Wall Fountains Guide

After you have had a fountain a while, you may find yourself in a situation in which you need to replace the pump on your fountain.  You have several options when it comes to replacing a fountain pump, but you need to be sure that you are selecting the correct pump for your fountain.

Most pumps on fountains go out because the fountain has been allowed to run dry.  Pumps are not designed to work unless they are immersed in water and allowing the pump to run dry will quickly burn it up.  You can usually tell when you need to add water to the fountain because the pump will be making a gurgling sound.  If the pump burns up, you will have to purchase a new one and replace it.  Pumps are also supposed to be cleaned on occasion as well and you do this by opening the impeller case on the pump and removing any built up sediment.

Many people will wonder how much water they need versus the size of the pump that they need.  This depends on how hard you want your water to flow.  For indoor fountains you will find a recommended flow on the packaging when you purchase the fountain.  For waterfall fountains, a good rule of thumb is that you need 100 gallons of water per hour at the height you are pumping.  For example, if you have a large 12” wide waterfall that is 3 feet tall, you will need a pump that can pump 1200 gallons of water per hour at three feet. 

Outdoor pumps should always be grounded with a 3-wire plug.  Indoor fountains may have either 2-wire or 3-wire plugs.  If you are trying to hide the cord and you have an indoor fountain, you should be okay with a 2-wire plug as they are easy to hide.  Some retail stores require 3-wire plugs no matter what type of fountain it is.  Thick cords on these pumps can be hidden by decorations such as stones, plants, etc. 

The best way to keep from having to replace your pump is to be sure that you check the water level of your fountains on a regular basis, whether they are indoor, outdoor, floor or wall fountains.  All fountains will have some evaporation occur and will need to have water added regularly to keep them from drying up and burning out your pump.

Fountains, whether floor, indoor, wall or outdoor fountains, are a great way to bring the outdoors in or just enhance your outdoor living area.  In order to keep your fountains running at optimum performance, there are certain maintenance steps that you need to make in order to keep your fountain flowing.

·         Check the fountain’s water level and add fresh water every 2-7 days.  Some fountains go through more water than others if they splash and water naturally evaporates over time.

·         If the water in your fountain goes below the intake level of the pump you will hear a slurping sound coming from the fountain’s pump.  This could damage your pump and cause it to burn out if you do not keep the water level up.

·         If you are concerned about your fountain running out of water, it is a great idea to place it on a timer so that it will automatically turn off and on at set times. 

·         If your fountain begins to grow algae, you may add sea salt, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide or bleach to the water to prevent algae growth.  If you add bleach or hydrogen peroxide you do not want your animals to drink this water.

·         To prevent algae growth in indoor fountains, keep the fountain out of direct sunlight as sunlight promotes algae growth.

·         Clean your fountain every month to three months.  All parts of the fountain should be taken apart and cleaned.  It is recommended that you use a toothbrush, detergent and warm water for cleaning.  Clean rocks, bowls and shells in the fountain as well.

·         Disassemble your fountain’s pump and clean the inside, as algae and mineral deposits commonly build up in the pump and may limit its ability to function properly.

·         Fountain pumps are not designed to work outside of water and should always be immersed when running.

·         Protect the area beneath your fountain from water.  Plexiglas and plastic works well.  Most fountains are designed to run without splashing, but if something interferes with the running water it may splash.

·         For the best performance from your fountain, use rain water or distilled water in your fountain.

By following these simple steps and guidelines you will have a fountain that is a joy to hear and watch for a long time to come and a fountain that will run at optimum performance for years to come.