Category Five Technologies
Category Five Insights
Category Five Insights - October 2026
Practical ideas, industry trends, and smarter facility solutions for facility managers, maintenance directors, and building professionals.
October
2026
Issue #4
Welcome to Issue #4
This month we're focused on seasonal preparation: what to inspect before temperatures drop, how to properly winterize outdoor drinking fountains, and when freeze-resistant equipment may be worth considering. We've also got a product spotlight, a customer project feature, a team introduction, and recent customer reviews.
This Month's Insight
Preparing Your Facility for Colder Weather
Cold weather can create expensive problems for outdoor plumbing equipment if facilities aren't prepared ahead of time.
Outdoor drinking fountains and bottle filling stations are particularly vulnerable. Water left inside supply lines or internal components can freeze, expand, and damage tubing, valves, fittings, and other parts. The best time to address those risks is before freezing temperatures arrive.
This month, we're focusing on seasonal preparation: what to inspect, how outdoor drinking fountains should be prepared for winter, and when freeze-resistant equipment may be worth considering.
Winterizing Outdoor Drinking Fountains
Not every outdoor drinking fountain is designed to remain operational through freezing temperatures. For standard units, proper winterization may include shutting off the water supply, draining water from the system, clearing remaining water from the lines, and inspecting components for existing damage.
The exact process can vary by manufacturer and model, making it important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the equipment installed at your facility.
We've put together a complete guide covering the steps facility teams should consider before temperatures drop, along with common mistakes to avoid.
Product Spotlight
Elkay LK4420BF1UFRKBLK Freeze-Resistant Outdoor Bottle Filling Station
For facilities that need outdoor drinking water access in colder climates, another option is equipment specifically designed to resist freezing.
The Elkay LK4420BF1UFRKBLK combines an upper bottle filling station with a bi-level outdoor drinking fountain in a freestanding pedestal design. It is non-refrigerated, requires no electrical connection, and uses a fully sealed freeze-resistant system.
What makes it different from a standard outdoor fountain?
Elkay's freeze-resistant pedestal systems place the control valves underground below the frost line. When the fixture isn't being used, water above the frost line drains from the tubing, minimizing the amount of water exposed to freezing temperatures. Elkay's sealed system also keeps the drained water isolated from groundwater and the fresh-water supply.
The LK4420BF1UFRKBLK also features corrosion-resistant stainless steel construction, vandal-resistant components, laminar flow for the bottle filler, a black powder-coated exterior, and a design intended for outdoor locations such as parks, campuses, and recreational areas.
View the Elkay LK4420BF1UFRKBLKWhy We Like It
For facilities where shutting down outdoor hydration equipment for the entire winter isn't ideal, a properly installed freeze-resistant model can provide another option. Choosing freeze-resistant equipment doesn't eliminate the need for proper installation and maintenance, but it can make year-round outdoor hydration more practical in cold-weather climates.
Facility Tip
Don't Wait for the First Freeze
A cold-weather inspection doesn't have to be complicated.
Before temperatures consistently fall below freezing, walk your outdoor areas and identify any drinking fountains, bottle fillers, hose connections, exposed plumbing, or other water-using equipment that could be affected.
Look for:
- Leaks or dripping fixtures
- Damaged or exposed supply lines
- Components that aren't draining correctly
- Shutoff valves that are difficult to operate
- Equipment that needs to be winterized
- Outdoor fixtures that are expected to remain operational throughout winter
Finding a small problem in October is usually much easier than discovering it after water has frozen inside the equipment.
Customer Project Spotlight
Outdoor Hydration at NB Arroyo Verde Homeowners Association
This month, we're highlighting an outdoor installation from NB Arroyo Verde Homeowners Association, Inc., which selected the Elkay VRCTL8SC bi-level water cooler.
Designed for both indoor and outdoor installation, the VRCTL8SC features durable stainless steel construction, vandal-resistant components, two drinking stations, and refrigerated water.
This installation is also a great reminder that equipment rated for outdoor use isn't necessarily freeze-resistant. In climates where freezing temperatures occur, Elkay specifies that units installed in non-temperature-controlled environments should be properly winterized to help prevent damage.
Thank you to Barry Davidson and NB Arroyo Verde Homeowners Association for sharing photos of their completed installation with us!
Meet the Team
Featured Employee
Customer Service
Laura
This month, we're introducing Laura, another long-time member of the Category Five Technologies team. With more than 10 years at the company, Laura brings years of experience and knowledge to her role and has been an important part of our team's growth over the years.
Outside of work, Laura is a busy mom of two boys. She enjoys traveling, decorating, and taking on home projects in her free time.
We're grateful to have Laura as part of the Category Five team and appreciate the experience and dedication she brings every day.
Spotlight Reviews
What Our Customers Are Saying
"ProDryer website was easy to navigate and had excellent pricing."
Kristen S
"website is friendly and efficient"
Kevin F
"Successful experience to purchase Hand Dryers."
Terry B
Coming in November
Looking Ahead: Planning for 2027
As the year winds down, many facility teams are already looking ahead to next year's projects and priorities. In November, we'll look at facility upgrades worth considering for 2027, from replacing aging equipment to improving accessibility, efficiency, and the overall user experience.
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