Drinkwell Fountain 'slimey'? Does anyone have a problem with the water in the Drinkwell fountain getting 'slimey'?
1451027
It's not necessarily true that you are not cleaning it enough, but you may not be cleaning it well enough. I usually rinse mine with Listerine every month or so, after thoroughly cleaning it, to kill off any stray bacteria. I have posted four pictures on how to properly disassemble the pump for cleaning, that should help. The type of water you use can also have a great impact on cleanliness. Bottled, spring or well water(non-chlorinated) will scum up much faster than chlorinated tap water. Also, if your pets are messy, and leave bits of dirt or food in the fountain it will scum much faster.
2154114
I used to have a Petmate plastic fountain and had this problem all the time. I contacted them about it and they said it was partly cat saliva and partly the cleanliness of the fountain. Now that I've switched over to this Pioneer stainless model, I don't have the problem anymore. I recommend rinsing and wiping it out at least once a week to get rid of the slime that inevitably starts to form. Also, I toss it in the dishwasher once a month to keep it nice and cleanAnd don't forget to change out those filters every month. Hopefully that should reduce the amount of foam you're seeing. I used to have a Petmate plastic fountain and had this problem all the time. I contacted them about it and they said it was partly cat saliva and partly the cleanliness of the fountain. Now that I've switched over to this Pioneer stainless model, I don't have the problem anymore. I recommend rinsing and wiping it out at least once a week to get rid of the slime that inevitably starts to form. Also, I toss it in the dishwasher once a month to keep it nice and cleanAnd don't forget to change out those filters every month. Hopefully that should reduce the amount of foam... » Read More I used to have a Petmate plastic fountain and had this problem all the time. I contacted them about it and they said it was partly cat saliva and partly the cleanliness of the fountain. Now that I've switched over to this Pioneer stainless model, I don't have the problem anymore. I recommend rinsing and wiping it out at least once a week to get rid of the slime that inevitably starts to form. Also, I toss it in the dishwasher once a month to keep it nice and cleanAnd don't forget to change out those filters every month. Hopefully that should reduce the amount of foam you're seeing. « Show Less
463352
I want to say "NO" but it really could be my water supply. The faucet still works, and I love how it looks, but I will be replacing it soon because the buttons to change the water stream no longer work. That in itself is frustrating, we live in the city, have city water and a whole house filter but no water softener. If I had it to do over I would've went with something better.
2206001
Deanna - The same thing happened to me, and the reviews show others having similar problems. I finally gave up and ordered a handmade ceramic fountain online from a small company, and its worked like a charm. No harder to keep clean than this one, and doesn't require carbon filters so its cheaper to maintain. I recommend you return this one move on to a better product. Good luck.
1517830
No I haven't had problems with the water level indicator. I read if that happens it may need to be cleaned but that may not work either.
2189572
I haven't had a problem. Had mine since July 2013. It may have to do with the cleaners people use on it. I use an all natural cleaner.
2154121
I have never had that issue. I clean mine weekly with vinegar and a soft cloth. I don't wash the charcoal filter, only rinse. Note: You wouldn't want to get soap in there, it probably wouldn't come out. I like to take the pump out and clean that as well, because it can get a slimy build-up which slows it down and eventually burns out the pump motor. If you're having foaming issues, don't wash your fountain with soap, use only vinegar and perhaps a little baking soda if you have hard water build-up. Be sure to rinse your filter thoroughly and be sure to clean your pump too. Clean it at least once a week, more often for large dogs or multiple cats. I have never had that issue. I clean mine weekly with vinegar and a soft cloth. I don't wash the charcoal filter, only rinse. Note: You wouldn't want to get soap in there, it probably wouldn't come out. I like to take the pump out and clean that as well, because it can get a slimy build-up which slows it down and eventually burns out the pump motor. If you're having foaming issues, don't wash your fountain with soap, use only vinegar and perhaps a little baking soda if you have hard water build-up. Be sure to rinse your filter thoroughly and be sure to clean your pump too. Clean... » Read More I have never had that issue. I clean mine weekly with vinegar and a soft cloth. I don't wash the charcoal filter, only rinse. Note: You wouldn't want to get soap in there, it probably wouldn't come out. I like to take the pump out and clean that as well, because it can get a slimy build-up which slows it down and eventually burns out the pump motor. If you're having foaming issues, don't wash your fountain with soap, use only vinegar and perhaps a little baking soda if you have hard water build-up. Be sure to rinse your filter thoroughly and be sure to clean your pump too. Clean it at least once a week, more often for large dogs or multiple cats. « Show Less
1250022
That's strange you would ask that. I have not had that problem in any time I have used it. Always blue and I always use tap water from Arizona.
1135715
Hi Peter,So far I haven't had any problems with it, I have only had water in mine and I was it on a regular basis.
197580
I have not had that problem but if you go to their website, www.fluvalaquatics.com, they have a very helpful abd responsive customer service department that will solve your problem. Tim
1223969
Nope! No problems yet. Had it 1 year and it's great. Love my beautiful faucet.
931598
We've had ours since Jan. No problems. You might try letting the water run for 10 mins. Before you use it.
221113
Outside of unit, no...not at all. Inside....not my experience. I use reverse osmosis water only. About once every month the "slime factor" inside the tank starts to build up. I use one of three or four methods to clean it. Using only ONE of four possible cleaners: Straight bleach (wear safety glasses), ammonia, tri-sodium phosphate, or mouthwash. I start with what ever I have close and if the inside of the unit doesn't feel squeaky clean I'll try something else. I run this thing 24/7. I assume the if you take off the fill cap and allow it to dry periodically you'd have the same results. Or, use vinegar. I failed to mention that method. cleaning strength vinegar .....my first method. This almost always works. I assume if you have well water or impurities you'll face more challenges. I really like the unit and it remains very durable. Good luck.
1227863
I have never had an issue. I use a little water and no problem. You may have a defective one. I have had mine for almost a year and use it 3 times weekly.
1207883
I haven't had any issue with algae buildup. I do clean the fountain about once a week though.
964571
No, works fine so far. But, I agree with previous comment (Super Blackbird), that maybe your water is high in mineral content?
3105
Im sorry, I did not encounter this problem- But I did notice that the water flows through the 5 stage filter much faster the more you refill.....it did kinda seem to drip at first.