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Care and Maintenance
Information for the care and maintenance of statues, fountains and fountain pumps.
Care for Resin Statues Statues with designs that may retain or collect water should be covered or stored. They are also susceptible to damage by effects of ice and wind. If they do not seem securely placed, lower them from their pedestals early in the winter. In windy cities, statues on terraces should be secured to permanent structures. Painted items like gargoyles and animals should be allowed to winter in a covered area. We strongly suggest that all portable statues be taken indoors in extremely inclement weather and freezing temperatures.
Cast Stone Statue and Fountain Care |
Little or nothing needs to be done to protect the finish of natural concrete fountains and statuary. Many people find the inevitable aging and weathering of natural stone to be appealing. But this natural weathering may be impeded, if you wish, by the application of a clear concrete sealer, available from any hardware store. Finished cast stone fountains and statuary have been painted with penetrating-sealer type paints, designed to resist the elements for many years. The fountains clear luster may, however, be revived seasonally with a light coat of Henri Sealer Spray. Should you choose to refinish your fountain after a number of years- whether in the original or a new color - we can provide you with the Henri Refinishing Kit, complete with all materials and instructions. To camouflage minor dings, nicks and scratches, use just a dab of almost any sort of paint. For finishes that employ a black antique effect, use black paint; for lighter antiques, use white. Simply dab the paint onto the scratch, and wipe off the excess. The textured finishes of concrete products “accept” paint easily, and your touch up will blend in invisibly. Finally depending upon temperature and evaporation, you may notice a buildup of white residue on the surface of the bowl or shell. Such a buildup is normal and unavoidable in areas with a high mineral content - especially lime - in the local water supply. More frequent rinsing of the fountain and changing of the water will help to minimize the problem. When the lime buildup finally becomes unsightly, it may be safely and easily removed by using Henri Fountain Cleaner and Lime Remover. This product is not a water additive, but a surface cleaner specifically designed to foam away lime residue without affecting the fountain surface. Be sure to follow all directions for cleaning specified on the bottle. To keep fountain water clear from unsightly sludge, algae and cloudiness simply use Henri Water Clarifier. Henri Water Clarifier can also be used to help prevent fountain water from becoming dirty, and it will also improve filter efficiency in your Henri submersible pump. Do not use Sealer or Lime Remover on finishes that are stains rather than paints.
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Winterizing Fountains |
Extreme and rapid changes in temperature and humidity affect all concrete adversely. Concrete has an inherent tendency to expand and contract with climatic conditions (a phenomenon taken into account by experienced masons who employ expansion joints - like those “lines” in the sidewalk). Your cast stone products have been manufactured with weather in mind. The concrete mix contains fiber and mechanical additives which enhance the elastic qualities of the concrete. Occasionally, normal, unharmful surface shrinkage cracks may sometimes appear-but your cast stone products will not crack due to weather if these simple rules are followed:
1. Do not allow water to collect and freeze in fountain bowls or shells! 2. Do not allow water to collect and freeze in planters, saucers or birdbaths! 3. Do not allow statuary or pedestals to sit in a pool of ice!
Cast stone products left exposed to icing conditions may shale or crack due to the mechanical force of water solidifying and expanding along the concrete surface. IMPORTANT: If your fountain, birdbath, planter or statuary cannot be stored indoors during the winter season, you must at least protect it from ice collection or exposure. “How-To” protect your cast stone products during the winter season: For fountains, first remove the statue and pump, storing them inside if possible. Next, fill the bowl(s) or shell(s) with an absorbent material such as Henri Underlay, burlap bags, blankets, etc. Then cover the entire fountain with a Fountain Cover. Should condensation droplets form on the inside of the cover, they will be absorbed by the material. For birdbaths, planters or statuary set the pieces on high ground where a pool of ice will not form, and then cover with a Fountain Cover. By following these simple and sensible precautions during the winter season, you will protect your cast stone products for years of beauty and enjoyment.
Pump Maintenance
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1. Your Henri Hi-Tech Pump is a magnet drive centrifugal pump powered by a water tight synchro motor, it requires only minimal maintenance (every 2-3 months). The intake area and impeller should be cleaned regularly, or especially if the pump has remained idle for a length of time.
2. To clean, first disconnect pump from the power source.
3. Remove front pump housing. Brush and/or wipe clean the inside of the housing and the pump's inner face. Remove the impeller and shaft and rinse, using warm vinegar water or Henri Lime Remover to remove any hard water calcium deposits. Reassemble impeller and housing in reverse order.
4. Do not open the sealed pump case protecting the motor. Avoid subjecting the pump to strong chemicals or harsh water conditions.
5. Always remove the pump from service during freezing climate conditons to prevent damage.
6. NEVER ALLLOW THE PUMP TO RUN DRY.
Removing Calcium Build Up |
Apply white vinegar where the buildup is. After you apply, run the fountain, the molecules in the water will actually diminish the residue. In some states, water is really hard making it very difficult to remove residue on any product made out of concrete, but the vinegar will certainly help. |
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