Product Care

1. USING WATER TREATMENTS IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS YOU CAN DO TO EXTEND THE THE LIFE OF A FOUNTAIN:

A combination of water, light, and air is the perfect combination for growth of algae.

It is essential to drain and gently clean any outdoor fountain at least once every 2 weeks in order to slow the growth of algae.

Water treatments therefore become very important between cleanings by killing the young algae trying to grow and preventing mineral deposits, thus making it easier to clean the fountain.

Be sure that every time water is added to your fountain that you add some water treatment. Even after a rain.

**Note: Make sure any chemical you add to your fountain or statue is deemed suitable for use on it. If not, it could potentially harm the pump, finish or inner workings of your fountain or statue.

2. BEFORE WINTER, DRAIN YOUR FOUNTAINS AND EITHER STORE THEM WITH YOUR STATUES INSIDE, OR PROTECT IT WITH A COVER:

As water freezes, it expands and can cause cracks to form in many different types of materials.

Even if you empty the water, you should also use a tarp or, preferably, a fountain cover to keep falling precipitation from causing damage.

A unheated shed or garage make one of the best storage spots.

3. ONCE EVERY 1-3 MONTHS CLEAN YOUR FOUNTAIN OR STATUE THOROUGHLY ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS:

This typically involves using a fountain lime remover to remove the minerial deposits along the waterline. And applying a clearcoat water seal to revitalize and protect the finish.

4. KEEP YOUR FOUNTAIN'S WATER LEVEL AS FULL AS POSSIBLE:

This is as simple as making sure there is always enough water to cover the pump.

If you go out-of-town, unplug your fountain. Do not let your pump run dry. Pump warranty does not cover damage caused by allowing the pump to run dry.

Without water, parts of the pump will actually melt from overheating.

A good guideline to follow is to refill the water when the level reaches an inch or two below the rim of the fountain basin.

Depending on the fountain, water will need to be added every 2-7 days. Lessening water loss due to splash out can be done easily by restriction the flow of water to a more controllable level.

We also have automatic refill systems available for purchase to control the water level for larger fountains.

5. KEEP DEBRIS OUT OF YOUR FOUNTIAN:

This can usually easily be accomplished by properly placing your fountain in a site away from messy trees or weed patches.

Leaves, cottonwood seeds and other debris in the yard can accumulate in your pump and cause it to stop working.

Simply unplug the pump, pull it out of your fountain and look at the outside. Use an old toothbrush with soft bristles to gently clean off any algae or debris from the outside. Then, remove the cover and do the same with the interior.

In general a pump will last for 2-3 years. Pumps are under warranty for 1 year.

6. REPLACE THE WATER IN YOUR FOUNTAIN AT LEAST ONCE EVERY TWO WEEKS:

Even with the use of water treatments, if the same water is constantly running through a fountain, it can take on a bit of a sour smell over time.

The more you run your fountain the cleaner the water will stay by lessening stagnation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PRODUCT CARE

Fountains that are finished in the Relic/Rococo stain finishes release mineral salts which add a hint of color to the water, most often green or yellow. This is very normal, simply allow the water to run for a couple of hours, rinse and repeat. This process could take several rinse cycles.  You can also wait a bit longer and let evaporation, splash cycles and replenishment work its way through the system.

All concrete will develop spider web-like, hair-thin cracks over time. This is normal, and they appear as a result of the expansion and contraction the cast stone goes through during ambient temperature changes.

Several possible reasons:

  1. A) Evaporation
  2. B) Pets/wildlife are drinking from it.
  3. C) Splashing or pump water flow too high

None of these? Turn off the fountain. Mark each bowl’s water level. Check back every hour. If there is no change, let it sit overnight. Does it still leak?

No, I am not losing water:

The fountain may not be level causing the water to flow improperly when running.  

Yes, I am still losing water:

Most often the lowest bowl could be losing water due to the standpipe, cord-seal or drain plug being improperly installed. Remove and reinstall, carefully checking that there are no deformed aspects of the standpipe/cord-seal (likely resulting from improper installation). Make sure the standpipe and/or the drain plug have PVC tape around the threads before installing it.

and/or:

On a dry surface, apply a thin layer of silicone, spreading and pressing with your finger so it reaches well-around the standpipe/cord fitting and surrounding concrete. Let it dry and you should be good to go. This will create an invisible coating that stops water from seeping through what seems to be a small gap between these two materials (concrete/PVC or plastic fitting).

Check for cracks on the bowl – most often as a result of damage to the bowl or improper winter care.

Yes, you can buy replacement pieces and parts from Galbraith’s Fountain and Statuary. We will need: item number of the product purchased, manufacturer and finish the product was ordered in. We also have replacement pumps and fountain accessories available. If you are unsure of which item you are in need of you can email us at sales@galbraithsinc.com and we will be glad to help you.

It is best that the product is set on a firm, leveled surface (such as packed gravel, flagstone, paver stones or other hardscaping material,) one that is prepared so water does not accumulate under the piece. A poured foundation is recommended for pieces that exceed 500 pounds in weight. There cast stone fountain foundations available for purchase as well.

It is important to maintain a leveled ground surface, especially for fountains for their proper water flow. Most important is to prevent direct contact with moisture-rich surfaces which will end up being absorbed by the cast stone causing:
1. Natural or stained cast stone pieces will show different colors around those wet areas. The source of moisture will carry with it a number of minerals that will affect the finish.
2. With a first frost, trapped moisture will freeze. With little room to expand, it will lead to paint peeling, as well as concrete pitting and/or crumbling.

Fountains should be connected to properly grounded 110V GFCI, with an outdoor-rated enclosure.

A heating device maintains the temperature above freezing (32 degrees). It does this only to the water near the device. The water away from this device is subject to freezing and will cause ice damage. Do not use antifreeze it is harmful to anybody or anything that might drink the water and will damage plant material around the fountain plus it does not prevent ice damage.

Do not use harsh chemicals in your fountain or birdbath. Products such as chlorine and bleach tablets have a negative effect on the finish and internal connections. Algaecides available at pond supply or garden shops can be used to combat the buildup of algae.

No, it is not necessary to have a water line. The water pumps are recirculating. If you wish to install a water line we have automatic refill kits available to purchase.