Maintenance

Water flowing from your fountain day and night is marvellous and possible thanks to a circular pump.
But what to do when chalky deposits impair your pump or the tubes of the water circuit? How to prepare your fountain for the winter ? What can be done if the trough is leaking?
We are at your disposal for questions and advice and propose a maintenance service to help you to take care of your fountain.
How to keep the water clean
Once your garden fountain is up and running the majority of maintenance is keeping the water clean and making sure the pump is not clogged with debris. Different water and environmental conditions will affect the water quality. Generally, the water stays clear when it is fresh and cold (a shady location for the fountain can be helpful). Especially during the summer months you will need to refill your fountain often, as the water evaporates. So, instead of refilling the basin every day, empty it once a week, brush the trough with a stiff brush, rinse and refill it with cold water. Keeping the fountain water clean and clear may take a little practice and adjustment. In general we do not use any water purifiers or cleansing products in consideration for the wildlife (birds, bees, squirrels etc.)
Winter care
During winter months, before the temperature hits freezing, drain your water fountain. Unplug the pump and store it indoors. Make sure that no water is left in your fountain and check during the winter months that no leaves clogg the drain. When water freezes it can expand and contract, causing the fountain to crack.
Cleaning of the pump
The secret to keeping your fountain in perfect working condition is in the pump.
A few minutes of pump maintenance on a regular basis will keep your fountain running smoothly and beautifully for a long time. If the water flow of your fountain decreases, shut the fountain off, clean the filter inside the trough or in the water reservoir and remove the pump for inspection. It’s possible that the pump got clogged with debris ot that the impeller needs decalcification. Please note that the rubber parts (on the stainless steel shaft) should not get in touch with the cleansing solution.
What to do if the fountain leaks
Not all « leaky » fountains are actually leaking. Especially in spring, after the winter period when the fountain has been without water, the stone absorbs large quantities of water. As soon as the stone is saturated the leaking usually stops. When the circular pump is in function water can also be lost by splashing over the sides of the basin or water evaporates or is blown over by the wind.
Also control the drain. If sand or debris is stuck between the cone and the outlet, the drain is not going to be impervious. Clean both the cone and the outlet and push it firmly together. The stand pipe should not move. If it does, contact us.
If you observe a crack, we can repair it with the adequate stone repair material or we use sealing oil for invisible cracks. Please contact us if you need advice or help.
We recommend that the pump is inspected and cleaned thoroughly at least twice a year : in the summer and in November when removing the pump for the winter.
During the winter, the pump should be stored indoors.
There are various products available to help remove built up mineral deposits, such as calcium. A mixture of vinegar and water will also work for this purpose but it takes longer to disolve the white scale than with a chemical product like Durgol. When all the parts are clean, the rotor and impeller should turn easily around the steel shaft. Please note that the rubber parts (O-Ring and rubbers on the steel shaft) should not get in touch with the cleansing solution.
The following pictures will show you how to open the cover of the pump and to remove the impeller so that you can clean the built up mineral deposits (such as calcium).
If any parts of your pump go missing or need replacement we can supply you with the necessary spare parts.
If you want us to make a complete fountain service we are at your disposal.
A maintenance service includes:
Cleaning of the fountain and the water pipes, cleaning the circular pump, checking the trough of cracks and erosions and repair them, level out the through, if necessary.
Contact us for a quote