How-To Guides

Setting up your Bamboo Accents fountain is straightforward. Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Choose your container. Any watertight bowl, pot, or basin will work. If your pot has a drainage hole, you'll need to seal it first (see our FAQ for sealing instructions).

2. Test for leaks. Fill your container with water and let it sit for 24-48 hours before placing the fountain. This saves you the trouble of disassembling everything if there's a leak.

3. Assemble the bamboo fountain per the included directions. Each fountain style has its own assembly, but the bamboo pieces generally slot or tie together.

4. Position the fountain. Place the bamboo spout on the edge of the bowl so it sits stable and balanced. The spout should extend over the water in the container.

5. Place the pump. Submerge the pump fully in the water at the bottom of the container. The pump must always be fully submerged when running.

6. Connect the tubing. Attach the flexible tube from the pump outlet to the bamboo spout inlet. See the tubing guide below for details.

7. Plug in the pump and adjust the flow dial to your preference. Start on a low setting and increase gradually.

8. Decorate. Add river stones, pebbles, aquatic plants, or other decorations to personalize your fountain and conceal the pump and tubing.

Tip: Place your fountain on a level surface. An uneven surface can cause uneven water flow and increased noise.

Your fountain kit includes flexible vinyl tubing and the pump may come with one or two adapter fittings.

To connect:

1. Identify the pump outlet — it's the small nozzle on top of the pump.

2. Push the tubing snugly over the pump outlet fitting. It should fit tightly to prevent leaks.

3. If the tubing is too tight to slide on, soften the end by dipping it in hot water for 30 seconds or warming it briefly with a hair dryer. This makes the vinyl more pliable.

4. Route the other end of the tubing up through the bamboo spout. The water will flow from the pump, through the tube, and out the bamboo spout.

If the fit is too loose: Your pump may include a smaller adapter nozzle. Insert the larger end of the adapter into the pump outlet, then attach the tubing to the smaller end for a snugger fit.

Make sure there are no kinks in the tubing — kinks will restrict water flow and cause the pump to strain.

We include extra tubing with every fountain kit so you can trim it to the perfect length for your container.

How to measure:

1. Place the pump at the bottom of your container where it will sit during use.

2. Route the tubing from the pump outlet, up and through the bamboo spout.

3. The tubing should be long enough to reach without pulling tight, but short enough that there's no excess bunching inside the container.

Cut in small increments. It's much easier to trim off a little more than to deal with tubing that's too short. Start by cutting just half an inch at a time.

The ideal length lets the pump rest flat on the bottom of the bowl with the tube reaching the spout with just a slight curve — no tension, no slack.

Need replacement tubing? Use 3/8" inner diameter vinyl tubing, available at any hardware store. Bring a small piece of the original tube with you to match the size.

If your pump isn't producing water flow, it almost certainly needs to be primed. Air bubbles trapped inside the pump are the most common cause of a non-working pump.

To prime your pump:

1. Make sure the pump is fully submerged in water and plugged in.

2. Check if the pump is vibrating — if you can feel it humming, it has power but air is trapped inside.

3. Gently tap the pump against the bottom of the bowl a few times to dislodge air bubbles.

4. You can also try tilting the pump at different angles underwater to help air escape from the impeller chamber.

5. Start with the flow dial on the lowest setting. Once water begins flowing, gradually increase to your desired flow rate.

If the pump still isn't working:

- Confirm it's plugged into a working outlet.

- Check that the tubing isn't kinked or clogged.

- Remove the pump from the water and clean the intake filter on the bottom — debris can block flow.

- Make sure the flow adjustment dial isn't turned all the way down (closed).

Still having trouble? Contact us at david@bambooaccents.com or call (415) 454-6260 and we'll help you troubleshoot.

Regular maintenance keeps your fountain looking and sounding its best.

Keeping the water clean:

- Bleach — Add a teaspoon of household bleach to the water. This prevents algae and bacteria growth. Note: not safe for use around pets or wildlife.

- White vinegar — A natural, pet-friendlier alternative. Add a few tablespoons to the water.

- Commercial fountain cleaners — Many pet-safe options are available online. Look for products specifically designed for small water features.

- Distilled water — Stays cleaner longer and reduces mineral buildup. A good choice if you want less frequent maintenance.

Top off the water regularly. Water evaporates, especially in warm weather. Never let the pump run dry — this will damage it.

Cleaning the bamboo spout:

Wash with mild dish soap and water. For mold or mildew spots, apply a small amount of coconut oil and scrub gently with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly and let dry.

Cleaning the pump:

Every few months, unplug the pump and remove it from the water. Clean the intake filter on the bottom of the pump — remove any debris, algae, or mineral deposits. Rinse the pump under running water before placing it back in the container.

Full water change:

Empty and refill the water completely every 2-4 weeks, depending on your environment. Outdoor fountains in warm climates may need more frequent changes.

Bamboo is naturally durable, but applying a finish can help extend the life of your fountain, especially if it's used outdoors.

Recommended: Thompson's Water Seal

Thompson's Water Seal is an effective, easy-to-apply waterproofing product. Apply it to the exterior bamboo surfaces with a brush or cloth. Let it dry completely before use. Reapply once a year for outdoor fountains.

Natural weathering (our recommendation):

We recommend letting bamboo weather naturally for the most authentic, traditional look. Over time, bamboo develops a beautiful silvery-gray patina that complements garden and patio settings. This is the way bamboo has been used in Japanese gardens for centuries.

What to avoid:

- Marine varnish — Creates an unnatural orange tint and overly glossy appearance that looks out of place on bamboo. The thick coating can also crack and peel over time.

- Polyurethane — Similar issues to marine varnish. Too shiny and prone to yellowing.

- Paint — Defeats the purpose of natural bamboo. The paint will also chip and peel with water exposure.

If you do choose to apply a finish, test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure you're happy with the appearance.

Tap water works perfectly fine for most fountain setups. It's the simplest and most cost-effective option.

Distilled water is a great choice if you want to minimize maintenance. It contains no minerals, so it produces less buildup on the bamboo and pump over time. It also stays cleaner longer between water changes.

Things to keep in mind:

- Regardless of water type, top off the water level regularly. Evaporation is normal, especially outdoors or in dry climates.

- Never let the water level drop below the pump — running the pump dry will damage it.

- If you notice white mineral deposits on the bamboo or container (common with hard tap water), switch to distilled water or use a mix of half tap, half distilled.

- Change the water completely every 2-4 weeks to keep things fresh.