by Wisconsin Lake & Pond Resource Staff
Do you own a vehicle? Is it important to you that it runs well? Do you take steps to maintain your vehicle by having the oil changed, rotating the tires, having general 30 point inspections completed, and/or ensuring the fluids are full? If you answered yes to any of the items listed, you are performing preventative maintenance. Preventative maintenance is designed to maintain the best working condition of equipment, thereby helping to prevent failure. A definition of preventative maintenance (or preventive maintenance) is maintenance that is regularly performed on a piece of equipment to lessen the likelihood of it failing. It is performed while the equipment is still working so that it does not break down unexpectedly.
Pond equipment in need of preventative maintenance
Much like we rely on our vehicles to run well, lakes and ponds rely on some equipment to run well. The two primary pieces of equipment installed in lakes and ponds for the waterbodies to run well are fountains and aeration systems.
Aeration System Maintenance
Many fish populations rely on aeration to make it through the harsh Wisconsin winters. Check out the informational material that Heath Benike, Fisheries Supervisor WDNR Black River Falls, put together on winter fish kills. The most important items that need to be serviced once or twice each year, depending on how much the aeration system is run, are:
- Aeration cabinet
- Air compressor
- Diffusers in the pond or lake
These key items need annual preventative maintenance, which we call Spring & Fall Aeration Maintenance, to continue running well when the pond itself or the fish need them most. Much like changing the oil in your car regularly, the air compressors need new external intake filters, mufflers, gaskets, 0 rings, and other internal components annually to run smoothly for years to come.
Fountain Maintenance
Decorative fountains provide aesthetic pleasure for any lake or pond but more importantly are a practical feature for a waterbody. We have installed many units over the years to showcase a property or to add an extra “WOW” factor to corporate offices. These units have oil, bearings, and a motor much like a vehicle. Preventative maintenance is extremely important with a fountain since there are many moving components. Wisconsin Lake & Pond Resource LLC offers services to achieve smooth operation:
- 3 Year fountain maintenance
- Winter cleaning, inspection, and storage
The key takeaway is to be proactive in maintaining your waterbody’s equipment rather than reactive! The cost of repairing equipment after it has stopped working is more expensive than replacing small items while it is still in good working order. If you have never had your aeration system or fountain serviced, contact us and we can help you!