Short Answer
Tell the store staff, then head to the next closest station. Primo is the biggest kiosk brand in our directory, with more than 3,300 listings, and in many cities we also list another station nearby.
Our pick: save a backup station before you need it. In more than 500 of the 1,791 cities where we list a Primo machine, we also list at least one station that isn't Primo. Picking your backup takes a minute on your city page and saves you a wasted trip with empty jugs.
On the spot: 3 things to do
- Tell the store. More than half of the Primo machines in our directory are inside Publix and Walmart stores. Staff can tell you if it's a known problem or report it.
- Don't force it. If the screen is dark, the nozzle area looks dirty, or water isn't flowing right, skip it. Our 30-second checklist shows what a well-kept machine looks like.
- Open your city page. Find your city on PureWaterFinder and pick the next closest station.
Where to go instead
- Another chain machine. Whole Foods (FreshPure), Natural Grocers (mostly GoH2O) and Sprouts (mostly FreshPure) all have refill machines in our directory. See the grocery store refill roundup.
- A drive-up station. We list about 1,300 Watermill Express stations. See Primo vs. Watermill Express.
- A water store. Independent shops often have staff on hand and more water types. See water store vs. refill machine vs. delivery.
- A natural spring. If you're near one, read our natural springs guide first.
Start with a launch city: Denver, Austin, Tampa, Los Angeles.
Avoid the wasted trip next time
- Keep a backup. Pick two stations, not one.
- Flag it on the station page. Station pages let you leave a review, add a photo or report a station as closed. It helps the next person.
FAQ
Who do I tell about a broken machine?
At an in-store machine, tell the store staff. That's the fastest way to get it reported.
Is there a Primo machine near me that works?
Our listings show where machines are, not whether they're working right now, so keep a backup station handy.
Is the water from another brand the same?
Most stations in our directory, more than 7,000, list reverse osmosis water. See reverse osmosis.