Awesome Water® Help & Support

Water Cooler Troubleshooting & Repair Manual

Troubleshooting information for Awesome Water coolers, filter bottles and related components. Use this guide to identify common issues, carry out basic checks and determine when further assistance may be required.

Important Safety Information

Always switch the water cooler off and disconnect it from the power supply before inspecting, cleaning or accessing internal components.

Basic cleaning and troubleshooting may be suitable for customers, but repairs involving electrical components, wiring, refrigeration systems, heating components or internal disassembly should only be undertaken by an appropriately qualified or experienced technician. If you are unsure, stop and contact Awesome Water on 1800 886 819.

Common Water Cooler Problems

• Water cooler leaking – float valve
• Filter bottle problems
• Water freezing or machine beeping
• Water cooler tap problems
• Plastic taste or unusual water taste
• Water cooler fridge problems
• Power and display problems
• Hot water and heating problems

About This Repair & Maintenance Guide

This guide provides troubleshooting and maintenance information for Awesome Water coolers. Because different cooler models and generations may use different components, some sections relate specifically to older Awesome Water cooler models. Where a repair requires the machine to be opened or involves electrical or internal components, contact Awesome Water if you are unsure how to proceed.

Older-Style Awesome Water® Cooler Controls

The images below show the control panel and display functions found on older-style Awesome Water coolers.

Opening the Machine

1. Turn off the power and disconnect the cooler from the power supply.
2. Empty the machine through the taps until the water level is below the spindle.
3. Remove the two screws from the back of the hood.
4. Lift, twist and remove the hood, then position it safely behind the machine.
5. When replacing the hood, check the port connections. Detached port leads may cause an ER message on the display.
6. Remove the four screws from the front panel. Two are located behind the drip tray.
7. The cable tie on the hot pipe can then be removed and the tubing carefully released.
8. Swing the front panel around and out of the way.
9. If required, the cold connection can also be removed so the front panel can be completely moved out of the working area.

Awesome Cooler Filter Bottle

Float Valve Failure – Water Cooler Leaking

The float valve spike rises with the water level and stops the flow of water entering the cooler reservoir.

If the float valve jams or fails to close correctly, the water level can continue to rise. With nowhere else for the water to go, it may spill into the machine and potentially cause water damage to internal components.

A common cause is a build-up around the float valve over time. The nylon spike should also be checked to ensure it has not changed shape or become incorrectly positioned.

For a visual demonstration, see the “Why Is My Water Cooler Leaking? How to Clean Your Float Valve” video near the top of this guide.

Leaking Between the Top Bottle

Water can seep between the top section of the bottle and the white partition. This is usually caused by a missing or misaligned O-ring washer.

Water can become trapped in this area and flow through the two air holes, which can result in tap water entering the filtered-water section.

Check that the nylon washer is correctly positioned over the opening so water cannot seep through the gap.

Rubber Seal of the Filter

The circular rubber seal helps seal the filter against the white partition when the filter is screwed firmly into position.

Over time or with changes in temperature, the rubber seal may warp and create a gap between the filter and partition. Water may then leak down the side of the filter and allow unfiltered water to mix with filtered water.

In some cases, the filter itself may become dislodged. If the threaded section of the white partition has warped due to age or heat, the partition may need replacement rather than the rubber seal.

Green Filters & Bottles

Green growth in filters or bottles can occur when the bottle is not cleaned adequately and is exposed to sunlight or reflected light.

Older filters and bottles that are not regularly cleaned can be more susceptible to contamination. Direct or reflected sunlight can encourage green growth, including light reflected from sinks, refrigerators and other nearby surfaces.

Keep the bottle away from direct and reflected sunlight and clean the bottle regularly to help prevent build-up at the bottom of the bottle. A cooler bottle cover may also assist, although it should be considered an aid rather than a guaranteed solution.

Black Carbon Specks

Small amounts of black carbon can sometimes be released from a filter, particularly when the filter is new or approaching the end of its service life.

A new filter should be flushed for approximately 3–5 minutes, or until the water exiting the filter runs clear, to remove excess loose carbon.

If carbon continues accumulating at the bottom of the bottle, the bottle should also be checked and cleaned as part of regular maintenance.

Water Dispenser & LED Screen

No Power or Display

On applicable older models, if the cooler is switched off and back on and no activation sound is heard, the issue may relate to a fuse or another electrical component.

If an activation beep is heard but the display does not illuminate, the issue may relate to the main board or display circuitry.

Water Freezing, E1 or Machine Beeping

Benchtop Machines

Benchtop machines generally operate better when set to at least 6°C. In some circumstances, water may freeze even when the display is showing 4°C or 5°C.

Unless the cold-water temperature is already above 10°C, try setting the cooler to approximately 8°C and operating it for 24 hours.

If the problem continues, the cold-temperature reader may require inspection or replacement.

Freestanding Machines

On applicable freestanding models, the green rear switch changes which temperature the machine monitors.

If the machine is freezing, switch the cold function off for approximately 6 hours to allow the system to defrost. Set the cold-water temperature to approximately 6°C before restarting.

A machine may beep when it is too hot, too cold or empty. An E1 message may also indicate a temperature-reading or connection issue.

If the fault persists after the machine has been allowed to defrost and restarted, contact Awesome Water, as the internal temperature reader or another component may require attention.

Child Lock & Tap Levers

The child-lock assembly incorporates the hot and cold levers together with the hot-water safety lock.

Replacement tap components are available here: Awesome Water Replacement Taps .

Child Lock Stiff or Broken

If the slider knob is tight or jammed and gentle pressure will not release it, the child-lock assembly may require inspection or replacement.

Loose Tap Lever

If a lever feels loose or limp, the rear of the plastic lever may no longer be correctly connected to the internal tap lever that controls water flow.

Check whether the lever has simply become dislodged or whether part of the assembly is damaged. If the assembly is damaged, replacement may be required.

Lever Stiff or Stuck

Hot or cold levers can occasionally become stiff or obstructed. Check for anything around the lever that may prevent it moving freely. If the lever or internal assembly is damaged, replacement may be required.

Water Cooler Tap Problems

No Water Coming From the Taps

First, carefully lift and reseat the filter bottle, as an air seal can sometimes restrict water flow.

Check that the tap itself is not blocked. Another common cause is the cooler freezing internally, which can restrict the flow of water.

Replacement parts:

• Awesome Water Hot Tap Replacement
• Awesome Water Cold Tap Replacement
• Awesome Water 2-Pin Digiboard
• Awesome Water 3-Pin Digiboard

Dripping Tap

If a tap continually drips, the drip tray can eventually fill and overflow. A tap that does not seal correctly may require replacement.

Hot Water Coming From the Cold Tap

Ensure the cold function is switched on and operating correctly.

If the hot function is left on but hot water is rarely used, pressure can affect the non-return valve and potentially allow hot water or steam to travel back towards the cold reservoir.

If the water level is above the reservoir vent hole, inspect the filter-bottle float valve. If the float valve is not controlling the water level correctly, it may need to be adjusted, cleaned or replaced.

A damaged non-return valve may also require replacement. Because this involves internal components, contact Awesome Water if you are unsure.

Plastic or Unusual Water Taste

Correctly soaking and flushing a new cooler and filter should remove most initial tastes associated with a newly installed system.

If a cooler has not been cleaned regularly or the filter is overdue for replacement, water quality and taste may also be affected.

Thorough cleaning, replacing an overdue filter and flushing the system will resolve many common taste issues.

Older or heavily neglected machines may require a more comprehensive sanitisation. Contact Awesome Water for assistance if normal cleaning and flushing do not resolve the issue.

The Fridge

Rusted Cabinet Door or Door Pin

Clean the affected component or replace it if necessary. A suitable protective lubricant may help reduce recurrence on the door pin.

Broken Seals

Damaged refrigerator-door seals may require the door or applicable seal assembly to be replaced.

Fridge Operation

On applicable freestanding models, the green switch can be used to alternate between monitoring the cold-water tank temperature and refrigerator temperature.

Refrigerator temperature can vary depending on how frequently the compressor operates. In a high-use environment, the compressor generally operates more frequently than it does in a low-use environment.

For best refrigerator performance, keep the fridge reasonably full and maintain normal water use through the cooler.

Frost Build-Up on the Refrigeration Plate

As with other refrigeration products, frost can build up on the refrigeration plate over time. This does not necessarily indicate a fault.

Switch the machine off and allow it to defrost for several hours. Once defrosted, clean the refrigerator compartment as part of normal maintenance.

Cooler Feet, Levelling & Vibration

Benchtop and freestanding coolers use different feet. An unstable or uneven cooler can cause vibration and may also affect correct float-valve operation.

Check that all feet are present and in good condition. If the floor or benchtop is uneven, carefully level the machine.

On applicable benchtop models, the adjustable feet can be partially unscrewed to assist with levelling.

Main Switches

Applicable freestanding coolers have an amber power switch and a green fridge switch. Applicable benchtop models have a power switch without the separate refrigerator control.

On freestanding models, the green switch allows the system to alternate between monitoring the water temperature and refrigerator temperature.

If the temperature reading appears incorrect or the water repeatedly freezes, the internal temperature reader may require inspection.

Compressor Noise

Some compressor noise and vibration during start-up and operation is normal and can vary between machines.

If the cooler develops unusually severe vibration, buzzing or other substantially different noises, check that the cooler is level and contact Awesome Water if the problem continues.

The Reservoir

The stainless-steel reservoir is the main vessel that holds the cold water. Issues associated with the reservoir can also be caused by connected components.

Corrosion Around the Heat-Release Hole

Depending on the environment and water conditions, corrosion may develop around the heat-release opening. This area should be inspected and cleaned as part of appropriate cooler maintenance.

Split or Cracked Reservoir

A split or crack in the reservoir can allow water to leak into the cooler and potentially damage internal components.

If a reservoir is suspected of being cracked or split, switch the cooler off, disconnect it from power and contact Awesome Water for advice.

Main Board & Internal Electrical Components

The main board controls a number of electrical functions within applicable Awesome Water cooler models.

Moisture, dust, component failure or water entering the machine can cause electrical faults.

Possible symptoms can include:

• No power
• No display
• Intermittent operation
• Blown fuses
• Burning smells
• Visible damage to electrical components

Hot Water & Heating Problems

On applicable hot-and-cold models, the thermostat helps prevent overheating and controls power to the hot-water system.

If the hot-water function is not operating correctly, possible causes can include the thermostat, temperature reader, heating system or associated electrical components.

If the machine is tripping the electrical supply, develops a burning smell or shows another electrical fault, discontinue use and arrange further assessment.

The Spindle

The spindle is the clear plastic disc inside the main reservoir. If it becomes loose or incorrectly positioned, hot-water flow can be affected.

If you suspect a spindle problem and are unsure how to inspect the internal assembly, contact Awesome Water for assistance.

Hot Pot & Heating System

The hot-water assembly contains heating and electrical components. Problems can include failure to heat, electrical tripping, leaks, overheating or unusual smells.

Internal hot-pot, thermostat, heating-band and temperature-reader replacement procedures should be carried out by an appropriately experienced or qualified technician.

Still Need Help?

Contact the Awesome Water Team

If your problem isn't covered in this troubleshooting guide, or you're unsure about carrying out any of the checks above, our team can help.

Call 1800 886 819