Everyday Care

For indoor fountains, the most important thing you can do is to use distilled water at all times. Regular tap water or well water contains calcium, fluoride, and other minerals. The calcium and minerals from your water will cause a build-up in the pump and on the fountain causing a white film that is difficult to remove. For outdoor fountains, standard water can be used to fill the reservoir, but be sure to also add some type of water clarifier or algae preventer to reduce build-up of algae or lime. On all fountains, never let the water pump run dry. This causes the pump to burn out rapidly. This issue is not covered under the fountain warranty. Depending on your climate and whether your fountain is indoors or out, the evaporation rate will dictate how often you need to refill your fountain.

Cleaning

First, most manufacturers suggest that you wipe your water fountain down with a clean cloth to remove any accumulated dirt or dust. This will keep your water fountain looking new at all times. Second, you should change the water periodically (consult your water fountain's operator's instructions). Third, in areas where dust or lots of blowing leaves are common, a more frequent cleaning of your water fountain will be necessary to keep the pump clear of debris.

Winter Care

Since winter brings dramatic swings in temperatures, if you live in areas where winters are harsh, it is important to drain your water fountain completely and store or cover it during the winter months. Ii is strongly recommended that you bring your pump into a basement or garage to prevent it from repeatedly freezing and thawing. This process has the potential to crack any material, including concrete. Always read the operator's instructions found with your water fountain order.

Operating Q & A

My pump is loud. How do I quiet it down?

Some manufacturers recommend using a piece of ScotchBrite or sponge underneath the pump to dampen the vibrations. Be sure all the connections for your water fountain are secure to prevent air from escaping and causing noise. Also make sure that the pump is completely submerged in the water.

What do I do if my fountain is splattering?

Fountains splash for a variety of reasons. First, if your fountain comes with a splash guard, adjust it. Second, make sure your fountain is level. Any type of slant or angle may cause the water level to shift and then splash as the falling water hits it. Third, you may need to regulate the water flow of your pump. Unplug your pump and look at where the water is pulled into the pump. In this area, there will be some type of regulator that is generally a plastic disk that is turned to block some of the water going into the pump. This disk will slow down the force at which the water flows through your pump similar to turning down the force of a faucet creating less splashing. Last, you may have overfilled your fountain with water. When water hits water it will splash. If the water line is at the top of the reservoir it will more than likely splash out onto your table or floor.

Water isn't flowing through the tubes.

Check for kinks and obstructions in the tubing throughout your water fountain systems. Make sure the pump output nozzle is inserted properly, the water fountain pump is completely submerged and the power is switched to the "on" position. Make sure that the water fountain has an adequate amount of water.

The water isn't flowing consistently across the surface and over the edges of the rim.

Usually, water not flowing evenly across the surface occurs because the fountain is not level on the wall or surface. When hanging up your fountain on the wall, make sure you use a level to ensure it is positioned properly and evenly. If you have a slate wall fountain, make sure that it is not only level, but also, spray the surface of the slate with distilled water before turning on the water pump. The distilled water helps the water flow more evenly across the surface. If water collects at a small reservoir at the top of the fountain, this is caused by water surface tension and is easily solved. Just run your finger along the edge where the water falls over and down to break the surface water bead allowing the water to flow over the edge more evenly resulting in an even flowing waterfall.