fountain pump

Question
Hi Phill - I purchased a medium size wall fountain which came with a pump, the problem seems to be that the pump is too powerful because the stream of water shoots way outside of the fountain.  I have tried adjusting the power but there is no change in water flow.  If I purchase a less powerful pump will this solve my delema or is there some trick I can do with the tubing to slow the water flow?

Answer
Hi Marie
Firstly make sure that there is no means of reducing the flow on the pump. A lot of pumps are used in several different applications by manufacturers and so they provide a means of reducing the flow. Look for a thumwheel or threaded knob that you can turn.
Failing this its still simple enough to reduce the flow. The best way to do it is to cut the outlet pipe and insert a push on "Tee" piece into this. The "tee'd off outlet runs back into the water reservior via a quarter turn valve. Turning the valve will then regulate the water flow back into the reservior so less will go to the fountain. i.e the more you open the valve the less water will flow to the fountain.
Dont be tempted to put the valve directly in line with the pump outlet as this will tend to restrict the pump and cause overheating, and the pump will fail prematurely (rather like driving a car with the brakes on.)
Tee pieces are usually available from aquatic suppliers.
Good luck and if you need any futher help please call.

Shopping list
1. push on tee piece (same size as your pipe - take a 10mm length to the shop and show the guy)
2. 1/4 turn valve same size as your pipe.
3. Short length of pipe to run back into reservior.

Regards
Phill
England U.K.