subject: Water Fountain Pump Cleaning and Maintenance [print this page] Water Fountain Pump Cleaning and Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance of your fountain's water pump will extend its life and improve its performance. While most pumps come with a manufacturer's warranty of one year, a well-maintained, fully submersed fountain pump should last 2 to 3 years.
The following steps will extend the life of your submersible water pump and allow it to operate at peak performance:
Submersible pumps are designed to operate while fully immersed in water.Never turn on your pump unless it is completely covered in water. Doing so will quickly burn out the motor. Monitor the water levels in your fountain regularly to ensure that the pump is always below the surface of the water and unplug your fountain if you are going out of town for an extended period.
If possible, use distilled water in your fountain. Tap water contains minerals which will cause a build up both on your fountain's surface and within the pump. This is a greater problem with hard water. It's okay to use tap water, however, doing so may require you to clean your pump more frequently to reduce mineral build-up.
Prevent algae build-up in an outdoor fountain by locating it in a shaded area if possible. You can also use algae preventing additives in your water, such as No More Algae. Dilutions of bleach, vinegar, lemon juice or Listerine can also reduce algae growth.
Leave your pump running at all times. Frequently turning the pump on and off will reduce its life-span.
Clean the pump regularly.
Cleaning your fountain pump is a relatively easy task that can be completed in a short period of time.Depending upon the water used in your fountain and its size and placement, we recommend cleaning your pump every one to three months.
Remove the pump completely from the fountain and disconnect if from the power source prior to cleaning.
Remove the pump cover following the manufacturer's instructions. Most covers slide off easily although some may use tension clips to hold the cover in place.
Clean the interior parts with dish detergent and warm water. An old toothbrush can aid in getting at tight areas. Remove the magnetic impeller and clean it separately. If mineral build-up is present, soaking the parts in a vinegar solution will aid in cleaning.
Rinse everything thoroughly in clear water prior to reassembling the pump and replacing the cover.
