FAQ For Water Features
1. How do I clean my stainless steel water feature?
Stainless Steel is very simple to care for and virtually maintenance free. Stainless Steel will not age like copper and has an excellent resistance to corrosion. As stainless steel is a smooth surface it is more difficult for bacteria to settle. To clean your stainless steel water feature, simply wipe it clean with a dry or wet cloth. Do not use harsh abrasive cleaners or any abrasive sponges or other abrasive cleaning products. Never use a disinfectant such as bleach or anything containing bleach on your stainless steel because it could eat away at the material. You can use products such as INOX-Clean and INOX Care available on our Website.
2. How do I clean my stone water feature?
Over time, if your stone colour dulls or it begins to develop hard water build up, turn off your wall water feature and scrub the stone vigorously with a firm bristled acrylic brush. This should remove most of the build up.
3. How often do I have to top up water in my water feature?
The running water slowly evaporates into the atmosphere and must be refilled periodically depending upon how often it is run and the general climate of the location. It's important to not let your waterfall run empty or the water pump will burn out and not operate. Your pump warranty may be void otherwise.
4. Will I get algae growth in my Water Feature?
Sometimes algae may form in indoor water features that are placed in direct sunlight or near a window or door which is often open. If it does occur it can manifest as a slight slime or unfresh water smell. There are also solutions you can find under our Cleaning Care and Maintenance Category on our Website which manages water quality in water features.
5. Do I have to worry about water splashing onto the floor?
When water features are installed in accordance with manufacturer instructions, there should not be excessive splashing. Professionally manufactured water features are designed not to splash. The instructions received along with your water feature will provide information about setting up in order to minimize splashing.
6. Can I get replacement parts for my water feature, such as pumps, tubing, lights, pans, etc. from you as I need them?
In most cases, yes. If you purchased your water feature from us, we will be able to get the replacement parts for that particular water feature. Lead times to procure will be subject to availability of stock.
7. Can I use rain/mains water (hard water) or do I have to use distilled water?
Using distilled water is ideal due to the fact that over time, your water feature will develop pink or white scales from mineral deposits in hard water that are aesthetically unappealing and in some cases, can interfere with the function of the water feature.
Of course mains or rain water is more cost effective and is most commonly used. To minimise the white scales from developing, we recommend the use of any water treatment that has a blend of advanced organo-phosphonates for superior protection against both white calcium mineral buildup and metallic stains available from most water industry retailers.
8. I’ve just set up my water feature but my pump seems to be noisy. What do I do?
Firstly, check to be sure the pump is fully submerged in the water. Next, make sure the pump is not vibrating against the bottom of the base. If it is, you simply put a sponge underneath the pump which should minimize any vibration.
9. How do I maintain my pump?
Pumps form the heart and soul of any indoor or outdoor water feature. Regardless of what your water feature is made of, what size they are, or how much they cost. Water Feature pumps are what makes the water feature flow. Below are some handy tips to prolong the life of your pump.
i) Our water feature pumps should only be used while COMPLETELY submersed in water. Water helps to cool the pump and prevent damage from overheating. More than 90% of pump failures are caused by running the pump dry. Excessively low water levels, frequently turning the fountain on and off, and poor fountain maintenance will shorten your pump's life span.
ii) The pump will function best if you let it run continuously. Our water features generally comes with two electrical cords, one for the pump and one for the light(s). To conserve energy, a suggestion would be to turn off the light but still leave the pump running. Of course, if you plan to leave your water feature unattended for any extended period, you will need to turn it off. In this case you may consider emptying the water compartment.
ii) If your pump stops working after you have been running your pump in accordance with our instructions, then there is most likely air trapped inside the pump (caused by turning the pump off and on frequently). If this is case, try the following:
· Unplug and plug in the fountain several times in succession to prime the pump and get it started. Still not working? then...
· Plug in the pump, then quickly lift it out of the water and place it back. This should give the pump a little jump start. If it’s still not working then...
· Plug the pump in and submerge it. Then, take the pump out of the water, and either hit it with your hand or tap it against a hard surface (not your fountain) to jar the impeller loose.
· If all the above fails, follow the manufacturers’ instructions to disassemble and clean the pump.
10. I can see rusting on my stainless steel water feature, what can I do?
Stainless does not "rust" as you think of regular steel rusting with a red oxide on the surface that flakes off. If you see red rust it is probably due to some iron particles that have contaminated the surface of the stainless steel creating 'Tea Staining' effect and it is these iron particles that are rusting. To clean, please try the steps below or purchase stainless steel cleaner example. Inox Clean.
Step 1
Dip a moist, soft toothbrush in a box of baking soda. Very gently, in the direction of the stainless grain, rub back and forth on the affected area. The mild abrasive action will get into the grain without damaging it.
Step 2
Rinse the baking soda off with a warm, damp (not wet) paper towel. Dry thoroughly. You may see or smell rust on the paper towel or toothbrush. This is normal.
Step 3
Finally, dry the affected area thoroughly. You don't want to leave any water that could cause more rust.
11. How do I clean and remove calcium and slime build-up from my glass panel water feature?
Tap water in most homes (hard water) is a designation that means the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) count in the water is very high. These solids are generally minerals like calcium and magnesium. When water evaporates on glass surfaces, they often leave mineral deposits, also known as hard water spots or lime-scale.
We recommend cleaning your glass panel every 2-3 months to minimise these build-ups. You can use cleaner liquids such as CLR Calcium Lime and Rust Remover which is readily available in your nearest Bunnings Store or similar alternatives.
Important – the pump that comes with your water feature are designed for fresh water use only. We therefore recommend replacing the existing water with fresh water everytime you carry out the cleaning to prolong the life of the pump. Ensure to give the pump a thorough rinse with fresh water to rid of any cleaner liquids that may be present.
Bubble Fountains
B1. Do I need to use distilled water or can I use tap water?
Only distilled water should be used to ensure the internal panel and air nozzles are free from bacteria and mineral build ups. See also Installation Instruction Guideline on receiving your new Bubble Fountain.
B2. How do I clean the bubble panel?
To clean, wipe down your bubble panel with a damp, soft towel. Do not use abrasive cleaners or glass cleaners.
Top up your bubble features regularly to maintain optimum water level.