Question of the Week: Leaking Water Feature

Q: My water feature used to work perfectly, but now the water is only dribbling out. What could have gone wrong?

A: There could be several reasons for this issue. First, ensure that the water feature has an adequate water supply. If it does, it might be worth cleaning out the holding pond as it could have accumulated debris over time.

In many cases, you may need to drain and thoroughly clean the water feature. During the winter or due to neglect, dirt, sand, and debris may have built up, or the filter could be clogged. Start by locating the access port, which is often present to facilitate pump maintenance.

After completing the cleaning process, refill the water feature with fresh water and restart the pump. It should now operate as usual.

If the water flow is still not satisfactory, unplug the pump and use a garden hose to flush water into the outlet where the water comes out of the feature. Let the water run for a few seconds to clear any potential debris stuck in the output line. This step should hopefully resolve the issue.

If the problem persists, it would be advisable to seek professional assistance to troubleshoot the water feature.