Water coolers make hydration simple — just press a button for hot, cold, or room-temperature water. But like any appliance, they work hard every day and need regular care to stay in good shape.
The good news? Water cooler maintenance is simple. A little upkeep can help your Brio cooler last longer and keep your water tasting great.
Whether you have a top-load, bottom-load, bottleless (point-of-use), or tankless reverse osmosis system, these tips will help you keep things running smoothly.
General Water Cooler Maintenance Tips
Some basic maintenance applies to all Brio water coolers, regardless of type. Top priority? Cleaning your water cooler. Regular washing keeps your cooler’s performance at its peak. It also ensures the water tastes clean and stays free of unwanted germs.
Always remember to unplug the cooler before cleaning the interior, and let hot water (if you have it) cool down. Empty the reservoirs first, and consult your product manual to avoid damaging internal components. (You can find the manual on the product page of your Brio cooler.)
Use these Solutions as Needed:
For regular cleaning: Mild soap and water or a 1:1 white vinegar and water solution.
Then follow these simple steps:
• Wipe down the exterior: Use a soft cloth and mild soap or vinegar solution. Disinfect if someone in your household is sick or immunocompromised.
• Clean the spout and dispensing lever: Areas that get touched frequently can collect grime. Use your cleaning solution and a clean cloth to wipe them regularly.
• Check for leaks: If you spot moisture, inspect tubing, connectors, and bottle placement. A cracked bottle, loose cap, or misaligned valve can cause slow leaks. A quick check might be all it takes to fix the water cooler.
• Flush after setup or long breaks: After installing a new cooler or returning from time away, flush the system to clear dust or stagnant water.
A clean water cooler runs efficiently and provides pure, refreshing water. Now, let’s look at a few tips for different types of Brio coolers, starting with top-load models.
Maintenance for Top-Load Coolers
Top-loading water dispensers need a little extra care because the bottle sits above the unit and uses gravity to pull water into the reservoir. The process can expose the internal components to dirt and bacteria, especially during bottle changes.
• Sanitize every 3–4 months: Unplug the unit, remove the bottle, and drain any water from the cold and hot taps. Mix 200g (approximately 1.5 cups) of citric acid crystals with 2 gallons of hot water (or use a 1:3 vinegar and water solution). Pour the solution into the reservoirs and let it sit for 20 minutes before draining and rinsing thoroughly with clean water.
• Avoid bottle backwash: Wipe the bottle with a clean cloth before installing. Don’t touch the nozzle or reservoir.
• Inspect the bottle cap and seal: A cracked or loose cap can let air or bacteria into the system. Replace damaged bottles and store them upright.
• Flush before first use: Run water through both taps to clear out air bubbles when installing a top-load cooler or after not using it for a while. Make sure the reservoirs fill completely before turning on the heating and cooling switches.
Refer to your Brio user manual for details. You can download a PDF directly from your model’s product page if needed. For example, you can grab a manual for Brio’s SIMPL Tankless RO Undersink Filtration System 400GPD from the left side of the page.
Maintenance for Bottom-Load Coolers
Bottom-loading water coolers require less heavy lifting, but they need occasional care, especially for the pump and internal tubing.
• Replace the bottle promptly: Running the cooler with an empty bottle can lead to overheating, especially if the reservoirs are drained of water. This is very damaging and dangerous. Always replace empty bottles before they’re dry.
• Clean the bottle probe regularly: The probe — the narrow tube inside the bottle — can harbor germs and scale. Wipe it with a cloth dipped in warm, soapy water, or use a diluted vinegar or citric acid solution. Let it dry before inserting it into a new bottle.
• Flush the reservoir every 3–4 months: Run a cleaning solution through the system to flush out sediment, scale, or stagnant water. Rinse with clean water.
• Maintain airflow and ventilation: Bottom-load coolers use a compressor to chill water like refrigerators do. If vents are blocked, the cooling system has to work harder. Leave at least 8 inches of space around the unit and clear vents to prevent overheating.
Place your cooler in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat-generating appliances. Ventilation can extend the life of the cooling system and ensure your water stays at the right temperature.
Maintenance for Bottleless/Point-of-Use (POU) Coolers
Bottleless or point-of-use (POU) coolers connect directly to your water line and include built-in filtration. Regular maintenance promotes top performance and water quality.
• Replace filters on schedule: Sediment, carbon, and reverse osmosis membranes are typically replaced every 6 to 12 months.
• Sanitize the reservoir and spouts: Unplug the cooler every 3 to 4 months and allow hot water to cool. Drain the system, then flush the reservoir and spouts with a cleaning solution made with white vinegar, bleach, or citric acid crystals. Let it sit for 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. This type of cleaning will prevent mineral buildup and microbial growth.
• Check water pressure: If water flow seems sluggish, check filters for clogs and make sure all connections are secure. Also, verify that the water shutoff valve is fully open.
• Keep a clean water cooler: Make it a habit to wipe down exterior surfaces, including the dispensing area, with a soft cloth and cleaning solution to avoid grime and bacteria buildup.
Following a regular maintenance schedule can extend your bottleless cooler’s lifespan while providing pure hydration.
Maintenance for Tankless RO Systems (Like Brio SIMPL)
Tankless reverse osmosis (RO) systems like Brio SIMPL are compact and need little upkeep. But they still require routine care to stay in top condition.
• Follow filter replacement guidelines: Staying on schedule ensures water purity and peak operation.
• PAC filter: Replace every 12 months.
• RO membrane: Replace every 24 months (depending on your water quality and usage).
• Use only Brio-approved replacement filters: Third-party filters might not fit properly or work well, and they could void your warranty.
• Flush the system after filter changes: Run water for a few minutes to remove air bubbles and carbon particles for a clean, consistent flow.
• Check your manual for specifics: Different models may have slightly different procedures. You can find digital manuals on the product page, like this one for Brio’s new SIMPL Tankless RO Undersink Filtration System.
With a few quick tasks, tankless systems keep on delivering clean, great-tasting water for years.
Final Tip: Keep Your Manual Handy
Every Brio water cooler is a little different, so your best resource is your user manual. It outlines proper cleaning methods, the recommended filter replacement schedule, and basic troubleshooting steps.
Lost the manual? Most Brio product manuals are available for download on the product listing page. You can also check the Brio Help Center. If you’re having trouble and aren’t sure how to fix your water cooler, your manual is the best place to start.
Clean, Cool, and Simple
Water cooler maintenance is easy. Small habits keep your cooler running smoothly and your water tasting fresh.
Need help finding replacement filters or looking for a new cooler that fits your lifestyle? Explore our filtration systems online.
