In building a water fountain, the most crucial part of the project is the pump. It is the heart of the fountain. While it may be the body of the fountain that provides the aesthetics which is the purpose of the project, the heart supplies life to it. Another significance of the water pump is the movement it produces in the water. Keeping the water from being stagnant inhibits the growth of algae, mosquitoes, and other parasites. In the discussion below, we will study these pumps to gain some knowledge about its operation & maintenance.
If you are considering the acquisition of a new pump, you will make sure that it is has the appropriate features for your waterworks. That will entail attention to details like the height of the head (the highest point the pump can deliver) or the length the tubing has to run from the pump. Make sure that the head that the pump is capable is more than the height of the fountain. Be sure that the pump can generate 100 gph for every inch of width of the water stream. If your fountain is fond indoors, use small pumps to avoid splashing.
Make sure that the tubing fits into the pump nozzle. To remedy a tubing that with a small diameter, dunk the end of the tubing in boiling water for about 30 seconds, cram it through the nozzle, hold it in place, as it cools down it will contract & seal the water out. Tubing with a large diameter can be remedied by installing a screw-on clamp.
If your old pump is not working properly, don't replace it right away check out the following factors first. Ensure that the pump is clean. Get rid of any debris from the tubing. Use a toothbrush to scrub any build up of algae. Check the water level if it sufficiently submerges the pump. The pump won't work if it is above the level of water. If the water level is too low, the pump will make silly noises. If the water level is too high, the pond will overflow when the pump is turned on. Inspect the connections of the tubing closely to see if there are any cracks or leakages. Place a rubber sink mat between the pump base and the pond basin to dampen vibrations.
The secret to trouble shooting is just a little ingenuity. Take steps in prevention so that you will not have problems in the future.
