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(307) 202-5245
We Speak English & Spanish
Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm EST
Winter is here, and if your facility has drinking fountains — whether at schools, parks, businesses, or public buildings — now is the time to prepare them. Freezing temperatures can cause water left inside plumbing to expand and crack components, leading to costly repairs and downtime. But winterizing doesn’t have to be complicated.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple, practical steps to winterize drinking fountains so they survive the cold season safely and are ready to go in spring.
When water freezes, it expands. If water remains in a drinking fountain’s internal lines, valves, or reservoirs, that expansion can:
Crack pipes or valves
Damage fountains and bottle fillers
Cause leaks or faulty operation in spring
Even fountains left unused still need protection. Winterizing now saves time, money, and headaches later.
You don’t need heavy machinery — just common items:
Wrench or pliers (to shut off valves and disconnect pipes)
Bucket or container (to catch water draining out)
Towels or rags (to soak up residual moisture)
Waterproof fountain cover or tarp (to protect from snow/ice)
Basic cleaning cloths (optional but helpful)
These are easy‑to‑find and won’t slow you down.
Start by turning off the water going to the fountain.
Locate the shutoff valve feeding the unit.
Turn it fully off to stop water from entering the system.
If your unit has a dedicated shutoff valve at the connection point, use that.
This prevents water from being trapped inside where it can freeze.
Once the water is off, drain out all remaining water:
Disconnect the supply line at the lowest point you can access and let water flow out.
Hold down the push button or valve to let residual water drain from the fountain.
Collect the water in a bucket or container as it empties.
Even a small amount left inside can freeze and cause damage.
After main drainage:
Press and hold the fountain’s push button or valve for several seconds after the water stops flowing.
This helps “purge” any leftover water from inside the line.
This step is simple and doesn’t require special tools.
For fountains with removable parts:
Remove push button cartridges or similar removable pieces if possible.
Store these indoors where they won’t freeze.
Cleaning small parts before storage also prevents mold growth.
This gives them extra protection over the winter.
Once drained and cleaned:
Cover outdoor units with a waterproof fountain cover or tarp.
Secure the cover so wind, snow, and ice won’t get underneath.
Covers help shield valves, drains, and bowl surfaces throughout the winter season.
This holds back snow and ice from lingering in the fountain’s basin or fittings.
If your outdoor drinking fountain is equipped with a freeze-resistant valve system:
These are designed so water drains out of the valve after each use.
Because no water is left inside the fountain's components, they are less likely to freeze.
No winterization is needed for these models, but visual inspection and seasonal checks are still recommended.
Outdoor fountains are directly exposed to the cold:
Follow all the steps above.
Cover thoroughly to prevent snow and ice accumulation.
If in extremely cold areas, consider bowl covers that fit over drain openings.
Even indoor fountains can experience freezing if located in unheated spaces (e.g., garages, storage rooms, seasonal buildings). Winterize them the same as outdoor units if temperatures can drop below freezing.
Closing the valve but not draining water — water can remain trapped.
Forgetting to depress the push button to purge lines.
Leaving removable parts outside where freezing can damage them.
Skipping covers — snow and melt can refill basins without you noticing.
These are simple but important checks to ensure protection.
Don’t wait until the first freeze. Start winterization before temperatures consistently drop below freezing — typically in late fall depending on your local climate.
You don’t need heavy tools or expert skills to winterize drinking fountains. With a shutoff valve, a bucket, and a cover, you can protect your hydration stations from freeze damage quickly and effectively. Taking these steps now ensures your fountains are ready to serve again when spring arrives.
Not if your unit has freeze-resistant valves. These systems self-drain after each use and are designed for cold weather. All other models should be winterized.
Check your fountain’s product manual or model number. Most freeze-resistant models are labeled as such and often drain internally after use.
No. Antifreeze is toxic and should never be used in drinking water systems.
Only if they’re located in unheated or minimally heated areas that could drop below freezing.
No. Covers protect from snow and debris, but don’t stop internal water from freezing. Draining is essential.
Turn off the water, don’t use the fountain, and have it inspected. Frozen parts can crack, leading to leaks or contamination.
Start before freezing temperatures arrive — typically late October to early November, depending on your location.
Yes, but always inspect and sanitize them before reassembly. Some parts may need replacing due to age or wear.
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