A water fountain is only as good as the water in it. Hair, food crumbs and saliva build up quickly, and within a few days a slippery film (biofilm) starts to form on the basin and inside the pump. The fix is easy: a quick refresh every few days and a proper clean once a week. Here's the routine.
How often should you clean a pet fountain?
- Daily: glance at the water level and top up if needed. Never let the pump run dry, because that's the quickest way to wear it out.
- Every 2–3 days: empty the old water and refill with fresh.
- Weekly: take it apart and give everything a full clean (more often in multi-pet homes or with heavy shedders).
- Filter: rinse it during the weekly clean and replace it on the schedule the manufacturer recommends, sooner if it looks clogged or discoloured.
What you'll need
- Unscented washing-up liquid
- A soft sponge or cloth
- An old soft toothbrush or small bottle brush for corners
- A pipe cleaner or thin brush for the pump and spout
- White vinegar (optional, for limescale)
- A clean towel
The 10-minute weekly clean
- Unplug it first. Disconnect the USB or power cable before you touch any water. Keep the cable and plug away from the sink; they must never go in water.
- Empty and take it apart. Pour out the old water, then lift off the lid and spout and remove the pump. On our Quiet USB Fountain, the lid, spout and pump all lift out by hand.
- Wash the basin. Use warm water and a drop of unscented soap. Pay attention to corners and the waterline, where the slimy film builds up.
- Clean the pump. This is the step most people skip, and it's the one that keeps your fountain quiet. Gently open the pump's cover (usually a small clip-off plate) and remove any hair wrapped around the impeller, the little spinning part. Brush out the inlet and rinse.
- Clear the spout. Run a pipe cleaner or small brush through the spout and any tubes.
- Descale if needed. If you see white crusty deposits (common in hard-water areas), soak the parts in a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water for 15–20 minutes, then scrub lightly.
- Rinse, rinse, rinse. Rinse every part thoroughly in clean water so no soap or vinegar smell remains. Pets have sensitive noses, and leftover scent can put them off drinking.
- Rinse or replace the filter. Rinse it under running water without soap. Replace it if it's due or looks worn out.
- Reassemble, refill, plug in. Fill to the recommended level, plug the cable back in and listen. A healthy pump should be a soft murmur.
Things to avoid
- Bleach or strong cleaners: they're hard to rinse away completely and can leave smells your pet dislikes.
- The dishwasher, unless the manufacturer says it's safe; heat can warp plastic parts and damage the pump.
- Submerging the cable or plug, ever.
- Running it with low water: it makes the pump noisy and shortens its life.
Troubleshooting
The fountain got noisy. Usually the water is low, or hair is wrapped around the impeller. Top up first, and if that doesn't fix it, clean the pump.
The flow is weak. Check the filter and the pump inlet for clogs; a quick rinse normally brings the flow back.
There's pink or orange slime. That's a common airborne bacteria that loves damp surfaces. It isn't a sign of a faulty fountain, just a sign it needs cleaning more often. Scrub it off and shorten your cleaning interval.
My pet stopped drinking from it. Make sure there's no leftover soap or vinegar smell and that the pump isn't rattling. Keep a regular bowl nearby while they get used to it again.
Make it a habit
Pick the same day each week, say Sunday mornings, and set a phone reminder. Ten minutes a week keeps the water fresh, the pump quiet and your pet coming back for more.
Still deciding whether a fountain is right for your cat? Read why some cats don't drink much, and how to help.