@CoyoteTraveller Our model (PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum) makes obscenely annoying noises when it runs low on water, if that counts? Makes it very easy to know when to refill it!
@CoyoteTraveller The main thing with this one as well is it's also basically dishwasher safe as well and the components are all very inexpensive repair/replace. But it is a filtered fountain model fwiw.
@CoyoteTraveller The latter. Though it's a simple (user-removable, openable, and replaceable!) fish tank pump, so it's not too bad tbh
As for washing it out: I've opened it up before and cleaned it. Not too bad? Simple sink rinse after opening and it was good as new.