Maintaining the proper water flow within a fountain is essential for ensuring the fountain functions properly and looks great. If the water flow is too low, the fountain will not have the desired visual effect.
If the flow is too high, the fountain may not be able to contain the water and may overflow. Both scenarios can lead to costly repairs or even the fountain replacement.
That is why it is essential to know how to adjust the water flow in a fountain.
In this blog post, I will discuss the different methods for controlling water flow in fountains. I will also explore the different types of fountains and the factors that can influence the water flow.
Finally, I will provide tips for troubleshooting common water flow problems so you can make sure your fountain is running smoothly.
6 Ways to Control Water Flow In Water Fountain
Following our 7 ways will help you increase the efficiency of your water fountain and reduce water waste. It will also help you save money on water bills and reduce the impact of your water use on the environment.
1. Tighten the Worm Drive Clamp Around Flexible Tube
Tightening the worm drive clamp around the fountain pump flexible tube is one of the simplest ways to control the flow rate. A worm drive hose clamp consists of a captive screw, housing, band, and underlap.
To install it, place the hose over the fitting and position the clamp around the hose that covers the fitting. Then, gently tighten the threads of the band. The band closes it enough to reduce or prevent water from flowing out.
Little Giant C-2-PW Tubing Restrictor Clamp is great for slowing down water flow in your fountain or other water features. With its adjustable screw, you can easily adjust and regulate the water flow rate.
Always check for blockages or leaks regularly to maintain proper pressure levels and ensure equal water distribution across your fountain’s edge.
2. Adjust the Flow Setting of the Water Fountain
It is time to adjust the flow setting of your water fountain. Most water fountains come with an adjustable flow valve which you can easily tweak to suit your desired flow level.
You can rotate the adjustment screw in a counterclockwise direction to increase water flow or in a clockwise direction to decrease water flow.
It’s essential to ensure that you maintain proper pressure levels when adjusting this setting to avoid any blockages or leaks. Additionally, clean your fountain regularly to avoid any buildup of debris that can impede water flow.
3. Place a Valve in the Lines to Adjust Flow
If your fountain pump does not have a flow rate adjustment switch, you can still adjust the water flow by placing a valve in the lines. You can do this by connecting an inline water flow adjuster to your tubing.
Generally, it is 2″ long and connects to tubing that is 5/8 “OD x 1/2 “ID. So, turn the top handle to adjust the flow and move the switch or dial to the “S” position.
This is a great way to control the water coming from your fountain. It ensures you always have a steady, consistent level of water pressure.
Additionally, this will help reduce the speed of water flow while providing an equal distribution of water across the edge of the fountain.
Remember that you should routinely check for any blockages or leaks in the system and regularly clean to avoid any buildup or clogs.
4. Create a Splash Guard to Catch Excess Water
If you find the fountain is still splashing too much, even after adjusting the flow rate and other factors, you should consider creating a splash guard. This will help to catch the excess water and prevent it from splashing everywhere.
You can also place the guards around the fountain, allowing the water to flow normally while protecting your floor or furniture from getting wet.
Remember, you can always trim more later if needed.
5. Use Special Pumps to Control Water Volume
You can use a special pump to control water volume to ensure a balanced system with an even flow. Fountain pumps are typically centrifugal pumps, which move water using pressure created by the centrifugal force of an impeller.
You can reduce the pump speed by lowering the voltage, using a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD), or lowering the pump drive gear or pulley ratio (gear reduction).
- Input：220VAC(+/-5%) 1 or 3phase（for single-phase input, just connect the input wire to the R and S terminals） .Output：3phase 220v. Frequency：0-50hz/60hz. 0-400hz
If this does not work, you can place a valve in the line to adjust the flow rate or create a splash guard to catch any excess water.
By adjusting the flow rate switch and tightening the worm drive clamp around the flexible tube, you can easily control the water volume in your fountain.
However, check for blockages and leaks regularly and maintain proper pressure levels for optimal performance.
6. Clean Regularly to Avoid Buildup
Keeping your fountain clean is essential to preventing any algae buildup. You can use hot water and mild dish detergent with a stiff scrub brush to clean off debris on the inside of the fountain.
Vinegar and water solutions can also help cut chemical buildups. To prevent such buildup, I suggest using a product like Protec. Additionally, using an algaecide like Fountec in the water is recommended, especially in warmer months.
Finally, you should regularly clean your fountain every three months to keep it in top condition and prevent algae from gaining a foothold.
If you dose not control the flow of water due to the pump, you can replace them with one. Here is my other guide to replacing water filters or pumps.
Summary
In conclusion, controlling the water flow in a fountain is a relatively simple task. With the right tools and patience, you can adjust the water flow to your desired levels.
If done correctly, the fountain can bring a sense of calm and harmony to your outdoor space. With trial and error and know-how, you can quickly become a fountain master in no time.
FAQs
Does the amount of water affect the water flow in the fountain?
Yes, the amount of water in the fountain can affect the water flow. If there is a low amount of water, the force and pressure of the water may be reduced, resulting in a weaker water flow.
Can irregular water flow on a fountain be fixed by controlling the speed?
Yes, irregular water flow on a fountain can often be fixed by controlling the speed of the pump motor, adjusting the water pressure, or adjusting the nozzle sizes and angles.
