How to Set Up a Hot and Cold Water Dispenser at Home

Setting up an Awesome Water Cooler is genuinely straightforward — no plumber, no tools, no drama. Here’s exactly what to do from unboxing to first use.

Browse our water dispenser range or see our Water Coolers Guide.

Before You Start

Choose a location that’s flat, stable, away from direct sunlight and heat sources, and within reach of a standard power outlet. Allow at least 10cm clearance around the unit for ventilation. For a freestanding model, make sure there’s enough floor space — most models are approximately 30cm x 30cm footprint.

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Unbox and inspect. Remove all packaging and check the unit for any transit damage. Keep the box for the first few weeks in case you need to return it.
2. Insert the filter cartridge. If not pre-installed, insert the 8-stage KDF filter cartridge into the bottle neck as shown in the instructions included with your unit.
3. Fill the BPA-free bottle. Fill with clean tap water. The filter does the rest — no need to pre-filter or use bottled water.
4. Seat the bottle. For freestanding models, invert the bottle and seat it firmly on the cooler’s bottle mount. For benchtop models, place the bottle in the designated reservoir. You’ll hear a small gurgle as water flows in — that’s normal.
5. Plug in and wait. Connect to a standard power outlet. Allow 30 minutes for the cold tank to chill and 20–30 minutes for the hot tank to heat before use.
6. Flush the first draw. Dispense and discard the first 1–2 litres through the cold tap. This flushes residual carbon fines from the new filter. The water is safe but may appear slightly grey — completely normal with a new cartridge.
7. You’re ready. Cold water at 4°C, hot water at 92°C, on demand.

Ongoing Maintenance

Replace the filter cartridge every 6–12 months — browse our replacement cartridge range. Sanitise the reservoir every 3–6 months — see: How to Clean a Water Cooler. Wipe the tap spouts and drip tray weekly.

Frequently Asked Questions