Drinkwell Big-Dog - User Manual

www.petfountain.com
1
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING - When using electric appliances, basic
precautions should always be followed, including the following:
1) Read all the instructions before using appliance.
2) To reduce the risk of injury, close supervision is necessary when
an appliance is used near children.
3) Only use attachments recommended or sold by the
manufacturer.
4) Do not use outdoors. FOR INDOOR USE ONLY.
5) Do not unplug by pulling on the cord. To unplug, grasp the plug,
not the cord.
6) Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or
after the appliance malfunctions or is dropped or damaged in
any manner. Return appliance to the nearest authorized
service facility for examination, repair, or electrical or mechanical
adjustment.
7) For a portable appliance - To reduce the risk of electrical shock,
do not place or store appliance where it can fall or be pulled into
a tub or sink.
8) Always unplug any appliance when not in use, before putting on
or taking off parts, and before cleaning. Never yank a cord to
remove from the outlet.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
INSTRUCTIONS PERTAINING TO;
RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK OR
HARM TO PERSONS

Summary

Important Safety Instructions

General Usage Precautions

Read all instructions, ensure supervision near children, use manufacturer attachments, and operate indoors only.

Electrical Safety and Handling

Proper unplugging, handling damaged cords, and preventing shock hazards for portable appliances.

Operating Instructions

Do Not Run Dry

Critical instruction to prevent motor damage by ensuring adequate water levels.

Household Use Restriction

Specifies that the appliance is intended for household use only.

Pet Fountain Setup

Steps for assembling and preparing the pet fountain for initial use.

Operating Procedure

Power Connection and Cord Safety

Instructions for connecting the power cord to a polarized outlet and handling the cord.

Reservoir Filling and Flow Control

Steps for filling the reservoir, checking the O-ring, and setting the flow rate.

Water Level Management

Guidance on adding water to maintain optimal levels and prevent motor damage.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Filter Replacement Schedule

Recommendations for filter change frequency and replacement options.

Fountain Cleaning Procedure

Detailed steps for cleaning the fountain components, including the motor cavity.

Motor Cleaning and Reassembly

Motor Cleaning Importance

Emphasizes regular motor cleaning to maintain function and warranty.

Motor Removal and Cleaning

Instructions for safely removing, cleaning the motor cavity, and replacing the impeller.

Fountain Reassembly

Steps for correctly reattaching the motor and other components after cleaning.

Fountain Components Reassembly

Stator and Flow Control Knob Assembly

Guidance on joining the stator and flow control knob correctly.

Housing Attachment

Instructions for attaching the main housing to the bowl base.

Final Checks Before Plugging In

Ensuring the reservoir is seated and the power cord is undamaged.

Environmental Considerations and Tips

Mold, Algae, and Hard Water Issues

Solutions for mold/algae and mineral deposits using bleach or vinegar.

Pet Acclimation and Placement

Advice on introducing the fountain to pets and choosing an optimal location.

Manufacturer Safety Instructions

Unattended Operation Warning

Discourages leaving the appliance running unattended for extended periods.

Pet and Child Safety

Precautions against pets or children chewing or swallowing parts; cord protection.

General Safety Precautions Summary

Covers repairs, wet plugs, cord damage, non-intended use, and storage conditions.

Animal Sensitivity to Materials

Advises monitoring for allergic reactions to plastic components.

Warranty Information

Warranty Coverage Details

Covers motor and fountain parts for one year against defects in material and workmanship.

Warranty Exclusions

Excludes damage from accident, misuse, abuse, and lack of cleaning or hard water effects.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The Drinkwell Big-Dog Fountain is an electrical appliance designed to provide a continuous supply of fresh, filtered water for pets, particularly larger dogs. It aims to encourage pets to drink more water, which is beneficial for their health. The fountain operates by circulating water through a filter and creating a flowing stream, mimicking natural water sources that pets often find more appealing than stagnant water in a bowl.

Function Description

The primary function of the Drinkwell Big-Dog Fountain is to filter and circulate water for pets. It consists of a bowl, a reservoir, a motor, and a filter system. The motor is responsible for pumping water from the bowl and reservoir up through the system, where it passes through a replaceable filter cartridge. This filter helps remove impurities, debris, and odors from the water, ensuring a cleaner and fresher drinking experience for the pet. The filtered water then flows back into the bowl, creating a continuous stream. The design includes a flow control knob, allowing the user to adjust the water flow rate to suit their pet's preference. The fountain is intended for indoor household use only and should not be operated outdoors.

Usage Features

The fountain is designed with several features to enhance its usability and effectiveness for pet owners.

• Easy Assembly and Setup: The manual provides clear instructions for assembling the fountain, starting with inspecting the motor attachment, inserting the filter cartridge, and placing the fountain in the desired location.
• Water Filling: The fountain can be filled by adding water to both the bowl and the fountain housing up to a designated "fill level" to prevent overfilling and excessive splashing. A separate reservoir can also be filled and then inverted onto the fountain base, providing a larger water capacity.
• Adjustable Flow Rate: A flow control knob allows users to customize the water stream's intensity, catering to different pets' preferences and potentially reducing splashing.
• Indoor Use Only: The fountain is specifically designed for indoor environments, emphasizing safety and proper operation.
• Pet Acclimation: The manual acknowledges that pets may be cautious of the new object and suggests allowing them to adjust at their own pace. It also recommends placing the fountain away from their normal feeding area initially, perhaps in a less familiar spot like a laundry room or bathroom, to help them get used to it.
• Temperature Control: Adding ice cubes to the bowl is suggested for providing refreshing, ice-cold running water, which can be particularly appealing to pets, especially in warmer climates.
• Safety Precautions: The manual highlights several safety measures, including reading all instructions, supervising children near the appliance, using only manufacturer-recommended attachments, and ensuring the cord and plug are dry before plugging into a polarized outlet. It also warns against forcing the plug into an unsafe outlet and provides guidance on proper cord placement to avoid damage. Users are advised not to unplug by pulling the cord but to grasp the plug itself. The importance of not allowing pets or children to chew on or swallow any parts is stressed, with a recommendation to purchase a cord conduit if there are concerns about the power cord.
• Monitoring Water Levels: Users are advised not to allow the water level to fall below the inlet grate on the bottom of the flow control knob, as this could cause the motor to run dry and potentially damage it. The manual also cautions against leaving the appliance running unattended for prolonged periods to prevent the water from evaporating and the motor from running dry.
• Allergic Reactions: The manual notes that some animals may be sensitive to plastic containers and advises discontinuing use and consulting a veterinarian if signs of an allergic reaction appear.

Maintenance Features

Regular maintenance is crucial for the optimal performance and longevity of the Drinkwell Big-Dog Fountain. The manual provides detailed instructions for cleaning and filter replacement.

• Filter Replacement: Filters should be changed every four to six weeks, or more frequently if the fountain is used by multiple dogs or dogs that produce a lot of saliva. Replacement filters can be obtained from pet stores or by contacting the manufacturer.
• Filter Rinsing: Filters can be rinsed out when the fountain is cleaned, but soapy water should not be used, as soap residue cannot be fully removed. The manual also states that filters are an added feature and not strictly required for normal operation, though their use is highly recommended for water quality.
• Regular Cleaning: The fountain and the inside cavity of the motor should be cleaned with soapy water approximately every two weeks. In between these thorough cleanings (weekly), the fountain parts should be taken apart and rinsed with hot water. Lack of cleaning can lead to a loss of normal function.
• Disassembly for Cleaning: The cleaning process involves lifting the reservoir container, unscrewing the reservoir lid and removing the O-ring, unplugging the fountain, removing the cover and filter, emptying the water, and removing the upper housing by pressing in the side tabs. The flow control knob and stator are freed once the housing is removed.
• Motor Cleaning: Cleaning the motor is emphasized as very important, with a recommendation to clean its inside cavity every two weeks to prevent voiding the warranty. The motor is removed by turning the bowl over, slipping a finger into an indentation behind the motor, and pulling it out to turn it a quarter of a turn, then pulling it away from the bowl. A light coat of petroleum jelly around the rubber O-ring is suggested to make reinstallation easier. The white impeller should be carefully lifted out, any tangled hair removed, and then washed with the other parts. Soapy water and a small round bristle brush or cotton swab should be used to scrub the inner cavity of the motor, followed by thorough rinsing.
• Cleaning Specific Parts: A bottle brush or aquarium brush is recommended for cleaning the square intake tube in the filter housing.
• Hand Washing: Most fountain parts should be hand washed with a mild detergent and rinsed well. The manual warns that if a dishwasher runs too hot, the plastic parts may be damaged. The reservoir is explicitly stated as not being dishwasher safe.
• Reassembly After Cleaning: Detailed steps are provided for reassembling the fountain, including reattaching the motor, placing the stator over the motor's neck, joining the flow control knob and stator, attaching the housing, and replacing the O-ring in the reservoir lid.
• Addressing Mold/Algae: For humid environments prone to mold or algae, soaking all parts in a diluted bleach solution for about ten minutes after regular cleaning is recommended. This also disinfects the fountain. Thorough rinsing to remove all chlorine is crucial, especially for the motor cavity, which should be held under a weak stream of water.
• Addressing Hard Water Deposits: If white mineral deposits appear due to hard water, users are advised to clean the motor more frequently, clean with a vinegar solution (letting it soak in the cavity), or use bottled water to prevent the impeller from turning properly and avoid motor replacement.
• Warranty Information: The manual includes a warranty section, stating that the motor assembly and fountain parts are warranted for one year against defects in material and workmanship. It specifies that damage from accident, misuse, abuse, or loss of function due to lack of cleaning, debris, or mineralization from hard water is not covered under the warranty. This reinforces the importance of following the cleaning instructions.

Drinkwell Big-Dog Specifications

General

Material	Plastic
Power Source	Electric
Filter Included	Yes
Suitable For	Large Dogs
Flow Rate	Adjustable
Product Category	Pet Fountain
Dishwasher Safe	Yes
Filter Type	Carbon
Weight	3.5 pounds