How to Drain an Outdoor Fountain Before Winter

Draining your outdoor fountain before winter is the single most important step in protecting it from freeze damage. Water left inside a fountain basin, pump housing, or tubing can expand as it freezes — cracking resin, stone, or ceramic and causing costly damage. This guide walks you through exactly how to drain your fountain properly before the cold sets in.

When Should You Drain Your Fountain?

Drain your fountain when nighttime temperatures begin consistently dropping below 40°F (4°C). In most US regions, this means starting the process in October or early November — don't wait for the first hard freeze.

What You'll Need

• Wet/dry vacuum or submersible pump
• Large bucket or garden hose
• Sponge or absorbent towels
• Soft brush for cleaning
• Waterproof gloves

Step-by-Step: How to Drain an Outdoor Fountain

Step 1: Turn Off the Pump

Switch off and unplug your fountain pump before doing anything else. Never attempt to drain a fountain while the pump is running — this can damage the motor and create a safety hazard.

Step 2: Remove the Pump

Lift the submersible pump out of the basin. Disconnect any tubing attached to it. Rinse the pump thoroughly with clean water to flush out algae, mineral deposits, and debris. Store the pump indoors in a bucket of clean water or a frost-free space to keep the seals from drying out.

Step 3: Remove Decorative Elements

Take out any removable decorative pieces — statues, stones, or tier inserts — and set them aside. Clean and dry these separately before storing or covering them.

Step 4: Drain the Basin

Use one of these methods depending on your fountain size:

• Small fountains: Tip the basin carefully to pour out the water, or use a large sponge to absorb it
• Medium fountains: Use a wet/dry vacuum to suck out standing water quickly and efficiently
• Large multi-tier fountains: Use a submersible utility pump with a garden hose to direct water away from the fountain area

Step 5: Remove Water from Tubing

Water trapped inside tubing is a common cause of freeze damage. Disconnect all tubing and blow through it to clear any remaining water, or use a wet/dry vacuum on each tube end. Allow tubing to dry completely before storing.

Step 6: Absorb Residual Moisture

Even after draining, moisture remains in low points and textured surfaces. Use dry towels or a sponge to absorb as much residual water as possible from the basin floor, tier surfaces, and any crevices. The drier the fountain, the better protected it is.

Step 7: Clean While It's Empty

With the fountain drained, this is the perfect time to clean it thoroughly:

• Scrub all surfaces with a soft brush and a diluted white vinegar solution (1:1 with water)
• Remove algae stains, mineral deposits, and debris
• Rinse with clean water and allow to dry completely before covering

Step 8: Cover or Store

Once fully drained and dry:

• Small fountains: Move indoors to a garage or shed
• Large fountains: Cover with a breathable, waterproof fountain cover — avoid non-breathable plastic tarps that trap moisture

Do Outdoor Fountains Have Drains?

Some larger fountain models include a built-in drain plug at the base of the basin, making draining much easier — simply remove the plug and let gravity do the work. Check your fountain's base for a rubber or threaded drain plug before reaching for the vacuum.

Our FountJoy fountains are designed with winter maintenance in mind — check your model's manual for drain plug location and winterization recommendations.

Common Draining Mistakes to Avoid

• Leaving the pump in: A pump left in a frozen basin can crack its housing and burn out the motor
• Skipping the tubing: Water in tubing freezes and expands, splitting the tube or cracking fittings
• Covering before fully dry: Trapped moisture under a cover promotes mold and can still freeze
• Waiting too long: Draining after the first freeze may mean damage has already occurred

Final Thoughts

Draining your outdoor fountain before winter takes less than an hour and can save you hundreds of dollars in repair or replacement costs. Make it part of your annual autumn garden routine — your fountain will thank you come spring.

Explore our range of premium outdoor water fountains — crafted from UV-resistant resin and engineered for lasting beauty through every season.