Water fountain how does it work

For a medium-sized indoor fountain, the pump usually needs an output of to gallons per hour [Source: Water Gallery ]. Despite being powered by electricity, these pumps are designed to operate safely in water because the motor itself is sealed off from the liquid. Most water pumps feature an impeller, a small wheel with blades or vanes somewhat like those found on a windmill, and fountain pumps are no exception.

In a magnetic drive fountain pump, the pump's motor and impeller are not directly connected. Instead, the motor is connected to a "driving magnet," and a "driven magnet" is attached to the impeller.

These magnets are aligned to create a strong magnetic attraction. When the motor power spins the driving magnet, this attraction causes the driven magnet to rotate, too. The spinning of the driven magnet turns the impeller, which forces the water from the reservoir up into tubing that runs up the back of the fountain and connects the pump to the "head" of the fountain, or the place where the water leaves the tubing and tumbles back down the wall fountain's flat surface before collecting once more in the reservoir.

However, it takes more than an electric outlet and a jug of water to keep a wall fountain running in tip top shape. As you'll learn, even the simple and subtle wall fountain needs a little TLC now and then, and it starts with proper installation. Sign up for our Newsletter! The aqueducts of ancient Rome carried water down from the mountains to elevated cisterns to be distributed through pipes for both drinking and ornamental purposes.

Just a few feet of elevation could provide enough water pressure for a satisfactory fountain spurt. Even comparatively primitive societies enjoyed such fountains, and recent research suggests the Maya may have done so.

At Versailles, the fountain complex ordered by King Louis XIV used a vast, complicated and highly expensive system of 14 huge wheels, each more than 30 feet in diameter, powered by the current of a branch of the river Seine.

A river current is just another manifestation of the power of gravity. The wheels ran pistons for more than water pumps. Two elevated reservoirs were filled by the pumps, which had leather sealing gaskets. Our fountains are handcrafted and carved by artisans with years of experience out of limestone and marble, giving you a truly one-of-a-kind outdoor stone fountain. Learn More. You must be logged in to post a comment. Limestone Learning Center. How Outdoor Water Fountains Work Outdoor water fountains are just another of the many ways you can improve the exterior of your home and transform your outdoor spaces.

Benefits of Outdoor Water Fountains Outdoor water fountains offer a large focal point, though not one that will ever overwhelm your outdoor space. Share Post:.