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.
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 five ways to change a 5-gallon water bottle; you can choose whichever works best for you.
Whether you have a water dispenser with a huge opening on the top or 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 five ways.
1. The Pour Method

If you have a top-loading water dispenser with a bigger opening, changing a 5-gallon water bottle is really simple.
You tilt the 5-gallon over the top as if you were going to pour water inside.
Once you get the water flowing, you lift the bottle all the way over 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 your water dispenser 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 do 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, 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 miss 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 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 try it and maybe get some practice 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 self-explanatory, but you can always use 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 plastic wrap.
Give the top of your 5-gallon water bottle a nice wrap and seal, 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, releasing water from the water jug into your water dispenser.
When it comes time to change out your water jug, you 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 simple and convenient, but it is 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 work really well, and use it over and over again.
This requires you to cut a small hole in the top of your water bottle cap, so please be careful if you plan on using this method.
You will need the cap with a hole in it, but you will also need some plastic wrap.
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.
Everyone needs help with many things, which is not a problem.
Some people need help flushing a toilet, while others need help changing a 5-gallon water bottle.
Whatever the case may be, we are here to help.
Did you find this article helpful?
We would love to hear your thoughts, so please do so in the comments section below.
Thanks for reading!