cleaning your water feature pays off

Using distilled water in the outdoor fountain will prevent a lot of problems, but that is not always feasible. If you are using tap water, you will inevitably see a lime build up and of course there is algae. Lime build up is of course calcium in city water supplies. Changing water frequently can help that. There are products you can get to control it also. Ask your landscaper or try Ace Hardware. Algae is always a problem in fountains or enclosed water containers, again there are products to combat that.

Clean your fountain by using a second pump to get the water out or a water vac to remove the water. Remove the pump and take it to a sink and clean it, use a brush and scrub out the debris and build up.

Typically the distribution unit will have holes in it that the water flows out.  If these holes get clogged, water will not flow properly.  It is sometimes easier to remove the distribution unit and clean it in the sink.  If this is possible, take a long brush or something that you can stick through the unit to get rid of any debris. You can also use a toothbrush from the outside to clean the holes as good as you can.  Some wall fountains have more of a trough at the top that fills and water spills over the edge.  This is important to keep clean as well.  Wiping it or scrubbing it with a mild abrasive sponge works great.

If you can disconnect and clean the tubing that also is a good idea. Wipe the inside of the actual fountain out and remove the grime and slime build up.

Keeping your water feature clean regularly and debris free will in the long run pay off.