Drinking fountains are a staple in schools, parks, warehouses, and public buildings. But like any plumbing fixture, they need consistent upkeep to stay clean, functional, and safe to use. Ignoring basic maintenance can lead to clogs, leaks, and even costly water damage, especially in cold climates where freezing is a risk.

This guide covers the essentials of drinking fountain maintenance, including how to shut off water lines, unclog drains, winterize units, and more. Whether you're prepping for seasonal changes or troubleshooting a slow drain, these practical steps will help extend the life of your equipment and keep everything running smoothly.

How to Shut Off Water to a Drinking Fountain

Whether you're performing routine maintenance or preparing for winter, knowing how to shut off the water supply is a crucial first step. Most drinking fountains connect to a dedicated water line with a local shut-off valve nearby, but the location and access can vary depending on your building layout and installation.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1.Locate the shut-off valve. Check directly behind or beneath the unit. In some cases, the valve may be inside a wall panel, utility closet, or ceiling access point.

2.Clear access. Make sure the area is safe to work in. If the fountain is wall-mounted or recessed, you might need to remove a panel to reach the plumbing.

3.Turn off the water. Use an adjustable wrench or your hand (if it's a hand-turn valve) to rotate the valve clockwise until it's fully closed.

4.Test the shut-off. Activate the fountain to confirm that the water flow has stopped. This prevents accidental leaks during further maintenance or disassembly.

When to Shut Off the Water:

You should shut off the water to a drinking fountain before unclogging the drain or removing any internal parts, as well as prior to winterization or when the unit will be deactivated for an extended period. It’s also essential to cut off the water supply when troubleshooting persistent leaks or preparing for renovations and relocations. Taking this step helps prevent water damage and ensures a safer, cleaner work area during maintenance.

Shutting off the water protects both the unit and the surrounding area, especially in high-traffic environments. It’s a simple step that helps avoid bigger issues down the line.

How to Unclog a Drinking Fountain Drain

A slow-draining or backed-up fountain isn’t just a nuisance; it’s a sanitation issue. Left unchecked, standing water can attract bacteria and leave a poor impression on users. Fortunately, most drain clogs can be cleared with a few basic tools and a little patience.

Signs Your Fountain Drain is Clogged:

-Water is pooling around the drain

-Gurgling noises during use

-Slow or inconsistent drainage after activation

How to Clear the Blockage:

Power down or shut off the water. If your fountain has refrigeration or electrical components, unplug it before starting. If not already done, turn off the water supply using the steps from the previous section.

Remove the drain grille or cover. Use a screwdriver to lift off the cover. Some models may require a specialty tool depending on the design.

Inspect and clear visible debris. Food wrappers, paper, and other debris are common culprits. Use a pair of gloves or needle-nose pliers to remove any buildup.

Use a flexible drain brush or plumber’s snake. Gently feed the tool into the drain to break up blockages. Be careful not to force it, especially in older or plastic piping.

Flush the drain. Pour hot (not boiling) water down the drain to help clear any remaining residue. A mix of hot water and a safe, non-corrosive drain cleaner may also help loosen buildup.

Reassemble and test. Replace the drain cover, turn the water back on, and test the flow. If drainage is still slow, the clog may be further down the line and require professional assistance.

Preventative Tips:

To keep your drinking fountain drain clear and functioning properly, clean the drain area weekly to remove any surface buildup. Installing strainers or screens can help catch debris before it enters the system, reducing the risk of clogs. It’s also important to avoid harsh chemical cleaners, which can corrode internal components and shorten the lifespan of the unit. Regular, gentle upkeep goes a long way in preventing drainage issues.

Most minor clogs can be resolved in under 30 minutes, especially when caught early. Regular inspection keeps your fountain hygienic and functioning as it should.

How to Winterize a Drinking Fountain

If your drinking fountain is located in an area exposed to freezing temperatures, winterization is a non-negotiable part of seasonal maintenance. Water left in the lines can freeze, expand, and crack internal components, leading to leaks, water damage, or complete unit failure come spring.

Follow these steps to protect your equipment before the first freeze hits.

Winterization Checklist:

Shut off the water supply. Use the valve you located earlier to stop water flow to the unit. Confirm it’s fully closed.

Drain all water from the fountain. Open the bubbler valve or push button to release any residual pressure. If your unit has a drain plug or removable trap, use it to fully empty the system.

Blow out remaining water (if possible). For outdoor or hard-plumbed units, connect an air compressor to the inlet line and gently blow out any water left in the pipes. Use low pressure to avoid damaging seals.

Clean and sanitize. Wipe down the exterior, basin, and internal components to prevent mold and bacteria growth during the off-season. Remove any grime or mineral buildup.

Cover the unit securely. Use a durable, weatherproof cover designed for drinking fountains. This keeps out moisture, dirt, and debris while signaling that the unit is out of service.

When to Winterize:

-Before the first expected hard freeze

-If the unit will sit idle for several weeks in cold weather

-In any unheated or outdoor location

Spring Reactivation Tip:

When temperatures warm up, reverse the process: inspect for cracks or leaks, flush the system, and sanitize before restoring service.

Proper winterization extends the lifespan of your drinking fountain and reduces the risk of costly repairs. It’s a once-a-year task that pays off in reliability and performance.

Autoflush Capabilities

In cases when a drinking fountain / water cooler is not being used for a period of time, over a summer vacation for a school, for example, it may be desirable to flush out the water periodically.  While this is not really required, we do sometimes get calls from facility departments asking for this feature.  Unfortunately, most water coolers do not have an auto-flush feature that would enable you to flush the units on a schedule.  One of the reasons for this is the fear that an auto-flush when no one is around could create a hazardous situation.  However the Elkay Cloud Connected Enhanced EZH2O models do come with this feature.  These units, like the LZSTL8WSSP-W1, are intended to only be used in larger operations that are monitoring numerous water coolers at once. 

If the unit has not been used for a long period of time, we do recommend that you replace the filter. 

How Much Water Does a Drinking Fountain Use?

While each use of a drinking fountain may seem minor, the water adds up quickly in busy environments. Most standard units dispense between 0.7 and 1.0 gallons per minute, with total usage depending on how long the fountain runs with each activation. Facilities with high foot traffic, like schools, warehouses, or office buildings, can see hundreds of gallons used per day across multiple units.

Actual consumption varies based on several factors, including flow rate settings, how often the unit is used, and whether it includes a bottle-filling station. Sensor-activated models tend to be more efficient, as they shut off automatically when not in use. Units with bottle fillers can also reduce waste by limiting spillage and encouraging users to refill rather than take multiple sips.

To manage water use more effectively, start by checking each fountain’s flow rate and adjusting it if possible. Most models allow you to lower the flow without compromising drinking quality. Installing low-flow bubbler heads is another easy upgrade that can help control unnecessary output. It’s also worth inspecting for slow drips or internal valve issues, as even small leaks can lead to significant water loss over time.

Monitoring and optimizing your fountains' performance isn’t just good practice; it can lead to meaningful reductions in utility costs and support broader sustainability goals.

Routine Maintenance Checklist

Keep your drinking fountains in top condition with a consistent maintenance routine. Use the checklist below to stay on track:

Daily/Weekly Tasks:

-Wipe down the basin, bubbler, and push buttons with a sanitizing cleaner

-Remove debris from the drain area

-Check for standing water or slow drainage

-Inspect for visible damage or vandalism

-Listen for unusual sounds (buzzing, humming, sputtering)

Monthly Tasks:

-Test and adjust the flow rate if needed

-Check for leaks at supply or drain lines

-Confirm all parts are secure (no loose screws or fittings)

-Inspect the bubbler head for wear or blockages

-Review usage and wear on bottle filler components (if applicable)

Annual Tasks:

-Deep clean internal components and housing

-Flush the water line (especially before peak use seasons)

-Replace worn parts (valves, cartridges, nozzles, filters)

-Inspect refrigeration systems in cooled units

-Document maintenance activity for future reference

A structured maintenance schedule like this helps avoid costly repairs and ensures the unit is clean, compliant, and ready for everyday use.

Common Repairs and When to Call a Pro

Even with regular maintenance, drinking fountains can develop issues that require repair. Some problems are easy to fix in-house, while others call for the expertise of a licensed plumber or technician, especially when dealing with electrical components or deeper plumbing access.

DIY-Friendly Fixes:

-Leaking bubbler or push button: Often caused by worn-out seals or debris in the valve. Replacing the cartridge or flushing the valve can usually solve the problem.

-Low or inconsistent flow: May be due to a partially closed shut-off valve, clogged filter, or sediment buildup. Try cleaning the screen or adjusting the flow regulator.

-Clogged drain: Use a drain brush or plumber’s snake to clear minor blockages (see earlier section).

-Loose exterior parts: Tighten screws, brackets, or panel covers that may have loosened with frequent use.

When to Call a Professional:

-Persistent leaks: If water is pooling beneath the unit or dripping behind walls, you may be dealing with damaged internal piping or failed connections.

-Electrical issues: For refrigerated fountains or units with lighting, any buzzing, cycling, or failure to cool should be evaluated by a technician.

-No water flow at all: This may indicate a mainline issue, frozen pipe, or valve failure that needs more advanced troubleshooting.

-Water quality concerns: If users report strange tastes, odors, or discoloration, shut down the unit and have the water line inspected and tested.

Knowing when to call for help prevents small issues from turning into major repairs. If in doubt, it’s always better to consult a licensed pro than risk damage to the unit—or worse, the building’s plumbing system.

Compliance and Safety Tips

Beyond keeping your drinking fountains clean and functional, it’s essential to ensure they meet safety standards and accessibility requirements. Ignoring these guidelines can put users at risk and lead to costly code violations. It’s also useful to know when drinking fountains are required.

ADA Accessibility

Drinking fountains in public or commercial buildings must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This includes:

-A spout no higher than 36 inches from the floor

-Knee and toe clearance for wheelchair users

-Controls that are easy to operate with one hand and require minimal force

-Proper placement of high/low units when two fountains are installed together

Make sure any upgrades or replacements maintain these clearances. If you’re adding bottle fillers, check that they don’t obstruct access to the bubbler or control panel. Check out our guide on ADA Drinking Fountain Requirements for a thorough look at the requirements.

Water Quality Standards

Drinking water systems must meet both local and federal health regulations, which means using lead-free materials in all plumbing and fixtures, keeping internal lines and filters clean, and flushing stagnant water after extended periods of non-use. This is especially important after shutdowns, seasonal closures, or summer breaks, when standing water can compromise quality and safety. Regular maintenance helps ensure your fountains deliver clean, safe water every time.

Units should also be inspected regularly to ensure they’re not delivering discolored or off-tasting water. If your building has known water quality issues, consider installing certified filters and maintaining a replacement schedule.

Safety Features to Consider

Anti-scald protection: Especially for models connected to mixed-temperature lines

Tamper-resistant components: Useful in schools, parks, and high-traffic areas

Splash guards or recessed basins: Reduce mess and minimize slip hazards

Staying on top of compliance helps protect your users, your facility, and your investment. When in doubt, consult your local building or plumbing codes to verify that your equipment is up to standard.

Conclusion

Maintaining your drinking fountains isn’t just about day-to-day functionality; it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring clean, reliable access to water year-round. From shutting off the water supply and clearing clogs to winterizing and covering units, each step helps prevent downtime, reduce wear, and support user safety.

At Berl’s Commercial Supply, we stock a wide range of drinking fountains, replacement parts, and maintenance tools to keep your systems running smoothly. Whether you're outfitting a new facility or servicing existing units, our team is here to help you find the right solutions for your environment.

When you stay ahead of routine maintenance, you avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your equipment. And with Berl’s as your supply partner, you're backed by durable products, trusted brands, and real industry know-how.