Reducer fittings killing fountain height
A reducer fitting can sharply reduce fountain height by restricting flow and adding friction loss. Check the fitting size, tubing, clogs,…
Troubleshooting
Practical help sizing, installing and troubleshooting pond pumps.
Flow & Head
Troubleshooting
Fountain head barely spraying
A barely spraying fountain head is usually caused by a clogged filter or nozzle, restricted tubing, low water, an air leak, or an…
Pond pump clogged with sludge
A pond pump clogged with sludge usually has a blocked intake screen, foam prefilter, hose, or impeller chamber. Unplug the pump, clean the…
Pond pump cycling on and off
A pond pump that repeatedly starts and stops is usually responding to restricted flow, low water, trapped air, overheating, or an…
Pond pump leaking at the housing
A pond pump usually leaks at the housing because a gasket or O-ring is dirty, damaged, misaligned, or compressed unevenly. Unplug the pump,…
Pond pump losing pressure
A pond pump losing pressure is usually dealing with a dirty filter, clogged tubing, an air leak, incorrect setup, or a failing impeller.…
Pond Pump Making a Grinding Noise: Causes and Fixes
A grinding pond pump usually has debris in the impeller, a worn impeller or housing, or a bearing problem. Unplug the pump before checking…
Pond pump not priming
If your pond pump is not priming, start by checking water level, the intake filter, tubing, trapped air, and fittings. The correct fix…
Pond pump sucking air at low water
A pond pump that sucks air at low water usually has inadequate water covering the intake, a blocked or poorly positioned intake, an air…
Pond water turning green even with a pump running
A running pond pump does not automatically remove suspended algae. Green water usually means the pond needs effective mechanical…
Pump too strong for a small fountain bowl
A pump that is too strong can empty a small fountain bowl through splashing, create excessive noise, or overwhelm the fountain head. Reduce…
Air in Pond Tubing After a Water Change: Causes and Fixes
A brief burst of air after restarting a pond pump may clear on its own. If bubbles keep coming, check the water level and pump intake…
Pond pump dying after a power blink
A brief power blink can leave a pond pump stopped, clogged, or tripping its GFCI. Check the pump and water path first, then investigate the…
Pond Pump Noise From a Waterfall Box: Causes and Fixes
A noisy waterfall box is often caused by splashing, vibration, trapped air, or a restricted pump intake. Start by locating the sound, then…
Seasonal
Setup
Check Valve Slamming on a Tall Waterfall: Causes and Fixes
A check valve may slam when the pump stops and water in the tall waterfall line rushes backward. Check the valve type, direction,…
Extension cords and pond pumps
Use an extension cord with a pond pump only if the pump manufacturer allows it. Choose an outdoor-rated cord suited to the pump’s…