If you have a top-loading water dispenser, changing a 5-gallon water bottle without spilling is no easy task.
Many struggle with the process, which often leads to a big mess.
However, with the right technique, some practice, and these awesome tips, you can easily complete the task.
But, first things first.
You need to know the right way to do it, and you need to have the right equipment.
You will need a sturdy stand or table to hold the bottle, as well as a pump or dispenser to remove the water from the old bottle.
It is also important to have a clean and dry area to work in to prevent any spills.
Once you have what you need and a clean workspace, it is time to start the process of changing the water bottle.
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How to Change a 5-gallon Water Bottle Without Spilling
These days, there are water dispensers that load from the bottom.
That’s great, but not all of us have a bottom-loading water dispenser.
There’s a difference between the two water dispensers, but they do the same thing.
They dispense water.
We have the old-school, top-loading water dispenser, and it works just fine.
However, it does require a little more effort.
If you want to know how to change a 5-gallon water bottle without spilling, these are the methods we’ve used.
1. Change Your Water Bottle Cap
This was the best thing we’ve ever done to change a 5-gallon water bottle and not make any crazy spills.
It’s like that complicated chore went from giving me problems to helping me change a 5-gallon water jug with ease.
If you want to change a 5-gallon water bottle without spilling, you might want to change your cap.
They sell them at almost every grocery store and you don’t need a loan to get one.
2. Saran Wrap and Toothpick
If you don’t have a fancy cap, it doesn’t mean you can’t change a 5-gallon water bottle without spilling.
This method requires some MacGyvering, but it will make things a lot smoother.
And, yes, that is a word.
To do this, you will need some plastic wrap and a toothpick.
Wrap the plastic wrap around the top of your 5-gallon and then puncture a small hole dead smack in the middle of the plastic wrap.
For a visual explanation, hit play on the video above.
3. Bottle to Palm
If you don’t feel like going through the hassle, you can always stick with what I used to do before.
To do this method, you need to remove the cap of the 5-gallon.
Then, you need to hold your palm over the opening of the 5-gallon, all while lifting the jug with your other hand.
Stand the bottle on its head as if you were going to balance it on your palm.
Get closer to your water dispenser, holding your palm right over the opening of your dispenser.
Remove your hand quickly while placing the 5-gallon in place, and you should be good to go.
Doing this might make a little mess, but if you’re patient, this will work.
4. Pour Directly
If you want to change a 5-gallon water bottle without spilling and you’re not comfortable with any of the methods mentioned above, this is your best bet.
You simply remove the cap, and lift the 5-gallon with the intention of spilling the water directly into your water dispenser.
Once you get there, In one motion, pour the water into your dispenser and then flip it over completely until it’s sitting on the dispenser.
Voila!
5. Plastic Wrap
This way to change a 5-gallon is like the toothpick method but without the toothpick.
You simply wrap the opening of the 5-gallon with some Cling wrap and flip the 5-gallon on top.
If your water dispenser has that little puncture tube at the top, it will poke a hole in the wrap, allowing the water to flow through.
If it doesn’t have that piece, this method might not work unless you remove the wrap right before you put the bottle in the hole.
Conclusion
In conclusion, changing a 5-gallon water bottle can be a simple task if done correctly.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can avoid spilling water and making a mess.
It is important to remember to always handle the water bottle with care, as it can be heavy and difficult to maneuver.
Using a hand truck or dolly can make the process easier and safer.
Another important aspect to keep in mind is to ensure that the water dispenser is clean and free of any debris before placing the new water bottle on top.
This will prevent any contamination of the freshwater.
Lastly, it is recommended that the water bottle be changed regularly to ensure that the water is fresh and clean.
Keeping a schedule and marking the date of the last change can help.
Overall, changing a 5-gallon water bottle is something you must learn or you might have to buy cases of water all the time.
By following the steps, I hope you can figure out how to change a 5-gallon water bottle without spilling.