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CALL US NOW 0800 477 746
Most common cause: A cracked bottle
In almost every case, a leak from a bottle top cooler is caused by a crack or tiny hole in the water bottle. This can happen if the bottle is dropped, knocked, or roughly handled. The crack may be so small that water does not visibly escape, but it is still large enough for air to enter under suction.
When air gets into the bottle, it allows more water than normal to flow into the cooler tank and overfill it, which then appears as a leak from the cooler. If this happens:
If you put a new bottle on without first draining the excess water, it will overflow and make it look like the cooler is still leaking.
Less common cause: Internal cooler leak
If the bottle is not cracked or damaged, the leak may be from the cooler itself (for example, a loose or faulty internal component).
Please contact Spring on 09 636 7070 and one of our technicians will repair or replace your cooler.
A dripping tap usually indicates a worn or misaligned tap mechanism or O-ring.
Try the following:
1. Check tap is fully closed
Make sure the tap handle has returned fully to the “off” position.
2. Inspect for damage
Look for visible cracks in the tap body or handle.
3. Try a few firm on/off actions
Sometimes small particles can stop the tap from sealing properly. Turning the tap fully on and off a few times can flush them away.
If the tap continues to drip or leak from the base, please contact Spring on 09 636 7070. We can repair or replace the tap assembly.
If your water tastes unusual:
1. Check the bottle age
Make sure you are using a fresh bottle within its recommended shelf life.
If the bottle has been open on the cooler for a long time, replace it with a new one.
2. Clean the cooler
Taste can be affected by a build-up of mineral deposits or bacteria inside the reservoir or taps.
Wipe the exterior surfaces, clean the drip tray, and follow any Spring cleaning instructions you have received.
If your cooler has not been sanitised for a long time, contact Spring to arrange a service.
3. Check storage conditions
Bottles should be stored out of direct sunlight and away from strong odours (e.g. chemicals, cleaning products, or strong-smelling foods).
Heat and UV light can affect the taste of water.
If the taste issue persists after changing to a new bottle and cleaning your cooler, call Spring on 09 636 7070 so we can investigate and service the unit if needed.
Bottle top coolers use a refrigeration system to chill water. If the water is not cold enough:
1. Allow enough cooling time
After installing a new bottle or plugging the unit back in, allow at least 30–60 minutes for the water to fully chill.
2. Check the power
Make sure the cooler is plugged in and switched on at the wall.
Confirm any “cold” or “cool” switch on the back or side of the cooler is turned on (if fitted).
3. Check ventilation and location
Ensure there is space around the cooler for air to circulate, especially at the back.
Avoid placing the cooler in direct sunlight, next to ovens, heaters, or in very hot, enclosed spaces.
4. Check thermostat (if adjustable)
Some coolers have a temperature adjustment dial. Ensure it is set to an appropriate cooling level, not at the warmest setting.
If the water is still not cooling after these checks and sufficient time, the refrigeration system may require servicing. Please contact Spring on 09 636 7070.
For hot/cold bottle top coolers:
1. Confirm hot function is on
Check that the power is connected and any “hot” switch on the cooler is turned on.
Many units have a separate on/off switch or indicator light for the hot function.
2. Allow heating time
After switching the unit on, allow 15–20 minutes for the water to reach the proper hot temperature.
3. Check usage
Very high use in a short period can temporarily reduce the hot water temperature.
Allow some time for the hot tank to recover and reheat.
If your hot water remains only lukewarm or cold, there may be a fault with the heating element or thermostat. Contact Spring on 09 636 7070 for service.
Water coming out at room temperature can be caused by:
1. Power issues
The cooler may not be plugged in or switched on.
Check the wall socket, power cord, and any switches on the cooler.
2. Hot or cold switches off
Many coolers have separate hot and cold switches.
Make sure the relevant switch is turned on (for cold or hot water).
3. Initial start-up or recent move
If the cooler was just installed or moved, it may need time to cool or heat the water.
Allow up to an hour for cooling and around 20 minutes for heating.
If power is on, switches are correctly set, and the unit has had enough time to heat or chill, but water is still only room temperature, please contact Spring for technical support.
If no water comes out of the taps:
1. Check the bottle
Ensure the bottle is properly seated on the cooler.
Sometimes the cap insert can block the flow if it has not been pierced correctly when the bottle was placed onto the spike.
2. Look for vacuum lock
Very rarely, an airlock can prevent water from flowing.
Remove the bottle briefly, then re-seat it firmly and try the taps again.
3. Check taps
Confirm that the tap handles are moving freely and not jammed.
If water still does not dispense, there may be a blockage or internal fault. Please call Spring on 09 636 7070 so we can inspect or replace the cooler.
When moving your bottle top cooler:
1. Always remove the bottle first
Never transport the cooler with a bottle fitted.
This prevents spills and damage to the bottle spike and cooler.
2. Keep the cooler upright
Keep the unit standing upright at all times during transport to protect the refrigeration system.
If the cooler has been laid down:
Stand it upright at the destination and leave it for at least 2–4 hours before switching it back on, allowing the refrigerant and oil to settle.
3. Secure in vehicle
Make sure the cooler is strapped or wedged securely to prevent tipping or sliding.
4. Unplug before moving
Disconnect from the power and allow any hot surfaces to cool before transport.
If you need to store or ship your cooler:
1. Clean and dry
Drain the reservoir through the taps.
Wipe down and ensure the interior is as dry as possible to prevent mould or odours.
2. Protect the taps and spike
If you still have the original packaging, use it.
Otherwise, wrap the taps and bottle spike area in bubble wrap or soft material to protect them from impacts.
3. Box and cushion
Place the cooler in a sturdy carton.
Fill any gaps with padding (foam, cardboard, or bubble wrap) so the unit cannot move around inside the box.
4. Mark as “FRAGILE” and “UPRIGHT”
Clearly label the box to reduce the risk of damage during handling and transport.
1. Choose a suitable location
Flat, stable surface.
Close to a power point.
Out of direct sunlight and away from heaters or ovens.
With clear space around the cooler for ventilation.
2. Set up the cooler
Place the cooler upright and ensure it is level.
If it has been transported horizontally, let it stand upright (unplugged) for 2–4 hours before turning it on.
3. Fit the bottle
Remove the cap or tamper seal according to Spring’s bottle instructions.
Quickly flip the bottle and place it onto the cooler spike, ensuring it is centred and the spike fully penetrates the cap insert.
4. Power on and wait
Plug in and switch on at the wall.
Turn on the hot and cold switches (if fitted).
Wait at least 30–60 minutes for full cooling and 15–20 minutes for hot water to reach temperature.
5. Test the taps
Dispense a small amount of water from each tap to confirm correct flow and temperature.
If you have any doubts about installation, contact Spring for assistance.
Most likely cause: A push-lock fitting is leaking
Many plumbed-in coolers use push-lock (push-fit) fittings. Over time, the O-rings or collars inside these fittings can perish or wear out, causing leaks.
To address this:
1. Turn the water off
Locate and turn off the water at the isolation valve feeding the cooler.
2. Release the pipe
Hold the collar on the leaking push-lock fitting back firmly.
While holding the collar, gently pull the pipe out of the fitting.
3. Replace the fitting
Obtain a new push-lock fitting of the same size/type.
Push the pipe fully into the new fitting until it is firmly seated.
4. Turn the water back on and check
Slowly turn the isolation valve back on.
Check carefully for any sign of leakage around the fittings and filter.
If you are unsure or the leak persists, please contact Spring on 09 636 7070 for a technician to visit.
If a plumbed-in cooler is not dispensing:
1. Check the water supply
Make sure the water isolation valve is fully open.
Confirm there are no known issues with the building water supply.
2. Inspect the inlet line and filter
Look for any obvious kinks or damage in the inlet hose.
A severely blocked filter can also restrict flow; if the filter is overdue for replacement, contact Spring.
3. Check for internal safety shut-offs
Some systems have leak-detection or float valves that stop water flow if a leak is detected or if the reservoir is full.
If you cannot restore water flow with these checks, please call Spring on 09 636 7070 so we can diagnose and repair the cooler.
A leaking tap on a plumbed-in cooler is usually due to worn seals, O-rings, or a damaged tap body.
Steps to take:
1. Check tap is fully closed
Ensure the handle has returned completely to the off position.
2. Inspect visually
Look for cracks in the tap or where it connects to the cooler.
3. Observe where it leaks
Dripping from the spout generally indicates a sealing issue inside the tap.
Leaking around the base or behind the tap suggests a connection problem.
Do not attempt major disassembly unless instructed. Contact Spring on 09 636 7070 for repair or replacement of the tap.
For plumbed-in coolers:
1. Filter age
Most taste issues relate to filters being overdue for replacement.
If your filter service is due or overdue, please contact Spring to arrange a filter change.
2. Water supply
Taste can occasionally be affected by changes in the local mains supply.
If you notice a sudden change in taste from all taps in the building (not just the cooler), it may be a mains water issue.
3. Cooler hygiene
As with bottle top coolers, the internal tank and taps should be cleaned and sanitised periodically.
If taste remains unusual after a filter change and cleaning, please report it to Spring so we can further investigate.
For plumbed-in coolers:
1. Allow cooling time after start-up
After installation or restart, allow 30–60 minutes for full chilling.
2. Check power and switches
Confirm the cooler is plugged in and switched on.
Ensure the cooling switch (if present) is on.
3. Ventilation and environment
Make sure the cooler has good airflow around it, particularly at the back and sides.
Avoid enclosing the unit tightly in cupboards with poor ventilation unless it is specifically designed for that purpose.
If the water remains warm or only slightly cool, contact Spring on 09 636 7070 to check the refrigeration system.
If neither hot nor cold functions appear to be working:
1. Power check
Verify that power is on at the wall and that any on/off switches on the cooler are on.
Check that the power cord is firmly connected.
2. Function switches
Ensure both hot and cold switches (if present) are switched on.
3. Recent restart
After maintenance, moving, or switching off the unit, allow sufficient time for the water to heat or chill again.
If water still only comes out at room temperature after these checks, a component (such as the compressor or heating element) may need service. Please contact Spring for assistance.
The drip tray collects small spills and drips from the taps. It will overflow if not emptied regularly.
1. Check and empty regularly
Remove the tray carefully, keeping it level to avoid spills.
Empty it into a sink and rinse it.
2. Clean the tray and grill
Wash with warm soapy water and dry before replacing.
Keeping the tray clean helps prevent odours and bacteria.
If you find water appearing around the drip tray even when it is not full, there may be a separate leak. In that case, contact Spring on 09 636 7070.
To connect your Spring Box (bag-in-box) to the compatible cooler:
1. Prepare the connector
Unscrew or loosen the upper top knob on the connector assembly attached to the cooler.
2. Prepare the bag tap (Vitop tap)
Remove the tamperproof seal from the Vitop tap on the Spring Bag.
3. Insert the Vitop tap
Place the Vitop tap fully into the connector, pushing it in firmly so it seats correctly and securely.
4. Open the flow
Turn the top knob to the open position to allow water to flow from the Spring Box into the cooler.
Once connected, test the taps on the cooler to confirm water is flowing correctly.
If your SB1 Spring Box system is beeping:
1. Check for low or empty bag
Many systems beep when the water bag is nearly empty or empty.
Inspect the Spring Bag; if it is empty or very light, replace it with a full bag and reconnect as described above.
2. Check for leaks or overflow
Some units may have an alarm for internal leaks or a full overflow tray.
Inspect around the cooler for any visible water and check any internal drip/overflow trays if accessible.
3. Power reset
If safe, turn the unit off at the wall, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on to see if the alarm resets.
If the beeping continues after these checks, or you are unsure what is triggering the alarm, contact Spring on 09 636 7070 for guidance and service.
Need more help?
If your question is not answered here, or if problems continue after following these steps, please contact Spring on 09 636 7070 or visit springnz.co.nz for further support and service options.
