Water Dispenser For Home: Do’s And Don’ts

Home water dispensers are an amazing addition to our daily life. The health benefits of keeping up with your hydration are well-known, and health experts commonly recommend drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day. It is now easy to do with the water dispenser in easy reach - with the push of a button, a refreshing drink is just a sip away.

Water dispensers are a worthy investment if you are after keeping on top of your health. However, it’s important to know the do and don’ts of maintaining the water dispenser to ensure its longevity and cleanliness. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure the water dispenser is continuously and safely provides refreshment to you and your family.

THE DO’S

Do: Be careful of the hot water faucet.

Always be mindful when you dispense water. This is because it can be easy to mistakenly press the hot water button instead of the cold water tab. Of course, we do not want our fingers burnt by the hot water that flows, let alone our children. It’s best to have a water dispenser that is equipped with a safety hot button to prevent burn injuries. With this function, it is still safe for your children to get water on their own.

Do: Keep your water faucets clean.

Water dispensing would leave the water faucet wet, and having it in contact with your hand on a regular basis could develop a breeding ground of bacteria over time. The water that you drink may end up with some bacteria if these spots are not cleaned regularly, which is why it is a good idea to wipe them clean with a disinfectant weekly or fortnightly.

Do: Make sure that the area surrounding your water dispenser is kept dry.

Be mindful of spills from your water dispenser. Do not forget to empty the drip tray if it is full as if it overflows this can spill onto the floor and cause a safety hazard. Having a water-absorbent mat underneath your countertop or free-standing water dispenser can help in preventing water pooling around your dispenser and causing accidents.

THE DON'TS

Don’t: Let mold grow on your dispenser.

It is recommended to clean the water dispenser parts every time you change your water bottle - in order to ensure that it is kept in tip-top shape. Cleaning can be done by using a general hot wash or some dishwashing detergent that you can soak the detachable parts in to really get to the buildup.

Please bear this in mind, mold can grow on your water dispenser’s parts because it is a damp environment. You do not want to drink this along with your water whenever you use the dispenser. Mold does not only give off a foul odor, but is harmful for the body as it spreads bacteria and germs. If you find any traces of mold, don’t delay cleaning your dispenser! In most cases, the mold is on the outer side, and if there are hard to reach areas, use a small brush or a pipe cleaner to do away with these dirty bits.

Don’t: Use Improper Bottle Lifting Techniques When Refilling Your Water Dispenser!

Back injuries can happen because of the careless lifting of heavy objects. To your surprise, you can quite possibly injure your back while using a water dispenser. This can happen if you lift the large bottle with an improper technique. Most people bend at their waist and pick up the bottle straight away. Let’s adhere to the proper bottle lifting technique to ensure that you are refilling your water dispenser safely.

1. Bend not at the waist, but at your knees when lifting.

2. Keep your back straight, and go into a squatting position when lifting.

3. Tilt the bottle to the side, to be able to get a hand underneath the heavy bottle, and hold the brim with your other hand so that you have a secure grip.

4. Keep your back straight, and stand using your legs.

5. Tilt the bottle onto the dispenser, and voila! You have successfully and safely replaced your water bottle without hurting your back.

Don’t: Forget Electrical Safety Precautions.

To avoid any electrical accidents, it’s best to have the water supply far from the electrical socket and that the area around the water dispenser’s power point is kept clean and dry. Consider having your water dispenser plugged in at a higher power point to avoid potential hazards should the dispenser leak with the cord at the floor level. Say no to the risk of electrocution!

Water dispensers are like every other appliance. To keep them in tip-top shape, they require regular maintenance and cleaning. When well taken care of, these units can provide constant and safe refreshment throughout their lifespan. What’s more, minimizing the risk of water dispenser-related injuries and issues is quite easy. All you need to do on your part is be vigilant.

At Delcol, we offer cleaning and water filter replacement services for your comfort. Delcol has almost 30 years experience in ensuring Malaysians have access to clean water. Feel free to consult with our experts today!