Commercial Drinking Fountain Repair: Power On, No Water Flow (Orlando, FL)
In early January 2026, we completed a commercial plumbing service call in Orlando, Florida for drinking fountains that had power but were not producing water. When a unit is powered but will not dispense, the diagnostic process focuses on identifying internal flow restrictions, checking supply routing, and inspecting key components inside the fountain.
After opening the unit and tracing the internal plumbing, debris was found lodged inside the evaporator, restricting water flow. This type of blockage is common in commercial drinking fountains where sediment or mineral buildup can accumulate in tight internal passages over time.
To troubleshoot the issue, the internal water lines were rerouted and back-fed to confirm the obstruction point. While this temporarily restored flow, the debris shifted back once the lines were returned to their normal routing, confirming a persistent internal restriction within the cooling section.
Before leaving the site, the water lines were routed to bypass the chilled section, allowing both drinking fountains to dispense water reliably. This ensured the fixtures remained fully functional for daily use while preventing additional flow interruptions.
Initial Assessment & Flow Verification
The first step was verifying that the fountain had power and confirming the no-water condition. This helps determine whether the issue is electrical, supply-related, or an internal plumbing blockage.
Opening the Unit for Diagnostics
With the panel removed, internal water lines, fittings, and connections were inspected using standard commercial plumbing tools to locate the source of the restriction.
Debris Found in the Evaporator
The inspection revealed debris lodged in the evaporator water path, a common cause of no-water conditions in commercial drinking fountains due to sediment and mineral buildup.
Water Line Rerouting
The internal water lines were rerouted to bypass the restricted cooling section, allowing water to flow freely and restoring reliable fountain operation.
Drinking Fountain Restored
With the updated water routing in place, the drinking fountain was fully operational and dispensing water as expected, confirming a successful restoration.
Both Fountains Working
Final testing confirmed both drinking fountains were working properly and dispensing water consistently, ensuring reliable access to drinking water for the facility.