What Does an Evaporative Cooling Service Actually Include?

Quick answer

An evaporative cooling service involves cleaning the unit, checking its water system, inspecting the cooling pads and testing how it runs. It’s a chance to remove build-up and spot worn parts before Adelaide’s hot weather arrives.

A compatible water-treatment cartridge is included in our service price.

🧽 Cooling pads and filters

Your cooler draws outside air through wet cooling pads to help cool your home.

We inspect the pads for dirt, scale, damage and deterioration, then clean them using a method suitable for the material and manufacturer’s instructions.

Pads don’t automatically need replacing at every service. If yours are worn or damaged, we’ll explain what we’ve found and quote replacements separately.

Worn pads and new pads

Before: worn cooling pads removed from a cooler.

After: new cooling pads fitted into their frames.

💧 Water tank and sump cleaning

The sump is the tray at the bottom of your cooler that holds water.

We drain and clean it to remove slime, algae, dirt and loose mineral build-up, along with debris inside the unit. Cleaning methods follow the requirements of your cooler.

Before and after servicing

Before servicing: dirt and build-up inside the cooler.

After servicing: the cleaned interior of the cooler.

🔧 Pump, water level and valve checks

We check that the pump operates and that the water level is appropriate.

Depending on your system, this includes checking:

• The float valve, which controls the water level.
• The water inlet or solenoid valve, which lets water into the cooler.
• The drain valve, which releases water from the unit.
• Visible connections for leaks or wear.

Any faulty parts are explained and quoted before replacement.

🚿 Even water flow across the pads

Water needs to reach the cooling pads evenly for them to work properly.

We inspect the distribution pipes and outlets, clear accessible blockages and check that water is reaching the pads as intended.

Dry sections of pad can reduce cooling performance, even when the fan is running.

🚰 Drain and bleed-off checks

We check that water drains away correctly and look for blocked lines or leaks.

Where your cooler has an adjustable bleed-off system, we check its settings against the manufacturer’s guidance. This system releases some water to help manage mineral concentration.

The aim is correct water management for your unit—not simply turning water use up or down.

🌀 Fan, motor and electrical checks

We inspect the fan and motor for signs of wear, unusual noise or vibration, and check accessible electrical connections for visible damage or deterioration.

Belts and bearings are checked where fitted. Any electrical faults requiring further testing or repair are explained before additional work proceeds.

🏠 Roof flashing, outlets and airflow

We inspect the accessible flashing and seals around the cooler’s roof connection for visible deterioration or signs of water entry.

We also check operation at the indoor outlets and look for obvious airflow concerns. Where accessible, we inspect visible duct connections for damage or disconnection.

A routine service doesn’t include a full duct replacement, duct cleaning or airflow redesign. If something needs further investigation, we’ll talk you through it.

🧼 Water-treatment cartridge included

A suitable water-treatment cartridge is included in our service price, where compatible with your cooler and permitted by its manufacturer.

Slow-release treatments can help control microbial growth in the cooler’s water. The product and dose need to suit the system.

These treatments support water hygiene; they don’t replace cleaning or regular maintenance. How long a cartridge lasts depends on the product and operating conditions.

✅ A final test and clear explanation

Once the service is complete, we run the cooler and check its cooling operation, water distribution, fan operation and drainage.

We’ll explain:

• What was cleaned and checked.
• Anything worn, damaged or not operating correctly.
• Whether further work is recommended.
• The price of any proposed repairs before you approve them.

How often should you book?

Follow your cooler’s maintenance schedule and warranty requirements. The right interval depends on the model, its age, water quality and operating conditions. Seeley’s maintenance guidance explains why requirements vary between systems.

Before summer is a useful time to book, giving you time to address any problems before you rely on the cooler every day.

⚠️ Leave roof access and work inside the unit to a qualified technician.

What does evaporative servicing cost?

• Single-storey home: $199+
• Double-storey home: $299+
• Replacement cooling pads, supplied and fitted: $450–$750+

Your unit, roof access and the work required affect the price. We confirm your quote after a site visit. The compatible treatment cartridge is included; repairs, replacement parts and additional fault-finding are quoted separately for your approval.

Need your cooler ready for summer? ☀️

Tell us whether it needs a routine service or has a problem—we’ll help you organise the right next step.

🏠 Servicing homes across Greater Metropolitan Adelaide with evaporative cooling servicing and repairs.

Book online or call (08) 7534 5448.

Dowell Plumbing, Gas & Air
Expert Plumbing. Clarity at every step.