4 Tips on Getting Your Outdoor Fountain Flowing Again this Spring

Inspect Where You have Put or Plan to Put Your Outdoor Garden Fountain:

• Clear away any debris from area
• Check the ground for signs of shifting or settling. Determine if it is still a sound location for your outdoor fountain
• Make sure your electrical outlets are in good condition and do not need to be repaired or replaced. (see more information on safety guidelines for outdoor sockets)
• If your fountain did not perform optimally last year, check to make sure your outlet is the correct voltage required for your fountain. Your fountain should be plugged into a GFCI protected outlet. When using an extension cords many townships codes require it to be plugged into a GFCI outlet.
• These steps should be done even if your fountain was not moved inside for the winter and is currently in the location
• If problems exist with outlet or ground choose a new location for your fountain. Your fountain must always be plugged into

Inspect and Clean the Basin, Jets and Channels of your Outdoor Garden Fountain

• This is everything but the pump
• Whether your fountain was brought inside for the winter or left outdoors you should have protected against moisture. This will significantly reduce wear. (See here for full details on how to winterize your fountain this coming year)
• Inspect your fountain there should only be slight signs of weathering. If not you may need to replace or repair those parts.
  
• If your fountain has been out all winter make sure there is nothing blocking the water flow such as leaves or ice.
• Thoroughly clean the fountain.

Check the Pump of Your Outdoor Garden Fountain

• Check it for wear and tear.
• Your pump whether your fountain was indoors or out should have been kept inside over the winter therefore shouldn't need much attention.
• Get reacquainted with its specifications to make sure you put it back in your fountain properly and your electrical source is correct
• In many cases you can buy a new pump to give an older fountain more energy.

Start Your Outdoor Garden Fountain Up

• When weather conditions permit start up your fountain and see how it works
• Note any unusual performance in its flow.
• This could come be due to one of three reasons
  1)a blockage in the fountain’s body,
  2)an issue with the pump
  3)an issue with the power supply.
• Check these in order to determine the problem.
• For solar garden fountains, remember that the light level will affect power and flow.

Once you have it running properly, follow the normal operating instructions for your garden fountain. Then sit and enjoy the effect of your outdoor garden fountain. Your outdoor living space comes back to life as your centerpiece ushers in the warm season.

If you are looking to purchase a new outdoor garden fountain, visit YourGardenRetreat.com for a great choice of lightweight fiberglass and resin fountains.

Other articles that may be of interest:
Various articles on Fountain Care and tips
Make sure Fountain Pump is in Good Working Order