Water fountains work by using mechanical or electrical systems to draw, pressurize, and dispense water in a controlled manner. Here's a breakdown of the main components and how they function: 1. Water Supply
- Water fountains are connected to a plumbing system that provides a constant supply of water, typically from municipal water lines.
- Some modern fountains also filter the incoming water to remove impurities.
- Decorative fountains that recycle water use a pump to circulate water. The pump pulls water from a reservoir and pushes it through pipes or jets, creating the desired spray or flow pattern.
- Drinking fountains use pressurized water directly from the municipal supply.
- When you press a button or lever, a valve opens, allowing water to flow out of a nozzle in a smooth, controlled stream.
- Some advanced systems may include sensors to activate the fountain automatically.
- Valves regulate water flow. In drinking fountains, they ensure water flows only when needed.
- In decorative fountains, valves might control the flow rate to achieve specific effects (e.g., cascading, spraying, or misting).
- Nozzles and jets shape the water as it exits, controlling the spray pattern, height, or stream.
- For drinking fountains, the nozzle is designed to arc the water upward to a height that’s easy to drink from.
- Decorative fountains often have a basin that collects the water after it flows down.
- The pump recirculates the water from the basin back to the jets, conserving water.
- Some fountains have built-in filtration systems to ensure the water is clean and safe, particularly for drinking fountains.