Drinking Fountain Maintenance
Maintenance of Drinking Fountains
Stainless steel drinking fountains require minimal but regular maintenance. Alongside regular cleaning the tap should be checked to make sure it is operating properly. It may be a simple tap but regular use will increase wear times, and if it is not used on a regular basis the make sure the tap isn’t sticking and wasting water.
Many local water boards have leaflets and guidelines on installing and maintaining drinking fountains in public areas. You can view the Bristol Water Leaflet here.
Adjusting Drinking Fountain Bubbler Valve Taps
The bubbler valve tap (NSF approved model only) can be adjusted to increase or decrease the flow rate and projection of the water stream.
The following operation can be performed without disconnecting or isolating the water supply.
Remove the cap nut (6) and button (5) from the top of the valve body, this will reveal the top of the cartridge which has a small screwdriver slot for adjustment.
The screw turns clockwise to increase the flow, and anti-clockwise to decrease the flow.
With a static pressure of 60 PSI and the adjustment set to zero flow:
Two turns clockwise will produce a flow rate of 0.86 litres per minute.
Five turns clockwise will produce a flow rate of 2.35 litres per minute.
Differing pressures (PSI) will result in different flow rates per turn of the screw.
Care should be taken when turning the adjustment screw to not go past the natural stops and damage the cartridge.
Leaking Bubbler Valve
The bubbler valves are very robust but can sometimes leak if they have been subject to freezing weather. The water inside the cartridge can freeze causing the cartridge to crack. To prevent damage the water supply should be isolated and the water drained from the pipework and valve.
If leaking does occur the bubbler valve cartridge (3) can be easily replaced by isolating the water supply, removing the capnut (6) and button (5), removing the locknut (4) underneath the button and replacing the cartridge (3) and washer (2).