Fountains can be a wonderful addition to a lot of places, be it a garden, patio or indoors. But once that fountain pump encounters glitches you can say goodbye to enjoying that satisfying sound of running water. If you already know your way around pumps, most of the fountain problems are quite easy to find and get solved. Here, we present you with these step by step guides that will reward you with the skills to troubleshoot common fountain pump issues like a pro.  

1. Water Not Flowing? Let’s Start Off Simple

If the fountain is dry, there is no need to panic, because more often than not the reason is not that serious.  

So what should you check first?  

- Power Source: Double check whether the fountain pump is plugged in the wall socket and functioning normally. If it’s not, check whether another device such as a phone charger is in that socket.

- Position of the Pump: On some occasions, the pump shifts and ends up resting above water. Ensure that it is entirely underwater.  

- Blocked Intake: The aquatic animals should not be placed in the same tank as the pump intake, because they tend to suck in too much debris. As such, remove the pump and check for debris in the intake.  

2. Less Water Flow? Time To Get Rid of The Clogs

If there is too weak a flow, that more often than not means that debris has built up.

Certain basic measures must be taken for the smooth operation of the pumps. This is particularly true if the pump is located outdoors since it will be forced to operate in a dirty and debris filled environment which entails consistent cleaning and maintenance.  

Checklist: 

- Filter Examination: A properly working pump filter is imperative. A blocked filter due to debris will greatly reduce water flow thus thorough removal is a must.  

- Tubing Inspection: Remove hose or tubing connected to the pump and wash using water to eliminate dirt and debris buildup.  

- Cleaning the Pump: Using a brush or sponge removes algae and other contaminants.  

Pro Tip: To prevent clogging from occurring, blast a few sprays into the area every couple of weeks as a simple rinse can spare you a lot of trouble in the future.  

3. Noisy Pump? Isolation Of The Rattling Must Be Done First

Not only is a noisy pump irritating, it also generally indicates an underlying issue that must be resolved.  

Indicators of The Issue:  

- Bleed Air Bubbles: To push the air trapped inside a pump vents further air bubbles are created and subsequently vibrations or rattling follows this process. Venting the pump should suffice.  

- Miscellaneous Pump Components: Inspect the pump for loose screws or components that can be tightened if required.  

- Impaired Impeller: Working roughly serves as the most common form of wear and tear for an impeller. Over time an impeller can degrade or become gunked up.

Make it a point to locate and check it and remove any dirt as fast as you can.   

Silencing Tip: To reduce pump vibrations against the fountain base, place the pump on a soft and firm level surface.  

4. Pump is Overheating? Let it Cool 

An overheating pump is more than just annoying. Rather, it’s a Red Flag.  

Why it happens: 

- Poor water levels – Water gets overused. It is possible for the equipment and pump to run dry which will ultimately lead it to overheating.  

- Ventilation is Blocked – A pump requires proper airflow to prevent heating. So, make sure there are no obstructions around it.  

- Too Much Use – Continuously using the pump exerts a lot of pressure on the motor and therefore, it is impractical to run overnight. If it is not designed for continuous use, then do not run 24/7. 

Solution: Never forget to turn it off. Wait for the motor to cool down before checking the water levels. Also check if there are clogs or blockages assisting and if necessary, change positioning.  

5. Water Flow Stops at Intervals? Investigate Regarding Current Supply Problem 

Could electricity be the problem for a pump that hardly works? Because mid-way functioning is an indicator of mechanical issues.  

Troubleshooting Steps:  

- Power Cord Damage: Frays and cracks on power cords put a kink in the supply, making it less powerful. 

- Working Outlet Check: There are cases when the issue lies with the power source. So always check if the pump can work in other outlets.  

- Timers: There are cases where the pump is meant to be on a timer but its functioning fails to do so. So always check the timer settings.

Powers Move: Get yourself a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) socket for outdoor fountains – it ensures that electrical equipment that comes in contact with water has better protection.  

Conclusion

Maintaining the fountain isn’t as difficult as you may think it to be.  Keeping the pump in good condition with these suggestions will guarantee that your fountain’s soothing waterfall stays a refreshing escape. So, grab those tools and get ready to make the beautiful sound of water flow again!