How to clean outdoor water fountain pump
The soothing sound of trickling water from a fountain brings peace to your outdoor space. Outdoor water fountains, which come in a variety of sizes, use submersible water pumps to constantly circulate the water in the fountain, eliminating algae accumulation and stagnation. Even with a constantly flowing water pump, mineral deposits and debris can build up in your fountain, necessitating regular cleaning and maintenance to keep it going efficiently.
- Keep a close eye on the water level
Check the water level on a regular basis and top it up as needed, making that the water pump is always submerged. If feasible, use distilled water to reduce mineral buildup in the fountain and on the water pump.
- Examine for Debris
By using a tiny net, remove debris from the water several times a week, such as leaves, twigs, and insects. Check the water pump for any debris that could clog it and prevent it from properly circulating water.
- Turn off the Fountain
At least once a month, or whenever the water becomes unclean, unplug the pump and empty the water from the fountain. Most fountains have a little plug on the bottom to make draining easier; otherwise, use a piece of tubing to scoop the water.
- Vacuum the Pump
To dislodge severe mineral stains, remove the pump from the fountain and soak it in a 50 percent solution of diluted distilled white vinegar. Using a soft cloth, wipe the outside.
- Clean the Pump Cover with a damp cloth
Remove the pump cover and use your hands to clear any large debris from the inside. Cleaning and removing minor deposits of algae and mineral buildup in hard-to-reach spots with an old toothbrush is recommended. Replace the pump lid after a thorough rinse.
- Scrub the Fountain
Using a stiff-bristled scrub brush, hot water, and mild dish detergent, scrubs the inside of the fountain. If necessary, soak mineral stains in vinegar or use baking soda as a mild abrasive to loosen and lift stains. When the fountain is cleaned periodically, vinegar is usually successful at removing calcium and lime buildup. A particular calcium, lime, and rust cleaning product, on the other hand, can assist restore the fountain’s original beauty in cases of extreme accumulation. On natural copper fountains, never use vinegar, calcium, lime, or rust cleansers since they will damage the copper patina finish.
- Give the Fountain a good rinsing
Rinse the interior of the fountain thoroughly with water and wipe it down with a towel to remove any detergent residue.
- Use Automotive Wax
After washing and drying a powder-coated copper fountain, cover it with automotive wax to maintain the finish. Natural copper fountains can be cleaned using furniture polish.
- Pour in the distilled water
Fill the fountain with pure water after replacing the plug. According to Serenity Health, distilled water has fewer minerals than tap water. Add a few tablespoons of chlorine bleach to tap water for larger fountains that require a lot of water, or treat the water with a fountain enzyme product designed to prevent mineral and algae accumulation. For smaller fountains, only use roughly a teaspoon of bleach.
- Start the Pump
Return the pump to the water, plug it into an outlet, and turn it on to start circulating the water.
Store the Fountain in the Fall If you live in a frost-prone area and can’t use the fountain all year, drain, clean, disassemble, and store it indoors from early fall until early spring.
What You Will Require
- Water that has been distilled
- Net
- White vinegar that has been distilled
- A gentle cloth
- Toothbrush
- Scrub brush with stiff bristles
- Dishwashing liquid
- Baking soda
Bleach or a product containing enzymes from a fountain
When the fountain is cleaned periodically, vinegar is usually successful at removing calcium and lime buildup. A particular calcium, lime, and rust cleaning product, on the other hand, can assist restore the fountain’s original beauty in cases of extreme accumulation.
Avoid using vinegar, calcium, lime, or rust cleaners on natural copper fountains since they will damage the patina coating.
Life of a Pump
Water is required to keep submersible pumps cool. The pump’s life will be shortened if water levels are constantly low or if the pump is turned on and off too frequently. The life of the pump is further shortened by animal hair, leaves, and other waste that enter it. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for cleaning the impeller. Most of the time, all you have to do is remove the impeller, run it under the water faucet, and replace it.
Remember to clean the fountain pump
It’s critical to keep your pump clean because it’s what keeps the fountain running! Because your pump is where the water flows through and is filtered, it will be the first place to notice buildup.
- Clean your pump by removing it from your fountain and placing it in the sink. Remove the back of the pump; most fountain pumps should have a face that can be removed from one side. The propeller is located here.
- After removing the pump, clean out any debris with a toothbrush or other brush that can get into the small holes of the pump. Most of this may be cleaned out by running hot water over the pump.
- Replace the lid and reconnect the pump to your fountain. It’s a good idea to clean up the tubing that links the pump if you have the opportunity. This is a little more difficult to clean because it is difficult to get inside, but even vigorous running water through the tube will remove a lot of the buildup.
- You may always add a small quantity of chlorine to your fountain if it doesn’t have any water plants. During the summer, we recommend applying one to two tablespoons every two to three weeks.
