Fountain Care: Indoor & Outdoor Fountains

* Check and maintain the water levels daily to ensure there is sufficient water to run the pump motor.
* Replace water regularly.
* Every month you should disconnect the pump and flush it under clean running water to remove any build up of residue.

Remember: Disconnect your fountain from the power source before you undertake any maintenance.

It is recommended that you run your fountain for no longer than 8 hours continuously and always ensure there is enough water to cover the pump’s outer casing. If there is not enough water the pump will be damaged. Water levels should be checked daily and topped up as the water evaporates. The rate of evaporation varies. In very dry weather the water will evaporate more quickly than in humid weather. Evaporation will be faster the longer the pump is operating.

If your fountain is placed in direct sunlight it will need to be cleaned more often due to the growth of algae. Using chlorinated tap water will assist in keeping the fountain clean and running the fountain will also help keep it clean. If your water is hard, the minerals in the water will become very concentrated, therefore the water should be changed more often. Distilled water is best for your fountain as it will keep it cleaner and prolong the life of the pump.

All debris should be rinsed from the reservoir and the pump flushed under the tap at least once a month to remove any build-up of sludge. If the water flow rate has slowed or stopped it probably needs to be flushed.

Scale deposits from hard water can be removed from the pump or other objects in the water by soaking them in a solution of water and vinegar or a lime based cleaning product. Or add a couple of drops of bleach or ½ teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide to the water to keep it clear and algae free.

Most fountains or water features will cause moisture to accumulate or there may be some splashing; therefore it is best to place your water feature some distance from unprotected furniture or electrical appliances.

Appearance

Whether you put your brass fountain inside for year long enjoyment or leave it outside as part of its natural surroundings it will require little attention. Caring for your brass fountain or sculpture is easy. Keep in mind that the natural tendency of brass is to oxidize into a verdigris (green-gray) patina finish. Maintenance on brass fountains or sculptures is only required if you wish to maintain its showroom-like finish.

If you decide not to let Mother Nature take care of your fountain or sculpture you can maintain your piece as follows. Wipe off the water spots that result from running the fountain, with a coarse cloth or by brushing the spots with a very soft brass-bristled brush. A lint brush works really well too. To slow the natural oxidation process, a light coat of wax was applied to your fountain before being shipped to you. After removing water spots, you should apply a light coat of clear paste wax. It is not recommended that you apply wax to your fountain without first brushing it. Applying wax over water marks will make them much harder to remove later. Apply the wax with a paintbrush. You can use a clean cloth to buff to a desired luster. By following this easy care process your fountain will maintain its appeal for years to come.

Function

All of our brass fountains have been cleaned and tested to ensure that you receive a piece that is not only attractive but discharges water properly. Occasionally it may appear that the fountain does not work or that it leaks. Below is a checklist to help determine what the problem might be and how to correct it.

If your fountain does not run or if it dribbles, check to see if:

a) the pump is plugged in and that your electrical source is "on";
b) the pump is functioning (sometimes the impeller/blade will "freeze"; if so, remove the cover; spray it with WD-40 and turn it by hand.)
c) the tubing has a kink;
d) the tubing is securely fastened to both pump and fountain;
e) the pump is completely submerged;
f) the copper tubing is clogged (if the tubing is clogged, run a thin wire as far as possible into the ends of the tube to loosen any debris that may be present. If this is not possible try "back-flushing" by attaching the vinyl tube to the "front" end of the copper tube and running the pump);
g) the water is sufficiently clearing the opening. If the water is "dragging" across the edge, it will cause some water to drain back into the body cavity and leak through tiny pinholes, which exist in your fountain as a natural result of the lost-wax casting process. The copper tube may need adjusting and is relatively easy to do by putting a thin, blunt instrument (like a Phillips-head screwdriver) into the tube and manipulating it, as necessary, to provide clearance. If the body still appears to be filling with water, empty the water out, lay the piece on its side and run the pump. If the fountain fills with water in this position, then the fountain has an internal leak and you should contact us.

If after checking all of the above possibilities the fountain still does not seem to work, it's possible that your pump is not powerful enough.