Why Is My Tabletop Fountain Clogged?

Hard Water Deposits

• A buildup of white material at the waterline in the fountain reveals mineral deposits in your fountain. Just as the minerals cling to the side of the fountain basin and dry and harden on its surface, deposits from hard water build up in a fountain pump, causing reduced water flow and, eventually, a clogged pump. Mineral deposits, also called white scale, come from tap water. Using distilled water instead of tap water in your tabletop fountain prevents mineral buildup in the pump, just as it does in an iron or steamer.

Algae

• Algae, the slimy green coating that grows in ponds, will also develop in fountains, especially if your fountain receives sunlight. Algae are tiny plants without roots, leaves or flowers that float in water. They form a mossy layer on surfaces and can slow down your fountain's water flow; over time, it may clog the pump. Algae also cause an unpleasant odor to develop in tabletop fountains. Keeping the tabletop fountain in the shade and cleaning it regularly helps to control algae to keep the fountain running clear.

Debris

• Fountains created with materials that can deteriorate, such as sandstone, certain shells and other organic materials that break down over time, can result in a clogged fountain pump. Adding things to the fountain that are very small or that can break down in the water, such as gravel, tiny rocks, moss, flowers, plants, wood, sand or bits of glass, can clog the pump. Dead leaves, flower petals and seed pods falling in the fountain from houseplants can block the pump's water intake and promote the buildup of bacteria, algae growth and unpleasant odor in fountain water.

Clogged Fountain Prevention and Solutions

• Cleaning the fountain at least once every three months helps to prevent clogs. Cleaning the fountain requires unplugging the pump, removing the decorative material that conceals the pump (such as rocks, bamboo or a hollow decorative casing), taking out the plastic tubing or fountainhead and running water over all the parts. Giving the fountain basin a good washing with dish soap and rinsing it well afterwards will remove everything but tough mineral deposits. White vinegar helps to remove scale.

Pump Care

• Most pumps have a panel that allows you to open the pump housing to clean the propeller. Running water at full pressure through the pump will help dislodge any debris, and an old toothbrush or pipe cleaner can complete the cleaning. Immersing the pump in white vinegar overnight helps to remove mineral deposits. Giving the pump and all its parts a thorough rinsing under a strong flow of water helps to dislodge any remaining foreign matter.