Need opinions on....

[Catsnclay]

Well we bought the Petmate water fountian for the cats and so far aside from the first 'meeting' with the water fountian, all is going well! -


I do have another question though......

When we first brought it home & set it up it sounded quiet. Now this mroning when I walked into the kitchen I heard a noise, sounded like the machine was out of water and trying to suck up whatever was there, but no! Everything was full and running.

Do they sound loud?? Even my husband heard it when he got up (much earlier than I!! - ) and he even put more water in it thinking the same thing.

Do we have a problem or are we just over worried about the new machine???

[Medusa]

It'll do that if it's low on water and/or if it has debris, such as cat hair in it. I have to clean mine often because w/7 cats, it gets a lot hair and stray litter in it. Once you refill and/or clean it, the noise should stop.

[AbbyMom]

I must keep the pump to our Petmate fountain clean to keep it quiet. Pull the pump out of the fountain and check it for scummy buildup. Buildup will make it suck too hard and therefore too loud.

Depending on the quality of our current water supply, this happens more frequently sometimes. I think some people do not experience this build up problem because their water supply is better.

I have started using bottled water and it seems to help. It's also worse in the summertime. Since you live in the southwest, you may encounter this build up more frequently.

PM me if you want details about how I clean the pump.

[Medusa]

Forgot to mention that it helps to add filtered water. I have a Brita and I pour that water directly into the fountain.

[emily_the_spoiled]

Sometimes the motor will sound very loud depending up on the type of flooring it is sitting on. For example one on mine is on ceramic tile and that makes more noise that lino. To solve the problem just put a mat underneath it. I usually use one of those one with a water proof back (in case they decide to play with it ). That will usually take care of the noise issue.

I don't find the cleaning that back, but I just take it apart and stick it in the dishwasher (that way it is also sterilized). I do take the motor apart about once a month or so and clean out the "gunk" that build up.

[orangemm]

I found a hard plastic tray at the dollar store and we keep ours on one of those to avoid water on the floor from swatting.

Mine love the PetMate, I think they drink more than with just bowl water.

[moosmom]

Whenever I've put in filtered water from my Brita pitcher, algae would form. I told my friend about the "green" that forms on the filter and around the bowl is from using filtered water. Once I stopped using filtered water it was fine.

The noise is from the water level. I just pour water in the bowl and the noise stops.

My manager has one she never opened and said I could have it if anyone is interested in it. Still in the box, never used.

My filter stopped working so I called the company. They told me I have to literally take the pump apart, as algae will build up in it. It's real easy.

[Catsnclay]

Yup, you were all right!! Apparently there was something in the filter so I cleaned it out and back to silence !


Thank you!!!

I knew this would be a 'dumb blonde' question!!

[Randi]

I have the fountain in Catlady's link, and Fister likes it. It comes in two sizes, as you probably know already. Cats likes fresh water, just as we do, so I change the water every day. It's actually quite easy... I have a little bowl next to it I pour th ewater into, and I have a jar which contains the amount of water to fit into the Fresh Flow.

The water here has a lot of chalk in it and that will stick to it, so I clean it out once a week. I pour winegar in and let it soak for about an hour, that way the surface will still be smooth and easier to clean. Use a soft sponge.

As for the noise, the little slider on the pump can be adjusted so the water runs quicker or slower, that will also make it more or less noisy.

Hope the kitties like it!