Friday, 17 October 2025

🍁 Water fountain clean up

Next 🍁Fall Chore is the shutting down of the water fountain. The cold weather is arriving. The water will freeze and crack the bowls if not properly cleaned and drained. It's good having chores. It wears me out, though, as I keep forgetting tools. You know how it is. I grab the drill, then back for another tool, it's so silly! This is my non-mental note about this process! 

It takes a careful weather watch, the temperatures should be warmish, with no rain. I don't need to work in the cold. With freezing temperatures on the way, it was time.

I figured out the drill bit a couple years ago. It's not as effective as I might have thought. I have been using one of my dad's old wire brushes. One wire brush was falling apart. Dad died in 2007, so that's how old they are! 




I was scraping off the algae, and it went everywhere! In my hair, face, pants! It was glorious! I like going in for my shower, dirty, having accomplished something. 

With the topper and top section cleaned up, the pump is the issue, as it clogs with hard water mineral deposits.


I got this section off, hauled out the pump. I cannot lift it. I can shift it, and tip it on its side. Yuck! 

I figured out a better tool to use: the carpet knife!  I tested it, it got out of control at the end of the video, but I did it. It worked so well. Like getting all the cake batter off the bottom of the bowl!


My next job is to let it dry, then cover it. Some people suggest blotting it with towels! The freeze and thaw from ice build up can crack it. I've a plastic sheet and tarp ready to go after it dries. I noticed the little mourning dove trying to get water. We're still in a Level 3 drought. It wisely went to the front yard and the bird bath.

In the meantime, rain is on the way, coming from the north west. 



13 comments:

Barbara Rogers said...

What a project! I'm quite impressed. And excellent timing too with the weather.

Christine said...

Good job Jenn!

Shug said...

so much to be done!! Messy jobs deliver the best feelings of success. I guess I've just never thought of all that has to be done when living in Cold areas. Enjoy your Friday Jenn and have a fabulous weekend.

RedPat said...

I hope you get it covered before the rain.

Anvilcloud said...

It's cold enough today. Even hot Sue has contemplated engaging the furnace.

Mary Kirkland said...

Looks like a lot of work to clean the fountain.

The Furry Gnome said...

So many fall chores, usually things I can no longer do! We're getting that rain today.

Far Side of Fifty said...

Fall chores can be messy! Looks like you did a great job!

Kay said...

OH my gosh! That was a lot of work to do.

Red said...

Well, I learned something. I learned how to clean my bird bath, Thanks.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

When you have a minute I have one here that needs cleaning!

Jeanie said...

You've lots of outdoors stuff to care for. My neighbors will soon be shutting theirs down too. Then they cover it with heavy plastic for the winter. I will miss it!

Lorrie said...

A job well done. Time to blow out the irrigation lines here, too. But this morning I'm going out to plant garlic before the rain begins.