Installing a Drinking Fountain or Plumbed-In Water Cooler: A Checklist

Plumbed-in water coolers and drinking fountains need to be installed by a licensed plumber. Getting a few things ready before you buy makes the install quicker and avoids surprises. Here's the checklist we talk customers through.

Before you buy

• Water supply. You'll need a cold mains water line close to where the unit will stand. An isolation (shut-off) valve at the connection makes future servicing easier.
• Pressure limiting valve. Waterworks requires a certified pressure limiting valve on units such as the D5 and RM33 Blizzard, or the warranty is void.
• Power. Chilled units are refrigerated, so they need a power point nearby.
• Drainage. Drinking fountains and bubblers need a waste connection to carry away spilled water. For example, the Aqua Cooler M11 has a 40 mm waste outlet and needs a trap fitted, which isn't supplied. Office water coolers vary, so check the product page or call us to confirm what your model needs.
• Space and airflow. Refrigerated units need room to breathe. Aqua Cooler asks for 75 mm of clearance on each side of the M Series, away from heat sources.
• Water pressure. Check your site's pressure suits the unit. The M Series works between 100 and 700 kPa.
• Indoors or outdoors. For outdoor spots, check the rating. The M11 is IP33 rated for outdoor and uncovered use. The Waterworks RM33 Blizzard is also IP33, but Waterworks says it must be protected from the weather. The outdoor fountains are built for the weather.
• WaterMark. Make sure the product is WaterMark certified, so your plumber can install it.

On installation day

• Your plumber installs the unit to the Australian plumbing standards (AS/NZS 3500).
• The water is flushed through before first use. Aqua Cooler recommends five minutes for the M Series.
• All connections are checked for leaks, then the unit is plugged in and left to chill.

What about the cost?

Installation isn't included in our prices, and plumbers price jobs differently depending on how far the water, power and drain are from where the unit goes. Send your plumber this checklist and the product page so they can quote accurately.

Not sure? Just give us a call

We've been supplying water coolers and drinking fountains since 2003 and we're happy to talk installations. Call us anytime on 0414 602 800 or 1300 55 32 82. We can talk you or your plumber through what's needed before you buy.

Sources: Aqua Cooler M Series installation instructions; Waterworks 2024 product brochure.