Association) certified. Being a member means you have to adhere to strict codes of practice like making sure your engineers are professionally trained, that you are carrying out maintenance and sanitising to the correct standard and making sure the coolers themselves are built to a certain standard.
If you'd like to find out more about the WHA, click here.
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