WATER DISPENSER

A water dispenser is a device that dispenses water. They are generally broken up in two
categories: bottle-less and bottled water coolers. Bottle-less water cooler are hooked up to
a water supply, while bottled water coolers require delivery (or self pick up) of water in
large bottles from vendors.
The most common form of the water cooler is wall mounted and connected to the
building's water supply for a continuous supply of water and electricity to run
a refrigeration unit to cool the incoming water, and to the building's waste disposal
system to dispose of unused water. Some versions are freestanding floor models, which
are becoming more popular in countries where it is not common to drink water straight
from the tap.
In the standard wall-mounted cooler, also commonly referred to as a water
fountain or drinking fountain, a small tank in the machine holds chilled water so the user
does not have to wait for chilled water. Water is delivered by turning or pressing a button
on a spring-loaded valve located on the top of the unit that turns off the water when
released. Some devices also offer a large button on the front or side. Water is delivered in
a stream that arches up allowing the user to drink directly from the top of the stream of
water. These devices usually dispense water directly from the municipal water supply,
without treatment or filtering.
A newer, free-standing design involves bottles of water, usually treated in some way,
placed spout-down into the dispensing machine. To install the bottle, the bottle is tipped
upside down and set onto the dispenser; a probe punctures the cap of the bottle and
allows the water to flow into the machine's internal reservoir. These machines come in
different sizes and vary from table units, intended for occasional use to floor-mounted
units intended for heavier use. Bottled Water normally is delivered to the household or
business on a regularly basis, where empty bottles are exchanged for full ones.
Commonly a cup dispenser can be mounted to the side of the unit to keep disposable
paper or plastic cups handy for use. The bottle size varies with the size of the unit with
the larger versions in the US using 5 gallon bottles. This is also the most common size
elsewhere, labeled as 18.9 liters in countries that use the metric system. Some units offer
a refrigeration function to chill the water. These units do not have a place to dump excess
water, only offering a small basin to catch minor spills. On the front, a lever or push
button dispenses the water into a cup held beneath the spigot. When the water container is
empty, it is lifted off the top of the dispenser, and automatically seals to prevent any
excess water still in the bottle from leaking.
These gravity-powered systems have a device to dispense water in a controlled manner.
Some versions also have a second dispenser that delivers room temperature water or even
heated water that can be used for tea, hot chocolate, or instant coffee. The water in the
alternate hot tap is generally heated with a heating element and a hot tank (much like the
traditional hot water heaters used in residential homes). Additionally, the hot tap is
equipped with a push-in safety valve to prevent burns from an accidental or inadvertent
pressing of the lever.