how do you clean a cat fountain pump

How to Clean a Cat Water Fountain in 5 Steps

Full Answer

How do I clean the pump and filter on my fountain?

Do not wash the pump or filters in the dishwasher. Remove all parts of the fountain as shown below and clean using soap and warm water. If hard water buildup occurs, soak pump in equal parts vinegar and warm water for 15 minutes, then scrub.

How to clean a cat’s water fountain?

Basic household supplies like salt, baking soda, vinegar, and lemons are great to use when removing hard water stains. Some commercial cleaners are also available, but the natural solutions work as well. Always unplug the unit and take out the filter before attempting to clean your cat’s fountain.

How do I clean the inside of the pump and impeller?

Use soap, warm water, and a small brush to clean the inside of the pump and the impeller. Check for hard water deposits (white powerdery crusts). If present soak the unit in a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water for 15 minutes. Then use the brush to scrub off the deposits. Rinse thoroughly with distilled water.

How often should you clean your pet’s water fountain?

Cleaning the fountain on a weekly basis will normally prevent the growth of any film in the first place. Cleaning your pet’s water fountain is the first step that you can take to ensure that your pet is healthy and is drinking clean water.

Can you run vinegar through a fountain pump?

The pump circulates water through your fountain. It can get clogged with mineral deposits, algae buildup, pollen, dirt and other debris over time. You can use a homemade solution of distilled white vinegar mixed with water (50/50) to clean the pump.

How do you clean an indoor fountain pump?

Clean the fountain, pump, and stones using a cleaning mixture of warm water and mild liquid soap, or use a commercial calcium lime removal product. For an all-natural alternative, spray distilled white vinegar on the fountain's interior and parts, then scrub using a wet sponge.

How do I get rid of mold in my cats fountain?

As previously mentioned, you must regularly clean your plastic pet fountain with bleach or some similar chemical, then rinse very thoroughly. (Your cat won't go near the fountain if it has even a touch of bleach smell to it).

How do you remove calcium deposits from a cat fountain?

Sprinkle salt liberally over the hard water deposits in the damp fountain. Moisten a plastic mesh scrubbing pad and scrub over the salt so it forms a paste. Rub the paste into the deposits with the scrubber and they will loosen up easily. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Why does my indoor fountain get slimy?

It's not uncommon for a layer of grime to form over the pump from months or years of use, but thankfully this problem is easily fixed by cleaning the pump. Turn the fountain off and follow the instructions to properly clean the pump and associated parts.

How do you clean a water pump?

0:161:43Tips: Clean Water Pump - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDisassemble the white cover. Pull out the water tube and clean it secondly tear out the filteringMoreDisassemble the white cover. Pull out the water tube and clean it secondly tear out the filtering mesh and take apart the water pump this. Way.

Can cats get sick from dirty water fountain?

Pets need water to survive, but dirty water can harbor some harmful things, like parasites and bacteria. Find out how to keep your pet hydrated and healthy.

Can a dirty water fountain make a cat sick?

Some water fountains are more complex to take apart, which can make cleaning them difficult for you. If you aren't cleaning your cat's water fountain, bacteria can build up and ultimately cause skin allergies and other issues.

What happens if a cat drinks water with mold?

Pythiosis of the lungs, brain, or sinus will manifest in the cat as stuffiness, head pain, fever, coughing, and swelling of the sinuses. Infection of the cat's digestive tract leads to a chronic disease, which causes the tissue of the stomach and/or intestines to become severely thick.

Can I use vinegar to clean my cats water fountain?

Just pour enough vinegar into the fountain to cover the scaly buildup. Place the fountain away from your cats until all is dissolved. Then wash well, and your kitties will have a squeaky-clean, buildup-free water fountain once again.

How do you remove mineral deposits from a fountain?

For most white scale and hard water mineral deposits, you can mix your own cleaning solution. Equal parts white vinegar and water mixed together will help remove the scale. For more hard-to-remove mineral deposits (only on a granite fountain), you can use a solution of equal parts muratic acid and water.

How often should cat water fountains be cleaned?

The fountain should be cleaned at least once a month to avoid mineral buildup and to ensure clean drinking water for your pet. It is recommended to clean the pump and change the filter when cleaning the fountain. Multi-pet households may need to clean every two weeks.

Can I put bleach in my indoor fountain?

Algae can damage the fountain surface and can clog the pump causing it to overheat and burn out. Never use chlorine or bleach as an algaecide or cleaner. Chlorine can damage your pump and fountain surfaces. First fill your fountain to the brim.

Should I leave my indoor water fountain on all the time?

Should I Leave My Fountain on All the Time? Fountain pumps are specifically designed to run constantly. It is hard on the pump if you constantly turn it on and off every day. The only times you should turn off the fountain pump is if you are cleaning it or if you are going to be away from it for several days.

How do you clean a submersible pump?

Eliminate Debris From The Interior And Exterior Fill a bucket with water and add a small amount of detergent and bleach to it. Remove the filter from the water pump and submerge it and the pump in the cleaning solution. Move the filter and pump briskly through the water to loosen debris from each one.

How do I stop my fountain pump from clogging?

Making use of your fountain's timer function can be another way to prevent clogs. Most fountains are equipped with a timer on the control panel. Timers can be set so that your fountain turns off for a few hours at night to allow any debris to fall away from the large screen, which will reduce the likelihood of clogs.

How often should I clean my pet fountain pump?

How to clean your pet fountain pump. The pump needs to be cleaned at least once a month for best performance. We recommend to clean the fountain and change the filter when cleaning the pump. Multi-pet households may need to be cleaned every 2 weeks.

Do fountains have different cleaning steps?

Note: Different fountains come with different pumps, however, the cleaning steps remain the same.

How often should I clean a pet fountain?

Clean the fountain at least once a month to avoid mineral buildup. Multi-pet households may need to clean more frequently. It is recommended to clean the pump and change the filters when cleaning the fountain.

How to remove a teardrop stator?

Pull up on the small lip to remove the teardrop shaped stator. Remove the impeller by pulling up from underneath the white disk. Note: The impeller is held in place by a magnet. This may give some resistance when trying to remove. Clean all parts of the pump with soap, warm water and a small brush.

How to insert a filter in a filter housing?

Insert the filter into the filter housing with the black side facing forward and the narrow side down.

Where to place lid on filter?

Place the lid on top of the filter housing.

Is the fountain in the top rack dishwasher safe?

The fountain is dishwasher safe on the top rack only. Do not wash the pump or filters in the dishwasher.

What to use to clean cat fountain?

Basic household supplies like salt, baking soda, vinegar, and lemons are great to use when removing hard water stains. Some commercial cleaners are also available, but the natural solutions work as well. Always unplug the unit and take out the filter before attempting to clean your cat’s fountain.

How to clean a plastic fountain with salt?

Second, sprinkle a liberal amount of salt over the hard water deposit s on the damp plastic material, then take a moistened plastic mesh scrubbing pad and scrub the salt until it forms a paste. Third, scrub the deposits until they loosen up then rinse the fountain thoroughly under warm running water.

How to get rid of hard water deposits in a bowl?

Apply the vinegar to the hard water deposits in the bowl and let it soak for at least ten minutes to loosen the deposits. For a second time, apply vinegar then sprinkle baking soda over it. This will create a bubbling and fizzing reaction that lets you know that the mixture is working. Finally, scrub the remaining deposits gently with a non-scratching plastic mesh then rinse thoroughly.

How to clean a small aquarium?

Small parts like intake tubes, impellers, and water spouts can easily be cleaned by soaking them in a bowl with distilled white vinegar for up to 30 minutes. Loosen stubborn mineral deposits by using an aquarium tube brush, and then rinse well under warm running water until the smell of the vinegar is gone.

Why is my pet fountain clogged?

However, in the process of filtering water, the trusty pet fountain can become clogged due to hard water deposits. Cleaning the fountain regularly and keeping a regular maintenance schedule will ensure a fountain’s effectiveness and longevity.

How to clean hard water spots from plastic fountain?

The first step to cleaning this material is to empty out the water without completely drying it . Second, sprinkle a liberal amount of salt over the hard water deposits on the damp plastic material, then take a moistened plastic mesh ...

How to clean stainless steel fountains?

This solution should be kept for two weeks before transferring to a spray bottle. Spray this mixture generously on your stainless steel fountain then use a plastic mesh scrubber to get rid of the stubborn stains.

Why a Water Fountain?

Why is getting your cat a water fountain so important? Indoor cats generally don’t get enough water, particularly if they have a water bowl, as they are naturally drawn to running water. Not only is hydrating your cat vital, but it can also help prevent future health problems.

Before We Get Started

Before cleaning, make sure you empty all the water out of the fountain, including the reservoir, if it has one. You’ll need to take the entire thing apart and wash every piece.

How to Clean a Cat Water Fountain in 5 Steps

Dishwashers use high-powered jets of very hot water, which makes them more hygienic than handwashing.

Conclusion

While cleaning a fountain is a little more complicated than a water bowl, in the long run, it can help keep your cat healthy and even prolong their life. If you have a dishwasher, cleaning the fountain should be a breeze, but washing it by hand isn’t difficult as long as you use the right materials and ensure that you use a soft scrubber.

How to clean hard water buildup on fountain?

If your fountain has hard water buildup, use a special product to help remove it, such as CLR. You can also use a mixture of half white vinegar, half water. Let the fountain soak in the solution, and then scrub it again with a gentle brush or sponge.

What to use on copper fountain?

If your fountain is copper, make sure you only use a very soft rag on it.

Why do fountains need to be descaled?

Drinking fountains need to be descaled from time to time because of a build up of hard water. Spray the fountain with a descaling solution where the it has hard water buildup, and then scrub it with a cloth soaked in the same solution until the scaling comes off. Wipe it down with clean water when you're done.

How to clean a mouthpiece?

Clean the mouthpiece. Squirt disinfectant on the mouthpiece, as well as the guard that sits over it. Use a brush to clean all around the mouthpiece and guard, including where the water comes out. Once done, use water to rinse the area thoroughly.

How high should water flow out of a fountain?

See if the water is flowing freely. The water should flow out of the mouthpiece readily, and it should lift up at least 3 inches above the fountain. The height of the stream is important because it keeps people from putting their mouths on the metal part of the fountain.

What to do if your filter looks dirty?

If you encounter any filters that look dirty, clean or replace them.

Can you remove rocks from a fountain?

You can also remove any items in the fountain, such as large rocks. Always check your manual before cleaning, as different fountains may require different cleaning methods. Before you take out the pump, you can connect a hose to it and use it to pump the water out of the fountain into a bucket or outside.