Frequently Asked Questions
Indoor Water Fountains Home Page
Q: How do I clean my slate fountain?
A: The best way to clean the copper portion of the fountain is with furniture polish. Do not use Copper Polish because it will remove the patina from the fountain. To clean the slate or glass, use a wet cloth and water. Do not use soap because it will rinse into the basin and you will end up with soap bubbles.
Q: We are planning on putting one of your wall fountains into our new home. What special adaptations will we need to make to the wall.
A: The wall fountains run on regular 110 outlets. You will need two plugs. One for the lights and one for the pump that fuels the water. If you want the cords to be out of sight, you will need to install an outlet behind the fountain. You will also need to locate the studs behind the fountain to anchor. All anchor screws are included with the wall fountains.
Q: The water foutain pump is making a lot of noise.
A: Our fountain pumps are made to be extremely quiet. If your pump is making a lot of noise, it may be that the water level is low. Evaporation will occur, so add water as needed. Anywhere from once a week to as frequent as once a day depending on your fountain's environment.
Q: Water is splashing all over the place?
A: Check the level of water. There may be two much water in the fountain. Also, check the placement of rocks. Sometimes rocks can be placed just right to cause splashing. If neither of these seem to be the problem, turn off the fountain. Remove the rocks and upper pieces. You can change the level of water flow on the pump itself. Simply adjust the level and put the fountain together again.
(This is only available for table top fountains)
Q: No water is coming out of the fountains.
A: Check the connection of the pump, to the plastic hose. Make sure that the pump is completely under the water.
Q: What type of water should I use?
A: Water Wonders recommends distilled or bottled water for your fountains. You can use tap water, but the calcium in the water will eventually solidify on the copper, slate, and parts of the pump.
Q: How often do I have to fill the fountains?
A: Fountains are natural humidifiers for the environment. The amount of water that each fountain consumes daily, depends on how dry the air is and what type of fountain you have. Generally speaking, you should add a small amount of water each day instead of adding several gallons every few days. Try to maintain a water level in the pan of at least a ½ inch lower than the top of the pan.
How often do I have to change the water? You never have to change the water in the fountain, as it is constantly evaporating. Simply add water as it evaporates.
Q: Will anything grow in the water?
A: No. All of our fountains use a tremendous amount of copper, which naturally keeps bacteria, mold, or mildew from growing in the fountain. This is simply a benefit of copper.
Do I have to add anything to the water?
A: No. However you can add a few drops of bleach, vinegar, or any fountain safe clarifier to eliminate smelly water if that occurs.
How long will the pumps last?
A: Typically about 5 years of life from each pump. However, these are aquarium pumps and they are designed to be running 24 hours a day. Some small bi-annual maintainance will ensure that your pump remains strong and effective.
Q: Why would the pump die?
A: The pumps are submersible, and MUST be used while completely submersed in water. The water acts to cool the pump and maintain the proper operating temperature.
Q: Will the copper turn green?
A: If you bought a fountain that is not powder coated, then over time, parts of the copper that get wet and then dry frequently (around lip of pan and top of splash guard) will eventually naturally turn green. This will not negatively affect the fountain.
Q: What is powder coated copper?
A: Powder Coating is a heat baked, enamel finish that we apply to the surface of the copper. This will protect the surface of the copper from turning green and will also maintain the "NEW" look of the fountain through the years. Powder coating is only available on the Wall Fountains.
Q: What type of slate do you use?
A: We use Indian Slate from India. Most of the colorful slate is called Rajah Multicolor, and comes from the northern region of India. We also use Jeera Green Quartzite in the Hanging Slate fountain.
Q: How do I clean the slate?
A: You can use warm, soapy water and a hard bristle brush to clean some of the calcium deposits off. Please clean out the pan, once you clean the slate.
Q: How do the fountains work?
A: All the fountains are self-contained. The water is kept in the pan or basin, and there is a small, electric pump, which circulates the water to the top, out of the water dispersement, and down the surface of the slate, glass, pebbles, or marble.
Q: Do the lights and pumps operate together?
A: No. In most cases, each pump has its own cord, and the light hood (copper valence with lights installed) has 1 long 9' cord. Once the lights are plugged in, you can actually switch each individual light on the housing in the light hood.
