To clean a pet water fountain pump, you need to disassemble its components, thoroughly rinse them with water, and then scrub away any remaining residue before reassembling. Regular cleaning ensures your pet has access to fresh, clean water and extends the life of your fountain.
Essential Tools for Pump Cleaning
Before you begin, gather a few simple tools to make the cleaning process efficient:
- Soft Brush or Toothbrush: Ideal for scrubbing intricate pump parts.
- Small Pipe Cleaner or Cotton Swabs: Useful for reaching narrow openings and the pump's impeller area.
- Mild Dish Soap or White Vinegar: To break down grime and mineral deposits.
- Clean Cloth: For drying components.
- Sink with Running Water: For rinsing.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Pet Fountain Pump
Cleaning your pet fountain pump is a straightforward process that helps prevent buildup and ensures optimal performance.
1. Disconnect and Disassemble the Fountain and Pump
First, unplug your pet fountain from the power outlet and remove it from its location. Empty any remaining water.
Next, carefully remove the pump from the fountain. Many pumps, like those in PetSafe® Drinkwell® fountains, are designed to be easy to remove for cleaning and maintenance. Once the pump is out, gently take it apart. This usually involves removing the faceplate, the stator (the part that covers the impeller), and finally, the impeller itself (a small fan-like rotor).
2. Rinse and Flush Thoroughly (Crucial "Step Four")
Once all of the components are disassembled, thoroughly rinse them under clean running water. This is a critical step in the cleaning process, often highlighted in product maintenance guides (like "Step four" for many fountains).
- Be sure to run water directly through the pump to flush out any loose hair, debris, or slimy biofilm that may have accumulated inside. Pay special attention to the impeller housing and the impeller itself, as these areas are prone to buildup.
3. Scrub Away Buildup
After rinsing, visually inspect all parts for stubborn grime, hair, or mineral deposits.
- For General Grime: Use a soft brush or old toothbrush with mild dish soap and warm water to scrub the pump casing, impeller, and other disassembled parts.
- For Mineral Deposits (Limescale): If you notice white, crusty buildup, soak the affected parts in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water for 15-30 minutes. Then, use your brush to gently scrub the softened deposits away.
- Clean the Impeller and Shaft: Use a small pipe cleaner or cotton swab to clean inside the tiny shaft where the impeller spins. This area is vital for pump function and can easily get clogged with hair and debris, causing the pump to run weakly or stop entirely.
4. Final Rinse and Reassembly
Once all parts are clean, rinse everything thoroughly under clean running water to ensure no soap or vinegar residue remains. Any residue could be harmful to your pet or leave an unpleasant taste in the water.
Carefully reassemble the pump components:
- Insert the impeller back into its housing.
- Replace the stator over the impeller.
- Reattach the faceplate.
Finally, place the cleaned pump back into the pet fountain, refill the fountain with fresh water, and plug it back in.
Maintenance Tips for Longevity
- Regular Cleaning: Aim to clean the fountain and pump at least once every 1-2 weeks, or more frequently if you have multiple pets or notice visible debris.
- Filter Replacement: Follow your fountain manufacturer's guidelines for replacing charcoal and foam filters, typically every 2-4 weeks. Filters help keep the water clean and reduce the burden on the pump.
- Monitor Water Level: Ensure the water level never drops below the pump's minimum fill line, as running dry can damage the pump motor.
