Step-by-Step Guide on How to Drain a Fountain
Draining a fountain can be necessary for cleaning, maintenance, repairs, or winterizing to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. Here’s a systematic approach to properly drain your outdoor or indoor fountain.
Step 1: Turn Off the Power Supply
Before starting the draining process, ensure that the fountain’s pump and any other electrical components are turned off. Disconnect the fountain from the power supply to avoid any electrical accidents.
Step 2: Remove Any Large Debris
Take out any large debris such as leaves, twigs, and stones from the fountain. This will prevent clogging the drainage path and make the cleaning process easier after the fountain is drained.
Step 3: Locate the Drain Plug
Most fountains are equipped with a drain plug at the bottom or the side to facilitate easy draining. Locate the drain plug, which is typically a simple rubber stopper or a valve. If your fountain does not have a drain plug, you may have to use a pump to remove the water manually.
Step 4: Drain the Water
If your fountain has a drain plug, remove it and allow the water to flow out. If the water is draining too slowly, you might have to use a siphon or a pump. For siphoning, use a hose: place one end inside the fountain water and the other at a lower elevation, then start the siphon by suction. To use a pump, place the pump’s inlet hose at the lowest point in the fountain and the outlet hose where you want the water to be discharged.
Step 5: Clean the Pump and the Fountain
While the fountain is draining, take the time to clean the pump. Remove the pump from the fountain, disassemble it if necessary, and clean all the components to remove any build-up of algae or debris. Also, wipe down the fountain itself with appropriate cleaners to inhibit algae growth and to clear any calcification.
Step 6: Remove Remaining Water
Once the bulk of the water has been drained, remove any remaining water with a sponge, a rag, or a wet/dry vacuum. This step ensures that the fountain is completely drained, which is especially important if you’re winterizing the fountain.
Step 7: Reassemble and Store
After cleaning and drying, if you’re storing the fountain for winter, ensure that all parts are dry before reassembling and covering the fountain. Store the pump in a dry place. If you’re simply performing maintenance, reassemble the fountain, reinsert the pump, connect the water supply, and restart the fountain once the maintenance is complete.
Tips for Successful Fountain Draining:
- Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before attempting to drain your fountain.
- If you’re using a pump to drain the fountain, make sure it’s capable of handling the volume of water.
- Consider the location where the drained water will go, ensuring that it does not flood your or neighboring areas.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands during the cleaning and draining process.
- If you are not confident about draining the fountain yourself, consider hiring a professional.
Regular maintenance including routine draining and cleaning will keep your fountain in good working order and enhance the longevity of its components.