Piped Drinking Fountains
Piped drinking fountains serve a public need by offering people access to clean, fresh water. They offer a more egalitarian alternative to purchasing and drinking bottled water and can accommodate many users including children, runners and the homeless.
Drinking fountains come in a variety of materials including stainless steel and premium composite with a white finish. They can also be ADA accessible for the physically impaired.
Safety
Many people are reluctant to drink from a public fountain due to the fears of germs and bacteria. However, the fear is unfounded. Germs are most likely to be picked up when the fountain is used improperly. The fountains must be cleaned regularly to minimize the amount of bacteria present.
Studies in daycare centers have found that water fountain handles are often the most contaminated surfaces. They have been found to carry rotavirus which can cause diarrhea, and strains of the flu and norovirus that can lead to vomiting and stomach cramps.
When a fountain is not cleaned properly, bacterial growth is encouraged. It is also possible for contaminates to be carried in from the water supply and other areas of the building. Water filtration is an essential part of any drinking fountain or water feature maintenance program.
Fountains with deep water basins can pose a drowning risk for children. Choosing a fountain with shallow water depth reduces this risk significantly. Fountains should be surrounded by a protective mat to reduce the risk of children falling into the water. The mat should be designed with tapered edges and not extend into the flow of foot traffic where it could become a tripping hazard.
Stagnant water in fountain pipes and reservoirs is a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria like Legionella. The water temperature in the fountain should be maintained at 20 to 45 degrees Celsius to prevent this. A fountain with a pump to keep the water moving can help to prevent stagnation, but it can also warm the water and increase the risk of legionella contamination.
Maintenance
Drinking fountains aren’t just great for hydration, they can also be great for health and hygiene. However, these fountains can become havens for germs if they are not properly maintained and cleaned. This is where a specialist drinking fountain service technician can come in to the rescue.
Fountain maintenance is fairly simple, and it often involves just changing the filter and cleaning the unit. Changing the fountain’s filters regularly keeps the water crystal clean and reduces residue build-up. Cleaning the fountain can be done by using a high-quality disinfectant. If you are concerned Piped drinking fountains about germs and want to keep your fountain looking its best, consider hiring a specialised cleaning and disinfection company.
Besides the usual cleaning and flushing, the fountain’s pump should be checked regularly to ensure it is working correctly. If you hear a strange noise or notice an odd taste, this is probably a sign that something is wrong with the pump and should be checked immediately by a professional.
Lastly, it is important to prepare your outdoor drinking fountain for winter. This means removing any debris and ice, as well as covering the fountain to protect it from snow and cold weather conditions. You should also ensure that the fountain is adequately drained and ready to go once warmer weather arrives. This will help prevent any damage to the pump or a build-up of residue in the water.
Flow
Drinking fountains can be a source of nostalgia for many people who remember getting their thirst quenched on a hot school day by the arching spray of a pristine, bubbly stream. But there are practical reasons to install them in your facility as well. Besides the health benefits of drinking water, they can also help you reduce the amount of plastic waste your facility produces.
It’s important that fountain nozzles and jets are clean so they don’t rob the fountain of its performance over time. This can be prevented by installing a sand filter or a flint-sand filter that filters the fountain’s water on a regular basis.
Flow is another important factor in your fountain’s design. Ideally, you want the spouts to be located close to the ground. This allows children and special needs users to easily reach them without bending down too far, and also helps the water stay colder longer.
Most piped fountains feature several spouts so they can serve a variety of users at the same time. For example, you can have a spout for direct drinking and one to fill bottles. Bottle fillers are an increasingly popular addition to drinking fountains, especially for facilities that have a focus on sustainability and reduced plastic waste. They can be installed as separate stations or as attachments to a fountain, and many feature an indicator that shows how much plastic has been saved by the dispenser.
Design
A piped drinking fountain is a centralized system that filter water machine for home dispenses water. Typically connected to a building’s water supply, they may be indoor or outdoor and wall-mounted, freestanding or embedded. Some also supply chilled water. They’re activated with a button, lever or foot pedal.
Drinking fountains are a great way to provide access to fresh, clean water in public spaces for people of all ages and abilities. They can help to reduce the use of disposable plastic bottles, reducing waste and saving money for both businesses and consumers. It’s also a great way to promote the importance of drinking water, encouraging healthy lifestyles among employees and visitors.
The design of a fountain is often influenced by the surrounding environment and architecture. Some are designed to look like old countryside springs, while others have more modern lines. Whether they’re designed for indoor or outdoor use, fountains are generally easy to maintain and durable. They’re also extremely versatile, able to be used in a variety of locations and environments.
Stainless steel is an especially popular material for fountains. Its durability and resilience means that it can withstand heavy use, changes in weather conditions and general wear and tear. It’s also resistant to corrosion, making it an excellent choice for fountains in harsh environments such as parks and public spaces. It’s also available in a wide range of finishes, from matte to high gloss.
