Always assume anything that contains or uses water even if it is only a small amount can leak or spill. How many times have you spilled water when watering plants and flowers? There is nothing more damaging than water - inside or outside. So if you take a few simple precautions you can avoid the damage.
The simplest thing to do is never put your tabletop fountain on anything that water could damage. That's not always easy or practical to do. You want to be able to see and enjoy your new fountain. So here are some simple things to do. If the fountain is going to be setting on wood furniture put something under it. There many things that will work but I like 1/4 inch Plexiglas. It's clear and can hardly be seen. It's available at any good hardware store and they will usually cut it to your specifications. Make sure you get a large enough piece. You want it to cover the area around the fountain - not just under it. You could also use a decorative ceramic tile or even a hot plate if you had one that would go with your decor. Just make sure what ever you use doesn't itself damage any fine wood finishes.
Most of the damage I've seen, aside from accidentally tipping over the fountain, comes from condensation forming on the bottom or from splashing. Many times splashing is caused by having a fountain with too high a flow rate. Many pumps have an adjustment that can be made to lower the flow. If that doesn't work or your fountain doesn't have an adjustment capability, try rearranging some of the rocks or other objects. I have seen some very attractive splash guards made from slate or other material that complements the overall fountain design.
Splashing can also be caused by to low a water level resulting from evaporation. The farther water has to fall into the bottom of the fountain the more splashing will occur. Always keep the water at the right level. It's important to check this regularly especially inside in the winter when humidity levels are at their lowest. The lower the humidity the faster the water will evaporate. So make sure you check it often in the winter. Make sure the pump remains submerged at all times as well. If the water level falls to low, the pump can be damaged and will probably have to be replaced.
Just these few simple things can help you enjoy your table top fountain to the fullest and help prevent damaged to your other furniture. Now you can sit back and start enjoying the calming sound of the trickling water.
John Stoner is the owner of Patio Furniture, Fountains and Fireplaces a website featuring decorating tips and ideas for the home, patio, deck and garden. Here you'll find more information on tabletop fountains.
Tags: home management, indoor fountains, tabletop fountains, tabletop fountain, table top fountain, table top fountains