Caring for the Fountain Pump

There are several steps you can take to be sure to extend the life of your indoor water fountain pump. The most important step in pump care is to be sure that there is always enough water in the fountain. The pump will immediately overheat when there is not enough water running through it – it is designed for operation in water only! If you hear your pump making strange noises, it is likely that this is the problem. If adding water does not solve the problem, make sure the pump is not vibrating against another part of the fountain. You may need to add a sponge between the pump and other fountain surfaces to lessen the noise. Most of the time, however, your pump should be running fairly quietly.

When cleaning the rest of your fountain, check the pump’s rotors to make sure they are clean and free of debris. You can prevent dust and debris from accumulating inside the pump by placing the pump in a small section of pantyhose that will act as a filter for harmful materials. Air can also become trapped within the pump, causing it to stop working temporarily. To fix this issue, you can unplug and plug in the fountain several times in succession to prime the pump, then plug in the pump and lift it very quickly out of the water, then drop it back in. This should “shock” the pump into working. If this does not help, follow the pump manufacturer’s guidelines for disassembling and cleaning your pump, included in your fountain instructions.

Even though we provide the best quality pumps at Wall2Wall Fountains, your pump will eventually die out. This is not a cause for alarm – it can easily be replaced, most likely for less than $20 at a large hardware or home improvement store such as Home Depot or Lowe’s. The type of fountain you own will depend how powerful of a pump you will need. Pump power is measured in GPH (gallons per hour) output. It is important to purchase the correct pump for your fountain. A pump that is too powerful will cause excessive splashing, which a pump that is too weak will not provide you with the water flow you desire.

For indoor water fountains less than one foot high, you will probably need a small pump with an output of 65 GPH or less. We recommend the Beckett M60AUL Small Submersible 60 GPH fountain pump, an ideal pump for the small indoor fountain. This model is available at Home Depot. We classify a medium sized fountain as a tabletop, floor, or indoor wall fountain up to 36" in height. These fountains will require a pump with a GPH of 100-200. If your fountain is taller than 12” it might be better to purchase a pump that may be too powerful as opposed to not having enough force. Many pumps have adjustable flow that will allow you to increase or decrease the exact flow for your needs. Home Depot carries the Beckett M200AUL16 Medium Fountain Pump with 185 GPH. Larger floor and wall fountains, up to 6 feet in height, will require a GPH of 250-345. Home Depot carries the Beckett M350AUL16 Large 340 GPH Fountain Pump. By easily replacing your pump, you can continue to enjoy your indoor fountain for years and years to come.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1. Why Purchase an Indoor Fountain?

2. Choosing the Right Fountain

- Fountain Placement
- Types and Sizes of Fountains
- Using Your Fountain to Enhance Your Space

3. Installing Your Fountain
- Installing Your Wall Fountain

4. Use and Maintenance
- Running Water through the Fountain
- Prolonging the Life of Your Fountain with Water Treatments
- Cleaning Your Fountain
- Caring for the Pump
- Fountain Lighting