Water Fountain FAQ

Our answers to your frequently asked water fountain-related questions. Will my water fountain need a water line? In most cases, no. Our water fountains are self-contained and simply recirculate water from a reservoir. Because water evaporates, you'll need to add water periodically to keep the water fountain pump submerged. Is it better to keep my water fountain running or should I turn it off at night and when I'm away? Water fountain pumps operate best when they're allowed to operate continuously. Starting and stopping is harder on the water fountain pump, and intermittent usage also makes it easier for algae to develop in the water. Water fountains don't use much energy, so it's actually more economical to just let them run.

How do I make my water fountain work?

The water fountain pump circulates the water. All you need to do is fill your fountain with water and plug the pump in. All of the water fountains for sale at SimplyFountains.com come with detailed installation and maintenance instructions.

Should I allow pets to drink from the water fountain?

This is generally a bad idea. Monitoring water purity is much more difficult with a fountain than with a watering bowl. Many water fountain owners also use bleach or non-toxic water additives to prevent algae and white scale.

How often does a water fountain need to be cleaned?

In general, we recommend cleaning your indoor water fountain every 4 to 6 months. Outdoor water fountains should be cleaned more frequently. Be sure to clean the water fountain pump, filter, and impeller, not just the surface of the water fountain.

Why is my fountain pump humming?

Maybe it's in a good mood. Actually, this is normally due to a low water level. Water fountain pumps that aren't fully submerged can overheat or collect residue, so make a habit of checking your water fountain's water level on a regular basis. Add water if it's low. If the water level is adequate, check that the water fountain is level. The water fountain pump may be vibrating against the water fountain, in which case placing a sponge or Scotch-Brite pad beneath the water fountain pump should eliminate the noise. If all else fails, thoroughly clean the water fountain pump and impeller.

Why isn't the water flowing properly?

If you've just started your water fountain and there are dry spots, try splashing water over them. This helps the water to "follow" properly. A poorly maintained pump will have a harder time keeping the water flowing well. Clean the impeller and pump regularly to help avoid water flow issues, and always keep the water level high enough to submerge the pump. Other solutions include checking for kinks in the tubing and checking that the pump has not separated from the tubing. If your pump has a flow- control valve, it may need to be adjusted.

Why is my fountain splashing?

Splashing can be caused by improper installation or uneven water fountain placement. Splashing also happens when the water level is too low or too high. The water should be high enough to submerge the water fountain pump, but no higher than 1 inch from the rim of the basin. Adjusting your water fountain pump's flow level can also help with this issue. Adding rocks or pebbles to a water fountain's basin is another way to prevent splashing.