The previous Drinkwell I had, it was also a pain getting the pump out. When I did get the pump out, I accidentally cracked the bowl, so it began leaking. I tossed the bowl out but kept the parts. Now, rather than taking the pump out, I just take the propeller out and clean the inside of it with a small nipple brush. I don't want to crack this second one.

I also had a CatIt and didn't like it. Was too noisy and my cats didn't use it so I sold it to my friend (she has 16 cats). My friend Carol got a deal on a ceramic cat fountain. She bought 4 (they go for $79/each) on ebay for $30/each. I bought two (one for my cats, one for my grandkitties). It's okay, doesn't come with a reservoir, but the bowl is big enough to hold a lot of water. My cats seem to like it.