5 Ways to Change a 5-Gallon Water Bottle Without Spilling (Top Loading)

I want to show you how to change a 5-gallon water bottle, specifically for top loading water dispensers.

If you can’t change one of those stand-up water dispensers, we might have a problem.

Changing a 5-gallon water bottle is not the easiest task.

It’s either you get lucky and make a little mess, or you end up like everyone else and get water all over the place.

I know, it sucks and it’s happened to me and it has most likely happened to you.

So, how do you change a 5-gallon water bottle without spilling anything?

I once asked the same questions, as finding the right way to do this was not as simple as I thought.

But, with a little trial and error, I have come up with the best ways to change a 5-gallon water gallon without making at least making a huge mess.

How to Change a 5-Gallon Water Bottle Without Spilling

There are 5 different ways to change a 5-gallon water bottle and you can choose whichever way works best for you.

Whether you have a water dispenser that has a huge opening on the top, or you have one of those pointy things that households like mine have.

They all work great, but I’m sure you’ll find one way that works best for you.

So, if you want to know how to change a 5-gallon water bottle, here are 5 ways to do so.

1. The Pour Method

If you have a top-loading water dispenser that has a bigger opening, changing a 5-gallon water bottle is really simple.

You simply tilt the 5-gallon over the top, as if you were going to pour water inside.

Once you get the water flowing, you then lift the bottle all the way over, all while letting it sit on top of your water dispenser.

This is one of the cleanest and simplest ways to get the job done, so enjoy that water dispenser of yours, because some of us don’t have such a luxury.

2. The Glad, Press N Seal Method

This method of changing a 5-gallon water bottle is one of the easier ways to go about doing things.

Especially, if you have a water dispenser with that small little thing at the top.

Not only do you have zero seconds to get the water jug on top, but you have to expect some water to spill if you don’t know what you’re doing.

This method is great and all but you might need a lot of Glad press and seal wrap.

If you’ve never used Glad’s press n seal product, you might just be missing out on one of the better ways to keep your food fresh.

It is the pricier route, but if you can afford it, this would be one of the best ways to change a 5-gallon water bottle without spilling anything.

I do recommend this, but consider these other methods as they might help with saving more money.

3. The Palm Method

This is the same exact method that I use to change my 5-gallon water bottle.

It saves from a lot of extra work and also saves you lots of money.

For this method, you have the 5-gallon water bottle on the floor, a chair, or a counter.

Whichever works best for you.

From there, you open the lid and place your non-dominant hand over the opening.

Grab the jug with your dominant hand, and flip the bottle over as if you were going to balance it on your hand.

This next part requires a bit of speed, some strength, and maybe some hand-eye coordination.

Once you’ve flipped the water jug onto your palm, be ready to move your hand and place the jug onto the water dispenser.

You might be able to get away with no spills if you’re fast enough, but even at that, the mess is minimal.

I recommend this method, so give it a try and maybe get some practice in before fully committing to using the palm method.

4. The SaranWrap and Toothpick Method

This is a very common way to change a 5-gallon water bottle for most people.

It’s pretty self-explanatory, but you can always resort to this video if you are having trouble.

But, all you have to do is tear off a 4″x4″ piece of saran wrap, or any other brand of plastic wrap.

Give the top of your 5-gallon water bottle a nice wrap and seal, and then poke the middle with a toothpick.

From there, flip the bottle over and right on top of the water dispenser.

That little pointy thing will puncture the plastic wrap, and water will be released from the water jug, into your water dispenser.

When it comes time to change out your water jug, you simply discard the piece of plastic wrap and you’re good to go.

5. The Change Your Bottle Cap Method

Some of you might have seen those 5-gallon water bottles with caps that have a little circle on top.

Then again, some of you might not.

Usually, these caps come with a little plastic plug, that pops off when inserted into your water dispenser.

The process is super simple and convenient but they are usually associated with a drinking water delivery service.

For those of you who don’t have the luxury, you can always create your own cap, and it will not only work really well, but you can also use it over and over again.

This does require you to cut a small hole on the top of your water bottle cap, so please be careful if you do plan on using this method.

You will need the cap with a hole in it, but you will also need some plastic wrap as well.

Very similar to the toothpick method but this time you have a cap to place the plastic wrap over, which saves you from having to keep the plastic wrap in place.

Conclusion – Change Your 5-Gallon Water Bottle Without Spilling

If this is your first water dispenser and you are still trying to figure out how to change the 5-gallon water bottle, I hope this list helps you out.

Everyone needs help with many things in life and that’s not a problem.

Some people need help finding diaper bags for dads and others need help trying to change a 5-gallon water bottle.

Whatever the case may be, we are here to help.

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