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The Ultimate Water Feature Guide: How Often Do Fountains Need to be Cleaned to Keep them in Pristine Condition?

Outdoor water fountains are beautiful works of art that can be used to spruce up any size of exterior space. However, regular maintenance and water fountain repair are required to keep your fountain in good working order.

While it may seem arduous, your water fountain can quickly become a burden if proper care is not taken, leaving you with questions like, “Where can I find a trusted fountain repair near me?”

Water features, like everything else, require maintenance to avoid fountain and pond repair, but the question you may have is how much maintenance. Below, we will discuss how frequently you should be cleaning your water fountain and which components to pay close attention to.

Continue reading below to learn more and discover how an experienced Orange County pond service can keep your water fountain in a tip-top state.

The Best Ways to Clean a Water Fountain

Like all major decorative accessories, outdoor water features require some maintenance on a regular basis to keep them in pristine condition.

Cleaning your pump is an essential part of your fountain cleaning strategy. The pump functions as the fountain’s heart but is prone to algae and debris buildup.

For your outdoor water feature, make sure to regularly remove debris, dead leaves, and other contaminants from the water to keep the pump from becoming clogged. Remove your pump from your water fountain with care and disassemble the pump according to the manufacturer’s instructions in a well-lit area.

Make sure you don’t use any chemicals listed as approved by the manufacturer and rinse your pump thoroughly to remove any soap.

If you use a pump for your water feature, the water will almost certainly be re-circulated, but it will, however, be prone to evaporation. As the water level drops, the pump has to work harder, resulting in faster wear.

As a result, during the summer or in hot and dry climates, you should fill the water feature once a week, but don’t fill your water feature with too much water, as this will make it noisy and cause the water to splash around.

It goes without saying that an indoor water feature is more sanitary than an outdoor one. It is not attracted to dirt, debris, dead leaves, or twigs. Whether you have an indoor or outdoor water feature, you must clean it on a regular basis to remove scale, dirt, rust, and other dirt and debris buildup.

Learn More About Our Fountain and Pond Repair Services

A water feature is an excellent addition to any garden, home, or workplace and creates a soothing and calm atmosphere for all visitors to enjoy.

While it may not seem difficult to maintain your water feature if you do it on a regular basis, routine care is vital to ensure your water feature is working as expected.

Are you looking for a highly-rated fountain repair? Orange County homeowners can rely on us.

Since 2001, we have proudly served the Orange County area with professional fountain and pond repair services. Whether you’re looking for fountain maintenance, garden fountain repair, or general pond repairs, our team of specialists can provide you with the highest quality design and installation services for all of your water feature needs.

For a free quote and to learn more about how we can assist you with your next fountain and pond repair, contact us at Orange County Pond and Fountain Services, Inc. today!

How to Repair a Leaking Garden Fountain Like a Pro

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Fountains are often a symbol of power and peace. They can also represent prosperity and growth, particularly when it comes to spirituality, which many people find inspirational. A garden fountain creates a peaceful environment in any garden and is an active source of inspiration for artists, writers, and poets.

Leaking, dripping, and generally messy fountains are all far too common. Next time your garden fountain backs up, clogs, or starts to leak, don’t panic. With a few tips and tricks in your pocket, you won’t need to suffer another ugly fountain leak again.

Find The Leak

While it’s relatively easy to put together a garden fountain, sooner or later, you are bound to experience a leak. Most garden fountains are made up of several preformed, concrete tiers, and a visual inspection of the fountain should tell you that pretty quickly.

The first step in locating the leak in your garden fountain is determining what material your fountain is made up of. Garden fountains are usually composed of several preformed concrete tiers. These tiers are supported by a series of PVC pipes and molded into either a square or round platform.

Check all the connections under the fountain. Ensure they are tight, and then look around at the fountain base for wet spots or puddles. If you find any, tighten those connections as well. Checks all connections on or under the ground near your fountain because these are common places for leaks.

Inspect hoses and check for kinks, cracks, or holes in hoses that lead to leaks in your garden fountain.

Locate and test joints between pipes where a leak could occur in your garden fountain.

Look for cracks in the fountain container.

Listen for the source of the sound of running water and listen for dripping sounds.

Wipe the underside of your feature and observe. If you don’t see anything there, use a flashlight or ultraviolet light to scan the sides of the fountain for signs of leaks.

Another thing you can do is use a hose connected to a pressure gauge and run it through any openings in the fountain while looking for increased pressure that indicates a leak somewhere inside.

Fix the Leak

Fixing your fountain will be a lot easier if you take it apart first. If your fountain is made of multiple pieces, you should start by taking everything apart. The leak is likely results from how the parts are assembled or held together.

You need to check the pump. If the pump is working, then you need to check the filter. If it has lots of particles in it, you will need to clean it, otherwise, it will clog up and stop water from flowing through it.

Your fountain may have started leaking because of wear and tear on the materials from years of use. If so, you can seal cracks with a concrete sealer or with waterproof caulk and re-plaster minor chips with plaster.

Fixing these faults is usually easy enough that anyone can do it. But if you’re not sure, it’s best to leave this job for someone with experience in plumbing repairs.

But why do you need to hire a professional?

Simply because fixing leaks in fountains can be a very tricky and dangerous job to tackle without proper training and experience. You see, these parts are made of thin copper tubing or thin brass tubes that can get corroded over time, so when you’re trying to replace them, you should be careful not to break the tube or worse – not to injure yourself on it by accident.

Also, if you don’t know what you’re looking at, it might become impossible to locate the exact source of the water leak.

Call Us Today

Your yard decorations and garden fountains are more than just simplistic decor. They help create a calming environment in your yard, which is why we at Orange County Pond and Fountain Services take pride in helping you when it comes to any maintenance issues. We specialize in repairing leaking garden fountains but are also happy to replace broken parts or fix a cracked bowl.

8 Effective Ways on Addressing a Leak in a Water Fountain

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Fountains are used for aesthetic and practical purposes since ancient times. Many homes and business establishments in Orange County are using water fountains to add a splash of class and beauty to their premises.

However, people often neglect the importance of maintaining their fountains properly. Leaky fountains affect the beauty of a water fountain but also can cause damage to the flooring or can be dangerous to the children playing around it.

Common Causes of Water Leaks and How to Fix Them

If you notice signs of water leaks, this guide will show you how to find these leaks and fix them promptly.

Leaks and Cracks

Most water fountains have a few common issues that cause leaks and drips. Replacing or repairing your fountain is easy and can be done in 3 easy steps: shut off the water source, remove the pump, and patch the cracks or holes. With the ideal materials and at the end of a few hours, your fountain will be ready for use.

Water Flow Issues

Over time, various fountain elements can wear out or become damaged. This can cause the water flow to lessen, leak, or in some cases, stop flowing entirely. This made be resolved by removing the deposits and unblocking the flow of water. There are two steps that you can take to resolve this issue.

Overspray

One of the biggest problems people have when maintaining a water fountain is keeping the water from spouting out of range of its pool. When this occurs, it’s known as overspray.

To fix an overspray issue, you’ll want to make sure the height of the water in the basin is appropriate. In most cases, overspray can be easily fixed by removing the debris from the pool or repositioning the fountain nozzle. You may need to add more water or less depending on how the fountain works with its environment.

Plant Life

Cut back the overgrown greenery around your garden water fountain today. Your plants need water just like everything else, so once they start growing up around your fountain, you should trim back any excess foliage that is near the fountain’s water supply.

Discourage the leafy greens to come into contact with the fountain’s water source, or the water will start to run dry faster than it should be.

Methods to Detect Water Leaks

Tracking Your Water Bills

Using your water bill to keep track of your water usage is a time-honored, simple way of detecting leaks. Keeping a log and looking for trends in your water usage will only take a few minutes, but spotting and fixing a leak may save hundreds of dollars in wasted water.

Stethoscope Test

One way to detect water leaks in your water fountain is to use a stethoscope. Drive a stethoscope into the water flow of the fountain or tap into one of the water pipes. If there are leakages, you will hear gurgling and trickling sound in the tube. If not, then it may be that your fountain is leaking from elsewhere.

Checking the Water Meter

Checking the water meter is the best way to detect a leak. If you find that your water meter is running at rates much higher than usual, there could be a leak in your plumbing.

Check for Clues

Have you ever noticed tiny droplets of water on the ground around your fountain? Does water collect near the base of your water fountain? You may have water leaks. Look for signs of pooling water: a dry area over dirt or grass, a buildup of moss or algae on the bottom, or puddles and drips on nearby objects.

Call Us Today

When caring for your garden water fountain, proper maintenance is key to extending the lifespan and ensuring your fountain’s beauty. However, sometimes leaks can occur without warning and, this is the most common problem with outdoor water fountains.

Let us at Orange County Pond and Fountain Services help you fix these types of faults with any of your outdoor fountain needs.

How Do I Clean My Small Fountain Pump and Remove White Scale?

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Most of us are aware that hard water causes white stains on everything it touches. The main reason is that hard water has high amounts of calcium and magnesium dissolved in water.

Because these minerals dissolve readily, they don’t always leave the plumbing system when they should, rather they stay put and make matters worse. Keeping your small fountain pump clean is something most people take for granted because they assume that the moving parts inside keep it clean naturally.

However, that’s not always the case. Sometimes, even with regular maintenance like opening up the machine once a week and wiping down the metal parts inside with a cloth or a paper towel can make a big difference.

Here are the simple steps on how to clean a small fountain pump and remove white scale:

How to Clean a Fountain Pump

The pump is the first to experience buildup. Because this is where the water is flowing through, and filtered. Over time, the buildup can slow down the flow of water so that it takes longer to refill and ultimately lower your water pressure.

Firstly, turn off the water fountain.

Secondly, remove the back of the pump. This is where most fountain pumps will have a removable face. This is on one side of the pump, with some having the removable face on both sides. After removing the face from the pump, you will most likely see a propeller on one side or two.

Use a toothbrush or other type of small brush that can reach into all of the crevices in the pump to remove any sediment buildup and debris. Sometimes running hard water over the outside is enough to do the trick.

Once all of this is done, place the pump back in the fountain, and all should be working. If you can, try to run clean water through the tube to flush out the buildup.

How to Remove White Scale

White scale is the white mineral deposits that build up on the surface of your water fountain. The porous nature of most natural stones causes a buildup of minerals from the water. This is referred to as the white scale.

These deposits can build up over time to become unsightly and potentially cause damage to objects by etching them or causing them to corrode. However, there are some ways you can prevent white scales from building up.

Here are some tips to get rid of white scale formation from a water fountain.

Turn off the water fountain and drain water through the skimmer or drain hole at the bottom of the fountain by plugging it with a garden hose.

Remove all fountain accessories such as lights or statues.

Scrub the fountain with a soft bristle brush to remove mineral deposits or other debris, paying attention to hard-to-reach areas like crevices where debris collects.

Clean all the tubing to eliminate clogs

Finally, rinse off your fountain after cleaning and then refill the feature.

Call Us Today

If you find you need a service for your small fountain pump and want to remove white scale, Orange County Pond and Fountain Services specializes in Fountain Repair.

Whether it is a clogged or dirty filter, your pump requires maintenance regularly. We have the know-how to make sure your fountain will be pumping water like new once again.

Waterscape Made Easy: Can I Put Vinegar in My Water Fountain?

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When managed well, a water feature can bring a sense of tranquility to your yard that you never imagined. When taking care of and maintaining water fountains, you must know what is and isn’t safe to put in them.

Fountains need to have their unique maintenance routine to run properly. Fountain water needs to be kept clean of debris, sediments, and contaminants such as leaves, dirt, twigs, etc.

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance way to add interest to your water fountain, you may want to try waterscaping with vinegar. Why not, it’s completely safe and won’t harm anything. We’ll discuss how to use vinegar in your water fountain to improve its taste, prevent scale buildup and even get rid of water stains.

Does Vinegar Kill Algae?

Algae growth in the fountain is easy to see and usual to see, especially if your fountain sits in a spot that gets hours of sunlight.

The ugly green growths are pretty simple to remove with vinegar, but before you begin the process of rinsing them out, consider some other causes for the algae growth, such as dirty tubes that need replacing or debris that needs to be cleaned out.

How Much Vinegar Do You Put In A Fountain?

One of the best ways to keep your fountain clean and looking good is to use a mixture of water and vinegar. You can either buy a maintenance kit or make your cleaning solution.

Just mix one-half cup of white vinegar with one gallon of warm water, scrub all surfaces you can with the nylon scrubber. You must rinse it well with clean water, then fill the fountain.

Will Vinegar Hurt Your Fountain Pump?

Fountain pumps are a part of water fountains that take the place of gravity to make the water flow up to the top. Fountain pump maintenance can be tricky, but it is not that difficult once you have learned some basic knowledge about them.

Vinegar does not hurt your fountain pump! There is nothing left to worry about if you decide to use vinegar. You can remove stains and discoloration easily. The basic idea behind cleaning most water fountains is understanding the system inside and knowing how to clean.

What Are the Other Benefits of Using Vinegar?

Vinegar is a DIY wonder! Would you ever guess that white vinegar would be a unique remedy for keeping your fountain clean? There are a couple of reasons why this works so well. First, vinegar is acidic.

So when you use it to scrub the inside of your fountain, you’re removing and dissolving calcium buildup and other minerals—that’s how it removes stains. Second, white vinegar also contains acetic acid, which breaks down mineral deposits and makes the fountain shine.

Call Us Today

A nice fountain provides a lovely accent to any yard. It can be an oasis that attracts birds and butterflies, yet it can also cause algae problems if you’re not careful. Here at Orange County Pond and Fountain Services, our service is specially designed for your pond or water feature.

We provide a customized approach to keeping your water feature clean and smelling fresh. Whether it is with a simple vinegar treatment or high-pressure water jetting to remove the toughest algae, our services will provide you with years of enjoyment.

How Do I Fix My Water Fountain? Should I Let the Professionals Handle this Concern?

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There are a few aspects of your home that are as breathtakingly lovely as an expertly crafted water fountain. This aquascape feature adds a touch of grace and serenity to your home. However, all these benefits will go to waste when they don’t work, which is why you need a trusted fountain repair Orange County has to offer.

Hiring a professional to handle this concern and fix your water fountain can be a cost-effective and beneficial move if done the right way. There are many reasons why you should let professionals handle this concern, and the same might apply to you.

We guess it is time to hear what those reasons are, and let’s start with the benefits you will gain by selecting professional help for this concern to fix your water fountain.

Quality Service and Attention to Detail

A water fountain repair specialist can be contracted for repair services on all kinds of water fountains. Each model differs, and every minor leak or problem may need a unique approach, and it is best to leave it with the professionals.

Having the right tools and techniques to diagnose the root cause of the problem and fix it is crucial. Specialists also have more experience in repairing water fountains.

Saving on Cost

Professional repairs do not just come with the benefits of saving on costs. In fixing your fountain yourself, you may cause damages leading to more expenses in the long run.

A professional is experienced in repairing these components and has the appropriate tools to fix the damaged parts without the need for improvisation or buying additional materials. This can save you a lot of money and time.

Safety

A water fountain may seem like a simple monument at first glance, but it’s a complex system of moving parts. Water pressure, water levels, and water temperatures all affect performance.

You don’t have to risk the hassle and fuss of trying to fix your water fountain. Hire a professional to minimize accidents, from abrasions to elbow grease, from splashing to lacerations, from contamination to negligence, and other risks and concerns related to water fountains.

Solutions are Permanent

Professionals can provide a package of services and maintenance plans to ensure full coverage and peace of mind.

Get your water fountain repaired by a professional. One who can advise you on any future problems or faults with your fountain, as well as guarantee you permanent results to ensure you do not experience any more problems.

Common Water Fountain Faults

It is not uncommon for flaws to creep up in water fountains after a certain time, leading to concerns regarding both safety and functionality.

We have created a list of the most common water fountain issues compiled from years of experience, which include:

Linear leaks
Lime-scale build-up
Bad odor
Clogged pipes and filters
Faulty filtration system
Broken pipes
Water pump break down

Choose the Right Water Fountain Repair Service

When it comes to expertise, quality, and service, you deserve the very best. That’s why over 90% of all our customers recommend us to family and friends. Have you been thinking about where to find the very best water fountain repair near me?

Look no further, we take pride in our range of services and the effort we put into each project to bring you reliable, affordable, and high-quality water fountains.

For years, we have been providing people all across Orange County with the highest quality water fountains at a reasonable price.

It doesn’t matter if your water feature is a simple birdbath or an elaborate water fountain. Our technicians receive regular training from the industry’s top manufacturers to provide quality service.

How Do I Keep My Outdoor Fountain Algae Free? 4 Things You Need to Know to Maintain Water Health

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Fountains become a part of your landscaping. They add a functional and beautiful touch to your outdoor space design and no one wants them ruined by a filthy, ugly fountain plagued with algae. Therefore, a reliable water fountain repair service is what you’ll need to keep your aquascape pristine.

Algae is a common irritant for outdoor water fountains. In humid weather, sunlight is strong, and water is present chances are you will have them growing in your fountain basin.

A combination of overuse, improper maintenance, and old age may also trigger algae growth.

We’re here to let you know that things don’t get to be that way! Below we will share proven methods to keep algae out of your outdoor fountain, leaving your water blissfully algae-free.

Place Your Fountain in the Shade.

The right environment can prevent or deter many problems when it comes to using garden fountains. Placing your fountain in the shade does more than just protect it from harsh sunlight.

The reason for this is because when water is shaded by objects—usually other plants—it seems harder for algae to cling to the body of water. This is because there is no direct light source that is an active ingredient to an algae oasis, which penetrates through the other plant material or other water features holding the shade.

By placing it in the shade, you reduce the temperature of the water, which slows down or even halts algae growth.

Light Cleaning and Deep Cleaning

A clean waterfall fountain instantly makes your outdoor space look better. Nobody likes to see green stains on their ceramic or rock, so keep it clean with this simple cleaning routine.

The fountain water clears up nicely when you clean the whole feature and filters on your fountain pump or filtration system regularly, but if algae have taken roo, use a bleach solution for this tougher algae to scrub.

Once this is done, apply white vinegar directly on the areas with algae to remove them.

Preventative Products.

Protect your fountain against algae growth by adding preventive products to your water.

These algae-prevention products are added to the water in fountains—effectively eliminating existing algae in the water, preventing future blooms, and helping keep the fountain clean.

They are designed to work with live plants and do not harm your pets but will kill any algae that may be in your water fountains.

Use Fresh Distilled Water to Prevent Algae.

The healthy waters of your water fountain are influenced by the water you use. Switching to distilled water will give you cleaner, clearer, healthier water. Treat your water fountain with fresh distilled water to help maintain its beauty.

Debris, minerals, and other impurities found in tap water may feed algae growth. Distilled water is free of these impurities which can lead to an extra edge in preventing algae growth.

Call Us Today

We are a renowned water fountain contractor serving the residential, commercial, and industrial worlds in Orange County.

Our product offering features custom design and fabrication of an unlimited assortment of water features including self-priming fountains, ornamental fountains, water features, water features for large areas, waterfall fountains, fountain covers, and protection systems.

We put all our heart into every aspect of design, manufacture, testing, and fountain repair, Orange County residents can rely on. These ensure each one of our products is built with the highest quality materials to create a product that will not only last for years but be an heirloom for generations.

If you’re thinking of where to find a trusted fountain repair near me, think no more, contact us at OC Pond today!

Diagnosing and Fixing Leaking Ponds and Fountains Right

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Feeling frustrated because your ponds and fountains aren’t performing the way you had hoped? Expert fountain repair Orange County always comes in handy especially when you want your water features to look and operate at their best.

Nothing like picture-perfect ponds and water gardens to spruce up your outdoor space and turn it into a backyard oasis unlike any other.

But when your ponds and water fountains start to lose water, you know you have to address the issue right away to avoid any structural damage and a surge in bills.

Our Leak Detection Process

Count on our professional pond and water fountain repair specialists at Orange County Pond Fountain Service to get to the bottom of any leak problem as soon as possible, letting you enjoy a water feature lifestyle with ease and confidence.

Our experts will work with you every step of the way to understand your unique needs and provide accurate repair solutions that stand the test of time. We will thoroughly inspect the perimeter of your pond and water fountain for any visual signs of water loss.

Worn seals, cracks in pavements, and wet surrounding areas are some of the primary indicators of leaks.

Our team will also carefully examine the condition of your pond or waterfall and all related components of the system—liner edges, filter, pump, and plumbing lines—for signs of damage or defects.

After identifying the source of the leak, our specialists will determine the best repair solutions that fit your surroundings and unique situation. Our professionals deal with these kinds of problems on a regular basis.

Trust them to know the ins and outs of water gardens and take a holistic and sustainable ecosystem approach to repair water features. We only use top-notch techniques, best practices, and the finest materials to leave you with ponds or fountains that are as visually appealing and highly functional as ever.

Our experts will keep you up to date at all times about the repair process, explain the procedures, and answer any questions you may have. We go the extra mile to solve your leak problems as swiftly and as efficiently as possible and deliver an unmatched customer experience that you can trust.

Contact Our Pond and Fountain Repair Experts Now

Looking for a pond or water fountain repair near me in Orange County has never been this convenient. Our leak and detection repair specialists have all the skills, experience, and expertise to take on all types of water feature problems and provide you with excellent, long-lasting results.

With us on the job, you can expect nothing but a team that will accurately diagnose your water features’ leak issues, give you the best value for your investment, and get your pond and water fountain up and running in no time.

Let’s work together to keep your pond or water fountain looking and functioning their best no matter the season. For any leak and water feature-related problems you may have, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.