Piped Drinking Fountains
Despite concerns about fountains causing illness and disease, studies have found limited evidence of direct links between drinking water fountains and contamination. This is due to the need for testing, standard protocols for fountain maintenance and a nationwide effort to upgrade old water infrastructure.
Stainless steel fountains have a natural resistance to rust and deterioration. They also look great in a variety of settings.
Types
There are several types of piped drinking fountains that can be installed in schools, offices and other commercial spaces. Some are free standing while others are recessed in walls or built into buildings. The amount of water they provide can vary as well. It is important to determine the number of people who will use the fountain before determining the type that’s best for you. Tables are provided in most manufacturers’ literature to help calculate the number of people served per hour to ensure that enough water is available.
Some fountains also feature point of use filters that can be used to clean dispensed water. These can be very helpful if your water source has been tested and found to contain contaminants, such as lead. It’s a cost-effective alternative to installing full-scale filtration systems or replacing the plumbing.
Many drinking fountains are now available with bottle-refill spigots to encourage the use of reusable bottles in your facility. This is good for the environment as it helps to eliminate the need for disposable plastic water bottles. It can also save money for the user, and cut waste disposal costs associated with discarded single-use plastic bottles. This is a great option for schools that are trying to reduce their carbon footprint and promote environmental awareness amongst students. Bottle-refill stations are typically available in vandal resistant, stainless steel models that can withstand heavy usage.
Materials
Piped drinking fountains are constructed from durable materials such as stainless steel and concrete that can stand up to the elements. Many feature a high-polish finish that resists corrosion. For a cleaner look, some are available with an integrated back-guard that covers the fountain’s plumbing and eliminates the need for exposed pipes.
Providing clean, fresh water is a critical public health requirement and a good Piped drinking fountains way to reduce the consumption of sugary beverages that contribute to obesity and poor health. Public fountains also help reduce the amount of waste generated from single-use water bottles.
In addition to the health benefits, public fountains are a great way to enhance a community’s image and attract visitors. They can be installed indoors and outdoors and can accommodate all ages of people, including infants, elderly people and those with physical disabilities.
Incorporating the latest innovations in drinking fountain design can make them more appealing to people of all ages and provide a range of useful features such as filtration, bottle refilling and refrigeration. Newer fountains also tend to be more energy efficient, which saves money on utility bills and reduces environmental impact. Some drinking fountains are available in a variety of colors to suit any environment.
Installation
If you’re a commercial property owner, there are many things you can do to make sure that your employees and visitors stay hydrated. One popular trend that our plumbing company in Houston has noticed is the addition of bottle-filling stations. With people increasingly being health and environmentally conscious, they prefer to travel with a reusable Smart water dispenser water bottle that they can easily refill on the go. The fountains we install usually feature taller fixtures, which allows you to fill bottles without tipping them over, and they also offer a quick, easy, and mess-free experience.
Another popular option is the use of bubblers, which vary in design from basic spigots to more advanced options like the arc bubbler. The most sophisticated bubblers are designed to dispense water into a shallow, wide stream that helps prevent direct contact with the mouth. They are often also accompanied by a water filter, which keeps the fountain from becoming contaminated with minerals and scale, and an anti-microbial coating that helps keep it clean.
While some bubblers have been linked to illness and disease outbreaks, such as Legionnaire’s disease and hepatitis A, the bacteria in question are usually found in buildings that have not been cleaned properly or in old water infrastructure. In fact, the majority of the outbreaks and illnesses are caused by bacteria in toilet facilities rather than drinking fountains.
Maintenance
Water fountains are plumbed into the water system and deliver fresh, cold water to users from a small spout. Excess water lands in a basin beneath the spout and is drained away. Fountains need regular maintenance to keep the spout clear of debris and keep the basin free from dirt. Many people turn the fountain off when they’re not using it for a while, but this can damage the pump. Instead, leave the fountain on and only turn it off for cleaning or when water is unavailable.
The piping in a fountain may need to be replaced after a while, depending on the material. Ductile iron is the most common material for fountain piping, and it’s susceptible to surface corrosion over time. Corrosion causes the material surface to thin, making it rough and restricting the piping’s flow capacity.
The temperature of your fountain’s water also impacts how quickly bacteria can grow. Maintaining water temperatures below 68 degrees Fahrenheit or above 130 degrees Fahrenheit mitigates Legionella growth, but it’s difficult to keep such low temperatures consistent over time.
Fountain pumps need regular, thorough cleaning to avoid clogs. When the fountain is empty, spray a cleaning solution onto a brush and scrub the pump. Be sure to clean the grate cover as well, as mould and mildew can build up here.
