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:
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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.
