Pet Water Fountain Picks

Cat water fountain leaking: where is the water coming from?

By The petwaterfountainpicks team · Updated · How we research

Most puddles around a fountain are not a leaking tank. They come from overflow past a clogged or dry filter, an unlevel base, or water dripping from your cat's chin. Dry everything, refill, and watch where the first drop appears.

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A damp spot under a fountain can be a real leak or one of several harmless causes that look similar. Sorting them takes ten minutes and a paper towel.

Do a dry test first

Unplug the fountain, empty it and dry the outside and the surface it stands on. Refill to the MAX line, put it on a flat, dry spot, and wait. PETLIBRO's FAQ for the Dockstream 2 gives the same approach: fill the tank, set it on a dry flat surface off its base, and wait about an hour to see whether the tank itself leaks. Then plug it in and watch for the first drop.

Likely causes

Overflow from a clogged or dry filter

Water that cannot get through a saturated filter looks for another way out. PETLIBRO's guidance includes removing the filter and spout and running the unit again: if the leak stops, the filter or spout is the culprit. Oneisall's manual describes a related problem with a new filter fitted dry. It spills over the filter case, so soak it for about five minutes in a separate bowl of clean water and seat it with the flat side up.

Drips from your cat

Cats lift wet chins and whiskers away from the bowl. PETLIBRO suggests moving the fountain out of your pet's reach for a while to see whether the "leak" is just fur dripping.

Splashing and an uneven base

A stream falling onto a hard surface splashes, especially at the highest flow setting. Lower the flow, move the unit onto a level surface, and put the fountain on a tray or mat that catches drips.

A cracked or poorly seated reservoir

Check the tank for hairline cracks, and make sure gaskets and lids are fitted as in the manual. Plastic tanks can crack when dropped.

Fix sequence

  1. Unplug and dry everything, including the cord.
  2. Check the filter: rinse it, replace it if it is past its interval, and soak new filters as the manual instructs.
  3. Clear the filter tray and the outlet of hair or food.
  4. Set the fountain on a flat surface and lower the flow.
  5. Run the dry test above. If water still appears from the reservoir, stop using it.

When to replace

A cracked reservoir, a damaged cable or a leak that stays after you have ruled out the filter and the base means replacing the part or the unit. Check the brand's warranty; the manufacturer pages in our database list support contacts. The filter schedule helps you avoid overflow from a neglected filter.

Causes and fixes: Leaking or water on the floor

Filter fitted dry, so water spills over the filter case

  1. Soak the filter in a separate bowl of clean water for about 5 minutes.
  2. Do not soak it inside the fountain tank.
  3. Place it in the filter box with the flat side up and refit the cover.

Source (manual): Source · checked

Leak from the tank, a clogged filter or spout, or drips from the pet

  1. Dry the whole fountain, fill the tank, set it on a dry flat surface off the base and wait an hour to see whether the tank itself leaks.
  2. Move the fountain out of your pet's reach for a while; water dripping from fur or whiskers can look like a leak.
  3. Remove the filter and spout and run it again to see whether overflow stops.
  4. Replace the filters and clean the pump about every two weeks (more often with several pets).

Source (faq): Source · checked

Hose quick connector not fully seated, or an unused opening left unplugged

  1. Turn the hose off and unplug the fountain.
  2. Press the hose-side quick connector firmly onto the fountain until it clicks.
  3. If you moved the hose or float valve to the other side, fit the included plug and washer in the opening you are not using.
  4. If the float valve was removed for indoor use, plug its opening before filling, because the fountain overflows without it.

Source (manual): Source · checked

FAQ

Why is water pooling around my cat fountain?

Common sources are overflow from a blocked filter tray, a stream that splashes off the bowl, a tilted fountain and drips from the cat's fur. A cracked reservoir is rarer.

Can a new filter cause leaks?

Yes. Oneisall's manual says a filter fitted dry can make water spill over the filter case; soak it in a separate bowl for about five minutes first, and fit it with the flat side up.

Is a leaking fountain safe to keep plugged in?

Treat it carefully. Unplug it, move it away from outlets and dry the area before you investigate. Do not reuse it if you find a cracked reservoir or damaged cable.

Should I replace the fountain if the tank leaks?

A crack in the reservoir cannot be reliably repaired. Contact the maker's support, since many sell replacement parts or have warranty terms.