diff --git a/src/fountain.c b/src/fountain.c
index 0a6be58da..d7b62008a 100644
--- a/src/fountain.c
+++ b/src/fountain.c
@@ -377,6 +377,8 @@ drinkfountain(void)
 void
 dipfountain(register struct obj *obj)
 {
+    int er = ER_NOTHING;
+
     if (Levitation) {
         floating_above("fountain");
         return;
@@ -425,7 +427,7 @@ dipfountain(register struct obj *obj)
             (void) angry_guards(FALSE);
         return;
     } else {
-        int er = water_damage(obj, NULL, TRUE);
+        er = water_damage(obj, NULL, TRUE);
 
         if (obj->otyp == POT_ACID
             && er != ER_DESTROYED) { /* Acid and water don't mix */
@@ -521,6 +523,10 @@ dipfountain(register struct obj *obj)
         exercise(A_WIS, TRUE);
         newsym(u.ux, u.uy);
         break;
+    default:
+        if (er == ER_NOTHING)
+            pline("Nothing seems to happen.");
+        break;
     }
     update_inventory();
     dryup(u.ux, u.uy, TRUE);