Alright, so today I’m gonna walk you through how I clean my Drinkwell pet fountain. It’s not rocket science, but after messing it up a few times, I’ve got a system that works pretty well. Keeps the cats happy, and keeps the water flowing fresh.
First things first, unplug that sucker! Seriously, water and electricity are not a good mix. I learned that the hard way, trust me.
Next, I dump out all the water. Usually, I do this outside or in the bathtub, because sometimes there’s a little bit of gunk at the bottom. You don’t want that going down your kitchen sink.
Now, disassemble the whole thing. I mean EVERYTHING. Take off the top part, the spout, the filter housing, the pump… the whole shebang. Most Drinkwell fountains come apart pretty easily, but check your manual if you’re not sure. Don’t force anything!
Okay, now the fun part: cleaning. I usually start with the bigger pieces – the bowl and the top part. I use hot, soapy water (dish soap works fine) and a sponge to scrub everything down. Pay special attention to any nooks and crannies where algae or slime might be hiding. Those little buggers love to grow in pet fountains.
The pump is where things get a little more delicate. Most Drinkwell pumps have a little cover you can pop off to access the impeller (that’s the little spinning thingy). Take the impeller out and clean it separately. I use a small brush (like an old toothbrush) to get rid of any hair or debris that’s wrapped around it. This is super important, because a clogged impeller is the main reason why these fountains stop working properly. Also rinse the pump housing itself really well.
While I’m at it, I also clean the filter housing. I usually just rinse it with hot water, but if it’s particularly dirty, I’ll give it a quick scrub with the soapy water.
Now, rinse EVERYTHING really, REALLY well. You don’t want any soap residue left behind, because that could make your pet sick or deter them from drinking. I usually rinse each part under running water for a good minute or two, just to be sure.
Once everything is rinsed, let it all air dry completely. I usually leave the parts spread out on a clean towel overnight. You want to make sure everything is bone dry before you reassemble it, because any moisture can promote the growth of mold or bacteria.
The next day, or whenever everything is dry, re-assemble the fountain. Make sure all the parts are properly seated and that the pump is securely in place.
Finally, fill the fountain with fresh, filtered water. I always use filtered water because tap water can contain minerals that can clog the pump and affect the taste.
Plug it back in and watch it go! You should see the water flowing smoothly and steadily. If not, double-check that the pump is working properly and that there are no obstructions in the tubing.
That’s pretty much it! I usually clean my Drinkwell fountain about once a week, or more often if I notice it getting dirty or the water flow slowing down. It’s a bit of a pain, but it’s worth it to keep my cats hydrated and healthy.
- Pro tip: I also use a little bit of white vinegar to clean the pump every few months. Vinegar helps to dissolve mineral buildup and keep the pump running smoothly. Just soak the pump in a solution of vinegar and water for about an hour, then rinse it really well before reassembling.
- Another tip: Replace the filter regularly! A dirty filter can harbor bacteria and make the water taste bad. I usually replace mine every 2-4 weeks, depending on how much my cats are drinking.
Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below.
