A Complete Guide: How to Clean Cat Water Fountain Pump

A cat water fountain pump is widely used to hydrate your feline friend. Though maintaining a clean cat water fountain is necessary, it can quickly accumulate dirt, slime and some mineral deposits that harm your cat's health. In fact, dirt, slime, and other deposits can reduce the performance of the fountain and cause malfunctions. 

If you are wondering how to clean a cat water fountain pump, you should clean it as soon as possible. Declining its maintenance, your cat might not drink water because of the contaminated water, and there is a chance of dehydration and urinary tract infection. 

Importance of Cleaning Cat Water Fountain Pump

So, before we learn how to clean a cat water fountain pump, let's consider why cleaning the fountain is important. 

Stops Bacteria and Algae growth:

When the cat fountain pump is not clean, stagnant water and debris will lead to bacterial buildup, which is highly harmful to your cat's health. So be very aware of that. 

Better Water Flow: 

Neglecting fountain maintenance can lead to clogged pumps, almost stopping water flow. In this way, the fountain will either not work or completely malfunction. So cleaning the fountain will give you better water flow throughout. 

Increases Durability:

Maintaining a clean cat water fountain pump will help prevent it from wear and tear. Most of the time, lousy maintenance shortens the lifespan of a pump. So, keeping a clean fountain means increasing the lifespan of your cat's water fountain pump. 

Freshwater throughout the day:

A clean pump means a flow of fresh water so your cat can stay hydrated throughout the day. A dirty pump can lead to many problems, like foul odours and contamination, which can also divert your cat from drinking.  

How many times should you clean the cat water fountain Pump?

How many times you should clean the pump depends on a certain situation, such as the type of fountain, the number of pets, and the water quality. However, generally, you can do the following to keep it clean.

A Complete Guide to How to Clean a Cat Water Fountain Pump

Now, we will let you go through all the steps you must follow to clean a cat water fountain pump. It is a simple and straightforward process. All you need is the required gadgets to clean it, and follow these steps. 

Things you need:

• A toothbrush or any small soft bristle brush
• Soapy and warm water in a bowl
• Baking Soda or white vinegar
• Cotton Swab or if you have a pipe cleaner
• Paper tissue or a clean towel.

WOPET W600

Step 1: Detaching the fountain

First, unplug the water fountain from any power source for safety concerns. 

1. Remove the water source and unplug the pump from the unit
2. Now detach the pump filter and other parts if it is applicable
3. Remove any remaining water from the fountain. 

Step 2: Removing the loose dirt

Now, it's time to remove dirt from the pump. All you must do is hold it under a running tab or water to remove loose dirt. In short, raise it ultimately, including the fountain, and clean it. 

Step 3: Internal Cleaning

It's time for some internal cleaning. If your cat fountain pump has a removable front cover, you can clean it from the inside. 

1. First, open the cover with your hand or a tool if needed.
2. You will see an impeller; remove it, a small rotating fan-like item fitted inside the pump. 
3. Now, Look for any hair, dirt, or slime inside the chamber.  

Step 4: Deep clean

Now, you will use a soft brush or toothbrush. Slowly clean the front cover Impeller and all the inside of the pump using either a soft brush or a toothbrush. Look for any buildup and then thoroughly remove it if there is any. 

• If there is a hard grime or buildup, you can mix water and vinegar and then soak all the parts for 15-20 minutes
• Afterwards, use a cotton swab or a pipe cleaner to clean small crevices. 

Step 5: Drying all the components

• First, make sure all parts are clean first.
• Then you need to Rinse everything using clean, warm water. It is better to use running water. 
• Dry all the items using a clean towel. Make sure there is no excess moisture on any of the components. 

Step 6: Wrapping it up

Now, you need to doFit the Impeller first back inside the pump.

1. You can either use your hands or a tool if needed. 
2. Back on the front cover, also make sure to snap it and try not to be too hard on it. 
3. Attach the fountain to a pump and insert the filter in it. 
4. Now fill the fountain using clean and fresh water 
5. Plug the Cat water fountain into a power source and start using it. 

Some common Cat water fountain pump problems and how to fix them:

Sometimes, even if you care for the fountain pump, it can still create problems. There can be any reason for it. However, if you maintain the fountain, you will hardly face any working issues. If you are facing one, here is how to fix it. 

Check for any Blockages:

Dirt, such as hair slime or debris, can usually block the pump, preventing it from working. 

Fix: All you need to do is deep clean the pump, filter, and ensure no blockages. 

Check whether Impeller is working or not:

Sometimes, the Impeller can get jammed or not spin freely. You can check its flexibility by gently turning it with a cotton swab, whether stuck or free. 

Fix: If the Impeller is stuck or not working, you must change it. 

Double-check the power connection:

Check whether the power source is working. Also, make sure the pump is getting the required source. 

Check the water Level: 

If the water level is lower than recommended, it can cause the pump to overheat, and it may be shut off. 

How do you maintain a cat water fountain pump?

Maintaining a cat water fountain pump is not rocket science, though you need some attention here. 

• Always use filtered water. It will reduce mineral deposits, which are the leading cause of pump clogging. 
• Make sure you change the filter regularly.
• Every filter has a lifespan, though you can change it every 2-4 weeks, depending on the quality of the water. 
• Clean the pump and fountain every week. This will prevent buildup and increase the pump's lifespan. 
• Use vinegar for deep cleaning every month. It is recommended that all its components, which help dissolve mineral deposits, be soaked in vinegar.  Make sure the Qatar quality is good.
• Refill it with fresh water daily to prevent stagnant water. 

Conclusion

A clean cat water fountain pump is suitable for your cat's health. If your cat gets ill, always check your water fountain first to see if there is contamination. 

Above is a step-by-step guide for cleaning a cat water fountain pump. These steps can prevent bacteria buildup, maintain the required water flow, and increase the pump's lifespan.