THE WATER FOUNTAINS COMPANY
   

 

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Water Fountain FAQ's

These are the top ten questions received about fountains and how to care for them:
  • How much maintenance does a fountain require?
    1. Most fountains can be properly maintained simply by keeping the water level up, and wiping them down regularly, with a more thorough cleaning every three to six months.
  • What kind of water do I use?
    1. All of our water fountains include pumps that keep the water in the fountain recirculating, so there is no need for a dedicated water source. The water that you add to your fountain can be either tap water (although it is recommended that you treat the water first) or distilled water.
  • How do I fix a noisy pump?
    1. Nine times out of ten, a noisy pump is caused by insufficient water level in the fountain. Other causes that rarely occur are: debris (prevented by using a screen or filter), vibrations from the pump (prevented by the use of suction cups on most pumps, but an alternative is a small sponge underneath), or using chemical cleaners in the fountain or water (prevented by following manufacturers directions for cleaning and care).
  • Is it hard to install a wall fountain?
    1. Wall fountains are fairly easy to install, do not require a dedicated water source, and normally come with bracket hardware and instructions. For more info visit our buying guide.
  • What about water splashing on the floor or table?
    1. Our quality water fountains are designed to minimize the amount of splashing that occurs. Other things that you can do to prevent splashing:
      1. Make sure the fountain is perfectly level
      2. Keep the water level within about ½ inch from the top of the basin
      3. Add rocks, stones, or glass gems to the basin
      4. Don’t place the fountain in a spot where it can be bumped
  • Can I adjust the amount of water flow?
    1. All of our fountains include pumps that have flow control wheels or knobs. The amount of water flow can be adjusted within a fairly wide range in most models, giving you the freedom to regulate the flow and noise levels.
  • What is the difference between indoor fountains and outdoor fountains?
    1. There are a few very important differences between indoor and outdoor water fountains to keep in mind:
      1. Outdoor fountains contain special lighting, pumps, and other electrical parts that are specifically designed to be resistant to the elements.
      2. All outdoor fountains also have UL listed and approved grounded plugs that many indoor fountains do not have.
      3. Many outdoor fountains are equipped with shrouds over the electrical components to prevent moisture intrusion.
      4. All of our outdoor fountains are specially treated with coatings that help to reduce the effects of the elements and prevent the natural finish of the fountains from deteriorating.
  • What do I need to treat the water in my fountain?
    1. We carry Protec Water Treatment that works naturally to reduce mineral deposits and water scale.
    2. We also carry Fountec Algae Free, which keeps algae from growing in your fountain without using chlorine.
  • Do foggers/misters require special care?
    1. Fountain foggers and misters should not be run more than eight hours per day, to prevent them from prematurely burning out. Also, remember that foggers and misters send small jets of water into the air, and should not be placed near sensitive electronic equipment or furniture that might be damaged.
  • How do I change the water in my fountain?
    1. Most fountain manufacturers recommend that you completely drain and refill your water fountain at least once every six months, of not a little more often. For larger fountains, the best way to do this is with a wet-dry vacuum, and a garden hose attached to a faucet. For smaller fountains, the wet-dry vacuum works equally well for draining, but you might want to use a small pitcher, jug or watering can for refilling. Always remember to use water treatment when refilling, to keep your fountain clean and your pump operating correctly.