Murdock M-PM74 Pet Fountain Installation and Maintenance Instructions

Important Installation Notes

Important: For the -FRU Freeze Resistant Option, refer to -FRU Manual #9938-340-0M1.

Read all instructions and refer to local codes prior to installation.

• Local soil conditions may require more gravel for drainage.
• It is recommended to include a supply stop appropriate located on the supply line.
• An in-line PRV (Pressure Reducing Valve) installed on the supply line is recommended to ensure a working water pressure of 40-60 psi.
• A water filter should be installed on the supply line if sediment or mineral content is a problem.
• The supply line must be flushed of all foreign materials such as pipe dope, chips, etc.
• Piping and valve must be drained prior to being subjected to freezing temperatures.

Site Preparation and Installation

Prepare a trench for water supply lines and the waste line (if required). At the fountain location, prepare a hole to the required trench depth and large enough for a person to work in. Lay the supply and waste lines into the trench and above ground, allowing extra line to be trimmed during hook-up. Refer to rough-in details.

Depending on code and design requirements, the drain connection may be open, french, or sanitary. For a french drain, place a minimum of three cubic feet of gravel under the drain opening. Local soil conditions may require more gravel for drainage.

Refill the trench and hole, compacting backfill as required. Leave sufficient depth in the hole to accommodate the concrete pour, with a 4" minimum recommended.

Prepare the slab area surrounding the fountain by spreading and compacting gravel as necessary. Prepare a form approximately 6" in diameter to protect the supply and waste stub-outs. Protect exposed valve assembly, tubing, and tube openings to prevent damage to equipment or to prevent tubes from becoming filled with soil or debris. Then pour concrete, ensuring the concrete is flat and level.

Diagram shows a cross-section of the M-PM74 Pet Fountain installation. It illustrates site preparation including trenching, a poured concrete foundation, gravel fill for drainage, frost line, and earth. Key connections shown are the supply inlet (Ø1/4" plain end) and waste outlet (Ø1-1/4" OD close elbow). An access panel is also depicted. The diagram specifies a minimum of 3 cubic feet of porous gravel fill for drainage, notes that a French drain is shown (advising local code consultation), and indicates a 4" minimum depth for the concrete pour and a 2" PVC DWV drain pipe.

Securing the Fountain and Connections

Once the concrete has cured, drill 3/4" diameter by 2" deep holes following the pattern shown in the mounting base detail for the provided drop-in anchors. Using the anchor setting tool, hammer the provided drop-in anchors into the drilled holes. Align mounting points on the fountain to the mounting anchors in the concrete and secure the fixture to the slab using the provided mounting hardware.

Through the access panel, make up connections to the fountain's 3/8" OD (1/4” nominal) plain end supply inlet and 1-1/4" OD close elbow waste outlet.

To ensure plumb installation, lay a bubble level on the fountain bowl and adjust using shims or washers until the unit is level. To test the operation of the filler spout, depress the activation pushbutton and adjust the flow rate as required, checking all connections for leaks.

Mounting Base Detail: Illustrates the pattern for drilling holes (3/4" diameter by 2" deep) for drop-in anchors to secure the fountain to the concrete slab, showing the relative positions of the supply inlet and waste outlet connections.

Valve Assembly: A detailed breakdown of the internal valve components, including the valve body with flange collar, regulator, pushbutton, retaining ring, fiber ring, rubber gasket, brass nut, and retainer.

Flow Adjustment: Depicts a slotted screwdriver used to adjust water flow. Turning the screw clockwise increases flow, and counterclockwise decreases flow.

Maintenance

All normal maintenance is done from above ground.

✔️ Always shut off water supply when doing any maintenance.

To remove pedestal mounted pushbutton assembly:

1. Remove the access panel.
2. From inside the pedestal, remove the inlet and outlet lines from the push-in ports of the valve body.
3. Using a spanner wrench, remove the pushbutton and retaining ring.

To replace regulator:

1. Use a spanner wrench to remove the pushbutton and retaining ring from the flange collar.
2. Use a spanner wrench to remove the retainer from the inside of the flange collar.
3. Remove the regulator, insert the new regulator, and align its ports with the mating ports of the valve body, then replace the retaining ring.

Re-assemble in reverse order. When replacing inlet and outlet lines, ensure the supply line is inserted into the valve port labeled "IN". Ensure the plastic line is not kinked when the fountain is re-assembled.

Push-In Fitting Installation

Note: Fittings and tube should be kept clean, bagged, and undamaged prior to installation.

To Cut Tube:

Cut 1/4" PE tubing to the required length and remove any burrs or sharp edges. Ensure that the outside diameter is free from score marks. Tube ends should be square.

Tube Cutting: Shows three illustrations of preparing 1/4" PE tubing for connection, emphasizing clean, square cuts free from burrs or sharp edges.

Inserting the Tube:

1. Firmly and fully insert the tubing end into the push-in fitting up to the tube stop located approximately ½" deep.
2. Pull on the fitted tubing to ensure it is secure. The tube should not come free from the fitting. Water test the connection assembly prior to leaving the site to ensure there are no leaks.

Inserting the Tube: Illustrates the process of firmly inserting the tubing end into a push-in fitting up to the tube stop, approximately 1/2" deep.

Disconnecting the Tube:

To disconnect the tube from the fitting, ensure that the water line is depressurized. Push the collet square towards the push-in fitting body and hold. While holding the collet in, pull on the PE tubing to remove it from the push-in fitting.

Disconnecting the Tube: Shows how to depressurize the water line, push the collet square towards the fitting body, and pull the tubing to disconnect.