Question 1

Do you refurbish an existing fountain?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We first survey what is there, to see what can be reused or repaired, and what must be replaced. Refurbishment starts from the real state of the installation, and any change is designed within the existing constraints.

Question 2

Is civil works included in your proposal?

Accepted Answer

As a rule, no. We design, manufacture, install and commission the fountain. Civil works (tanks, a plant room in concrete or masonry) stay with the contractor or the client, coordinated with us. In exceptional cases we may subcontract a contractor and act as turnkey general contractor.

Question 3

What information do you need for a proposal?

Accepted Answer

We need information on the site, how the space is used, photos or drawings if they exist, and whether it is new work or a refurbishment. On a contract, the specification or bill of quantities helps. If you are not yet sure what you want but have the space, we start with a concept proposal. If you already have something more defined, or a design, we start from there.

Question 4

I am a designer. How do we start working together?

Accepted Answer

Send a request with the design material you have: CAD drawings, site photos and images of the idea. Our team can start with a concept proposal for the space. If the design is already developed, we work on your drawings and produce a complete project with written and drawn documents. Our projects always consider the surroundings and use of the space — splash, wind and noise — and the efficient use of resources. They can be developed in CAD, or in BIM when the project requires it.

Question 5

What do you need at first contact?

Accepted Answer

The location and its surroundings, how the space is used and the fountain motif. If you have them, send photos of the idea. If a design is already defined, send the written and drawn documents to the email in our contacts.

Question 6

Is every fountain made to measure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. From concept through development and equipment design, choice of materials and finishes: every project is different and thought out from scratch.

Question 7

Are the parts made to measure?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when the design requires it. They are drawn for that site, not taken from a closed catalogue. There are series components — pumps, valves, projectors — that are integrated into the assembly.

Question 8

Can I visit your premises?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Contact us to arrange a visit subject to the availability of our teams. We are glad to show our processes and equipment in operation.

Question 9

Do you manufacture the electrical panel?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The panel is prepared at our premises. It arrives on site ready to connect to the supply, control circuits, equipment, peripherals and systems.

Question 10

Do you manufacture the hydraulic circuits?

Accepted Answer

We do not manufacture the pipework. We manufacture the stainless-steel manifolds where the nozzles and lights connect. Pipework is installed on site, in close coordination with civil works. Manifolds and electromechanical equipment are installed afterwards.

Question 11

What materials do you work with?

Accepted Answer

We work mainly with stainless steel, bronze and PVC; finishes are defined in the design. The material is chosen for the water and the use: what lasts and what is seen. We avoid combinations that degrade the water — for example Corten steel or aluminium equipment in contact with chlorine.

Question 12

Where do you manufacture?

Accepted Answer

Main components are manufactured or assembled at our premises and leave prepared for pre-installation. On site we weld when the location requires it, install the equipment and put the system to work.

Question 13

Are transport and installation included?

Accepted Answer

Yes: where the proposal covers supply and installation of the equipment, labour for installation and commissioning is included when the work is ours. Transport depends on the site; in mainland Portugal it is usually allowed for; on the islands and abroad it is treated separately.

Question 14

Do you work as a subcontractor for a contractor?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We take the request from the contractor or the designer and price our scope: equipment, installation and commissioning.

Question 15

Do you work outside Portugal?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Design and manufacturing leave our premises; installation is done on site. Travel and the related logistics are defined in each proposal, depending on the project.

Question 16

Who supplies water and electricity?

Accepted Answer

Site infrastructure is provided by the client. We size the supplies and leave the system ready for the connections to be made.

Question 17

Who installs and commissions the system?

Accepted Answer

Urbiágua installs and commissions, including regulation and fine-tuning of the water effects, tests and handover to automatic.

Question 18

Does the fountain need a plant room?

Accepted Answer

On most jobs, yes. Size and ventilation follow the complexity of the system and are drawn in the design.

Question 19

Can I change schedules or programmes after commissioning?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All our installations have a time programmer, both for the equipment and for the lighting.

Question 20

Does the fountain use a lot of water?

Accepted Answer

On our fountains the water runs in a closed circuit. Top-up is for evaporation, splash and wind, so the design of the motif and of the collection matters. The size of the water mirror and the water volume also affect this figure.

Question 21

What is done in the factory and what is left for site?

Accepted Answer

At our premises we manufacture and assemble the sets, nozzles, jets, electrical panels, pre-assemblies of manifolds and we prepare the pre-installation.Pipework has stages. The first runs with civil works: it is laid at the start of the job, before and after concreting, so it is embedded and coordinated with the tanks, plant room and slabs. Later we install pumps, the remaining plant pipework and other equipment. On site we weld when the location requires it, close the circuit and commission.

Question 22

Does the fountain start by itself?

Accepted Answer

In automatic, yes. A time programmer commands water and light. The schedule is set on the clock in the electrical panel. If you have difficulty programming the clock, contact us.

Question 23

The fountain will not start. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Confirm there is electrical supply and test the incoming residual-current device. If there is no electrical fault, check that grilles, filters and pump impellers are free of leaves or debris. If the level looks correct and it still will not start, do not force it: contact our Technical Department.Request technical support →

Question 24

Is the water jet distorted?

Accepted Answer

Check that the nozzle is not blocked. Start by clearing leaves at the surface, in the Y-filters or pump pre-filters. If needed, contact our team: we can strip nozzles, check pump impellers and work on the electrical panel.Request technical support →

Question 25

Does the water rise by itself?

Accepted Answer

Level is restored by probes in the tank. If filling does not stop, or the fountain will not start even with water in sight, contact our assistance.Request technical support →

Question 26

Can your team train local maintenance staff?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We train the client’s teams at commissioning. In use, if questions persist, the team gives free remote assistance or we can visit under contract. Our equipment is straightforward to operate, so we advise day-to-day operation by the client’s own teams.

Question 27

Do you repair fountains you did not install?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We issue our proposal after a site visit or from a specification.

Question 28

Does the maintenance contract include parts?

Accepted Answer

Except where equipment is still under warranty, the contract covers preventive visits and follow-up. Parts, vandalism and similar items are priced separately when needed.

Question 29

The fountain was idle over winter. How do we start it again?

Accepted Answer

Do not start it blindly. Check water level, filters, water quality, the electrical panel, that pumps run without unusual noise or trips, and test in manual and automatic. Long idle periods are not advised. If in doubt, request our technical support.

Question 30

The level is high or there is a leak. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Stop the fountain if water is overflowing. Check that the level sensors are not made. Request technical support with the site name and, if possible, a photo.

Question 31

How often is maintenance carried out?

Accepted Answer

Follow the maintenance plan supplied with the installation. In general: daily check for leaves and that nozzles run clear; weekly check of filters and water treatment; annual general review for deep cleaning if needed, equipment tests and cleaning of the electrical panel.

Question 32

Can I buy a single spare part?

Accepted Answer

Replacement parts for your installation can be requested from our assistance through the published contact channels.

Question 33

Do we have documentation for our fountain?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Each installation receives an Operation and Maintenance Manual. For a copy, contact us with the site name.Request technical support →

Question 34

Do you offer maintenance contracts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our team provides preventive and corrective maintenance to keep equipment reliable and reduce emergency call-outs. Contact us to know more.

Question 35

I have a fault or anomaly. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

In the event of a fault, stop the fountain and contact our Technical Department. Do not work on the electrical panel with wet hands.Request technical support →

Question 36

Does the fountain run the same in winter?

Accepted Answer

Seasonal use, schedules and the maintenance cadence adjust to the time of year. We can define the concrete plan for your installation with you.

Frequently asked questions

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