Commercial drinking fountain

Types of commercial drinking fountains

Commercial drinking fountains are designed for public places and businesses. They provide clean, refreshing water for hydration. There are several types of these fountains, each serving different needs and preferences. They can be classified based on their type, installation style, material, and features.

• Types based on mechanism

  There are two main types of commercial drinking fountains based on the mechanism. Firstly, the traditional bubble valve type is commonly used in many places. It is a simple and cost-effective design. Users press the button, and the water comes out of the spout. Secondly, the electronic valve type is becoming popular, especially in modern buildings. It uses sensors to detect the presence of users. It automatically turns the water on or off. The sensor-activated fountain is more convenient and saves water.

• Types based on material

  Stainless steel drinking fountains are quite popular in commercial and public settings. They are known for being strong and rust-resistant. This makes them last a long time, even in busy places. They also don't get damaged easily and are easy to clean, ensuring good hygiene.

  Brass drinking fountains are another common choice. Brass is a durable material that can withstand heavy use. It has a warm and elegant appearance, adding a touch of sophistication to any public space. Brass fountains are known for their reliable performance and timeless style.

  Stone drinking fountains offer a unique and natural aesthetic. These fountains blend with outdoor environments and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Stone is a durable material, ensuring the fountain's longevity.

• Types based on installation style

  Wall-mounted drinking fountains are designed to be installed on a wall. They save floor space and are ideal for areas where space is limited, such as hallways, schools, and offices. These fountains are easy to access and maintain.

  Floor-standing drinking fountains are larger and more permanent. They are designed to be placed on the floor and are often found in public parks, large buildings, and shopping malls. These fountains are more accessible for people with disabilities and can accommodate larger crowds.

  Countertop drinking fountains are designed to be installed in countertops. They are often found in cafeterias, restaurants, and food service areas. These fountains provide easy access to water for customers and staff from the countertop.

• Types based on features

  Some commercial drinking fountains come with built-in water coolers. These fountains have cooling mechanisms that cool the water to a pleasant temperature. This is especially useful in hot climates or during the summer months. Water coolers can attract more users and encourage them to drink more water.

  Some advanced drinking fountains come with touchless features. These fountains promote better hygiene and reduce the spread of germs. They have sensor faucets that automatically turn on and off when users place their hands near the faucet. Some models even have touchless bottle fillers.

Design of commercial drinking fountains

• Design Aesthetics:

  The design of the commercial drinking fountains is sleek, modern, and minimalist. They have clean lines and smooth curves that give them an elegant appearance. This can be seen in the use of geometric shapes, such as rectangular or circular bases, which create a visually pleasing focal point in any commercial space.

• Materials Used:

  These drinking fountains are commonly made from high-quality materials that ensure durability and longevity. Stainless steel is often used due to its resistance to corrosion and ability to withstand heavy usage. Additionally, brass, bronze, and even eco-friendly materials like recycled composites may be utilized in the construction process.

• Color Options:

  Commercial drinking fountains offer a variety of color options to complement different interior design schemes. Stainless steel fountains typically come in polished or brushed finishes, while others may be powder-coated in colors such as black, green, or beige. This allows for easy integration into any commercial environment without compromising the aesthetic appeal.

• Shape and Size:

  The size and shape of the commercial drinking fountains vary depending on the needs of the users and the available space. They can be found in various forms, including wall-mounted, floor-standing, or countertop models. Wall-mounted fountains save space and are ideal for narrow areas, whereas floor-standing fountains provide more accessibility. The shape of the basin is designed to ensure comfortable use and minimize water splashing.

• Lighting Design:

  Many modern commercial drinking fountains incorporate LED lighting to enhance their visual appeal and user experience. Illuminated logos or subtle under-basin lights can create a welcoming and sophisticated ambiance, especially in dimly lit environments.

Scenarios of commercial drinking fountains

In various commercial settings, drinking fountains are widely used as a source of clean and fresh drinking water. In offices, drinking fountains are placed in lobbies or pantry areas to encourage employees to stay hydrated. This is especially useful during work hours when staff members tend to forget about taking water. Moreover, it creates a healthy workplace culture. In shopping malls, airports, and other public places, drinking fountains are installed to meet the needs of a large number of visitors. Such fountains serve as convenient spots where people can refill their water bottles or drink directly from the fountain spout. This is important for maintaining public hydration levels, especially in hot weather or during long periods spent away from home.

Additionally, in schools and universities, commercial drinking fountains are placed in hallways, cafeterias, or outdoor areas to provide students with easy access to potable water. This encourages a habit of drinking water instead of sugary drinks, which is better for health and also promotes environmental sustainability by reducing plastic waste. In gyms, fitness centers, and recreational areas, drinking stations are installed to cater to gym-goers who need to replenish fluids lost through sweating. Hydration is crucial for optimal performance during workouts as well as for recovery after exercises. Moreover, in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities, drinking fountains are located in waiting rooms or common areas to ensure patients, visitors, and staff have access to clean drinking water at all times. Staying hydrated is essential for both patient care and maintaining the health of visitors.

How to choose a commercial drinking fountain

When choosing a commercial drinking fountain, the following factors should be considered to make sure that it meets the requirements of a business or public space:

• Purpose and Location:

  It is important to identify the type of drinking fountain that is suitable for the intended use and location. Is it going to be installed in a park, school, office, or shopping mall? For instance, in high-traffic areas, one would prefer a bubbler that can withstand heavy use and vandalism resistance. However, in quiet zones, one looks for the acoustic qualities of the water fountain.

• Compliance with Regulations:

  One must familiarize oneself with the local codes and regulations governing the installation of commercial drinking fountains. These rules often specify minimum requirements for accessibility (such as ADA compliance), sanitation, and safety standards. It is advisable to choose a product that complies with these regulations to avoid any legal issues and ensure the safety of users.

• Material and Durability:

  One should consider the materials used in constructing the drinking fountain, focusing on durability and ease of maintenance. Stainless steel is a popular choice due to its corrosion resistance and ability to withstand heavy usage. If the bubbler is made of durable materials, it will serve users for many years.

• Water Quality and Features:

  Commercial drinking fountains may come with various water quality features, such as filtration systems or cooling mechanisms. One should consider whether these features are necessary for the location of the fountain and the preferences of its potential users. Additionally, some models offer water refill stations, which are becoming increasingly popular for providing convenient hydration.

• Installation and Maintenance:

  One should evaluate the ease of installation and maintenance requirements for the commercial drinking fountain. It is important to choose a product that comes with clear installation guidelines and requires minimal maintenance to ensure its long-term performance. Additionally, one should consider the availability of spare parts and the ease of accessing them in case repairs are needed.

• Cost:

  One should consider the budgetary constraints and the overall cost of the commercial drinking fountain. This includes the initial purchase price, installation costs, and ongoing maintenance expenses. It is important to strike a balance between quality and affordability, ensuring that the chosen product meets the requirements without exceeding the budget.

Q&A

Q1: What is a commercial drinking fountain?

A1: A commercial drinking fountain is a water source designed for public and commercial spaces. It's also called a water fountain, soda fountain, or drinking fountain. These fixtures provide potable water for people to drink from.

Q2: What are the types of commercial drinking fountains?

A2: The types of commercial drinking fountains include wall-mounted fountains, pedestal fountains, water bottle filling stations, and combination units.

Q3: Where are commercial drinking fountains used?

A3: Commercial drinking fountains are commonly found in malls, schools, parks, offices, gyms, and any other commercial spaces that serve large groups of people.

Q4: What are the benefits of using commercial drinking fountains?

A4: The benefits of using commercial drinking fountains are they promote hydration, provide access to clean drinking water, conserve water, and reduce plastic waste.

Q5: How can one maintain a commercial drinking fountain?

A5: To maintain a commercial drinking fountain, regularly clean the fountain, check for leaks, inspect the electrical components, and test the water temperature.