Initial Setup: Preparing the Dispenser
Before inserting the first water bottle, sanitize the internal system. Mix 1 teaspoon of household bleach in 1 gallon of fresh water. Open the bottom door and insert the bottle probe into the sanitizing solution container (you can use a large bucket or fill a spare 5-gallon jug with the solution). Power on the dispenser and run both the hot and cold faucets until the sanitizing solution flows through. Allow the solution to sit for 5 minutes, then flush by running 2 gallons of fresh water through each faucet. The dispenser is now ready for its first water bottle.
Loading the First Water Bottle
Lay the 3- or 5-gallon jug on its side on the floor beside the dispenser. Open the bottom access door. Slide the bottle into the cabinet opening until it seats against the back wall. Press the bottle probe into the jug cap opening -- you will feel it seat with a slight click in self-sealing cap designs. Close the door. The pump will activate automatically within 30 seconds and begin filling the cold reservoir. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the cold reservoir to fill and reach dispensing temperature before first use.
Replacing the Delivery Pump
Step 1: Unplug the dispenser. Step 2: Remove the bottom jug and open the rear access panel (2 Phillips screws on most Primo models). Step 3: Locate the pump assembly -- a cylindrical or rectangular black plastic unit mounted to the interior frame with 2 to 4 screws. Step 4: Disconnect the two silicone tubing connections (push-fit; press the collet release and pull the tube). Step 5: Unplug the 2-wire motor connector from the control board. Step 6: Remove the mounting screws and lift out the old pump. Step 7: Install the new pump in reverse order, ensuring the inlet port connects to the bottle probe line and the outlet connects to the reservoir inlet line -- these are different diameters on some models to prevent reversal. Step 8: Restore power and confirm the pump fills the reservoir within 60 seconds.
Bottle Probe Maintenance
The bottle probe strainer at the base of the probe tube can accumulate mineral scale in hard water areas. Quarterly, remove the probe (pull straight up out of the bottle cap opening), inspect the strainer screen, and soak in undiluted white vinegar for 30 minutes. Rinse with fresh water and reinstall. A clean probe strainer ensures maximum pump flow and prevents the motor from working against unnecessary restriction.