How Does a Self-Watering Pet Dish Work?

A self-watering pet dish gives a pet a continuous water supply. The automatic water fountain or dish holds anywhere from 2 to 5 gallons of water depending on its size. Self-watering bowls are a convenient way to make certain your pet always has water. The water fountain is especially useful if you go away for a few days. The self-watering dish uses a simple mechanism.

  1. Water Tank

    • Self-watering pet bowls have a tank for storing water. Tap water is best for self-watering bowls, according to the Safe Home Products website. The water supply last for one to two weeks depending on the size of the tank and the weight of the pet. The first step in using these bowls is to fill them with water.

    The Pump

    • A pump inside the self-watering bowl pumps the water throughout the system. The unit requires electricity to keep the pump working continuously. The water is "drawn through the discharge hole in the water bowl," reports Safe Home Products. The pump pushes air into the water and continues to move the water through the system until it reaches the filter.

    The Filter

    • Most self-watering pet dishes have a filter. The filter cleans the water by removing bacteria and other harmful contaminants. Although bottled water can also be poured into the tank, this is usually not necessary because of the filter. Replacing the filter every three to 10 weeks is important in keeping the water clean.

    Water Recirculation

    • After the filter cleans the water, the water recirculates back to the bowl that the pet drinks from. The process is continuous. Because saliva, fur and other debris gets into the water when pets drink from the bowl, the water continuously flows through the system to keep the actual drinking water clean.