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How Does a Water Dispenser Work? | All Types Explained

how does a water dispenser work
Written by Warner Levit
Last Update: November 30, 2022

Water forms a basic necessity for a functioning human.

In the current age, how you want your drinkable water boils down to preference in the deep pool of options one has.

Do you drink directly from the tap? You know that it is nasty!

There are so many things that can go wrong with drinking straight from the tap.

We need our water clean and fresh, safe from diseases and bacteria, and one cannot understate the number of epidemic diseases that took root in city water.

A water dispenser is an undeniable option.

Water dispensers hardly pass as a luxury if you believe in healthcare and the uncontestable ease this option provides.

Have you ever wondered, “how does a water dispenser work”? This content will provide all of the workings of traditional dispensers from benefits to dis-benefits.

This post is going to be productive with so much knowledge you are going to be running to the store splashing “paper” to get you some.

A water dispenser is a device that fetches drinkable water when required.

They come with various commands for the convenience of the owner or the water dispenser user.

How Does a Water Dispenser Work?

Water Dispenser Work

The primary function of a water dispenser is to extract water from an attached source, push them through the various piping systems used, and give it to you through a faucet or spigot.

Without water dispensers, you might have to fetch water, purify, and store the water you want to use regularly.

Talk about convenience!

Treat yourself to this invention that dispenses water bacteria and time! Let’s get to know this amazing piece of technology a bit better.

Types of Water Dispensers

Mentioned below are the types of water dispensers available in today’s market:

1. Bottled Water Dispensers:

These are also known as water coolers.

Most times, a clean water dispenser comes with a 5-gallon water bottle placed upside down on top of the water cooler.

It is designed so that one can set the container invertedly.

It is, so that gravity and pressure created from the vacuum fill the machine and in turn our cups when we press the spigot.

If you press the faucet, the water comes out into your cup, and the air is let in.

After the bottle of water is placed upside down and punctured by the spike.

There is a valve in the water cooler of which the primary function is to prevent the water inside the bottle from flooding the dispenser.

All of the water is stored in a tank where there is a device that cools or heats the water as commanded.

They are quite similar to point-of-use dispensers because in most cases there is the option to heat the water or cool the water before use.

It is opportunistic for those who choose not to drink tap water. Or even when you do not have the option to connect to the city water.

A lot of times the water in the 5 gallons of bottled water ate is already filtered and high quality.

Bottled water can ask for so much more effort in maintenance than point-of-use dispensers.

Because servicing with the five-gallon bottled water is necessary because, without the bottle, there is no way water can come out of the faucet.

Water servicing can be cheap in some areas, and there is also the time-to-time inspection in the tank, added with that fresh and filtered water.

Water dispensers do not have filters in them because the water on the bottle comes pre-filtered.

The water dispensers share fundamental similarities with the point-of-use dispenser.

There are bottle dispensers that do not dispense water hot or cold they traditionally are composed of the following.

  • They both have one tank and in some other cases two to store the water before dispensing
  • They both have heating devices preinstalled
  • They both have a refrigerator to cool the water
  • The tap frees the water
  • The collar holding the water bottle in the upside-down position allows for the water to find its way into the device
  • Electricity is necessary to power the device
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  • THREE TEMPERATURES: Three temperature settings allow you to customize your drinking experience. This dispenser features a crisp cold, cool, or piping hot output
  • SELF CLEANING FEATURE: The self cleaning ozone feature sanitizes & purifies the dispenser, which prevents the accumulation of harmful germs & bacteria for your safety. BPA Free
  • LIGHT THE WAY: Our built-in nightlight makes the water spouts clearly visible at night & has an empty-bottle indicator that lights up when the bottle needs to be replaced
  • BOTTOM LOADING: Our water cooler is bottom loading to eliminate the strain of lifting, reduce spills and is suitable for 3-5 gallon water bottles (BOTTLE NOT INCLUDED)
  • CHILD SAFE: This product is UL/Energy Star Approved and features a child safety lock on the hot water spout so the entire family can use it worry free.Cord Length:6 Feet

2. Mounted dispensers

These are also known as water fountains. You will find them in public spaces; from theme parks to large offices.

These dispensers are mounted into a wall, and some other times can be designed to stand freely based on the aesthetic eye of the person in charge.

Turning a knob frees the water, gently dispensing water until the water knob is free.

They are usually installed so that the water flows in the arched form to stimulate easy drinking.

Traditionally you do not require cups; however, they are built for quick drinks. They can be unsafe because they are tapped directly into the city water supply.

The water has no option to cool or heat, and it also can come unfiltered.

Water fountains in large office buildings can provide water coolers that make the drink chill before dispensing.

Mounted dispensers are quite simple and do not have the same advanced functions as cooling and heating.

Hence, they cannot have as many parts. They have:

  • A tank where water is stored after being drawn from the mainline.
  • The tap where the water finds its way out for consumption (arched)
  • The button that releases the water
  • And if the water is designed to cool water, the refrigerator serves that purpose.

Other water dispensers

As part of the traditional water dispenser parts, some owners install additional water tools to facilitate convenience and add a subtle touch of luxury.

  • Some people install cup dispensers for the accessibility to easily disposable cups.
  • Others have a mini-fridge installed to hold canned drinks, bottled drinks, and other food items

Point of use water dispenser

These share similarities with the mounted water dispensers; they tap into an existing water line.

They are usually found in residential areas and businesses where convenience in healthy drinkable water is required.

These are convenient because there is an unlimited supply of water when connected to the city water line.

It does not require too much servicing because there are no bottles to be replaced, as water flows from the city line straight into the tank.

Traditionally they should be able to cool water and heat them, by keeping water in containers where water is heated or cooled as required.

Having the water filtered cannot be understated and point-of-use filters any water that comes from the line.

The tap which is located in front of the device under the knob dispenses the water as requested. Cold or hot!

They work by heating the water to 95 degrees. The water passes through 2 carbon filters. Because it is already heated, there is no extra filtration for it as it is safe for consumption.

However, cold water happens to have a slightly longer process before it is safe for use.

There are two carbon-activated filtration systems cold water passes through, and in the UV light chamber, it is made safe for drinking.

And if there is the option for sparkling water the device adds c02 which gives the water a sparkly effect.

This comes with a variant in usage, as we know they heat cool, and filter the water from harmful substances. They have more components than the mounting option of dispensers.

  • They have tanks so water can be stored cooled or heated before dispensing.
  • They come with water heating
  • They come with refrigerating systems meant to cool the water
  • Water filters for filtering water coming from the city water line
  • The button which releases water
  • Finally, electricity is needed

Choosing the Right Type of Water Dispensers

Water dispensers come in so many shapes, sizes, and uses.

Some can be placed in small spaces like the counter or table in our homes or offices; others because of their size is more convenient in the kitchen and hallways.

I would not talk less of the ones found outside–in the parks and other public spaces.

Water dispensers are increasingly popular because of the convenience of everyday needs.

We all need water daily, and water dispensers quench our thirst choosing the right water dispenser can have its challenges.

Knowing All These, How Do I Choose?

If all you need is simplicity in access to water the standard-mounted water dispenser will serve that need.

And if you want your water filtered, the option to heat and cool the bottled water dispensers or the point-of-use water dispenser can fit this desire.

Circumstances help in choosing between bottled water dispensers and point-of-use water dispensers.

When the water can be hooked to the main water line, then the point of use is okay to get.

However, when there is no mainline to install it with, the bottled water dispenser is okay.

It cannot be understated how water dispensers are increasingly popular. It is known to add décor to homes and offices.

Because of its convenience to heat and cool water, one can only wonder why people still use refrigerators and water kettles for water.

So, what are you waiting for? Get yours today!

About the author

Warner Levit

Water Filtration Expert

As a trained chemist and an independent researcher I started working on a portable water filter project as part of my business plan. While carrying out my research, I got involved with FaucetsReviewed. My fields of expertise include environmental science, biochemistry and water purification chemistry. Apart from contributing to this website, I’m currently working on my book “Water Filtration Science”. It will be published soon. I grew up in California, and completed my postgraduate degree from the University of California-Berkeley. I also work as a private counselor on the household water management system.

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