Your new tabletop fountain is assembled and all set up. It's working perfectly. Now it's time to relax and enjoy that soothing sound of trickling water. Not so fast! It uses water. If you don't take some precautions anything that has water can cause unexpected problems.

Always assume anything that contains or uses water even if it is only a small amount can leak or spill. How many times have you spilled water when watering plants and flowers? There is nothing more damaging than water - inside or outside. So if you take a few simple precautions you can avoid the damage.

If you want to protect fine furniture then don't set your tabletop fountain on it. But then why did you get that fountain in the first place if you can't put it where you want? If the fountain is going on wood furniture place something underneath. A decorative ceramic tile or even a hot plate will work. I particularly like 1/4 inch Plexiglas. It's easy to find at any good hardware store and is almost invisible on the top of the furniture. You can get it cut to your size specification so measure and make sure you get it large enough to cover the are around the fountain, not just under it.

Most of the damage I've seen, aside from accidentally tipping over the fountain, comes from condensation forming on the bottom or from splashing. Many times splashing is caused by having a fountain with too high a flow rate. Many pumps have an adjustment that can be made to lower the flow. If that doesn't work or your fountain doesn't have an adjustment capability, try rearranging some of the rocks or other objects. I have seen some very attractive splash guards made from slate or other material that complements the overall fountain design.

Letting the water level get to low is a major cause of splashing. The farther the water has to fall the more it will splash. Especially in the winter or other times of low humidity, the water level can drop very quickly as the result of evaporation. So check it often. Keeping the water at the proper level will also prevent pump damage and the need for it to be replaced.

Just these few simple things can help you enjoy your table top fountain to the fullest and help prevent damaged to your other furniture. Now you can sit back and start enjoying the calming sound of the trickling water.