If you already own the tools, this DIY is a no-brainer.
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
Drill
Hammer
Pipe cutter
Shovel
Utility scissors
SUPPLIES
String
Duct tape
Stones
Gravel
Copper pipe
PVC conduit
Aluminum screen
Decking
Ball valve
Female adapter
Sprucing up your yard can be anything from planting flowers to trimming the grass. But if you’re keen on really enhancing your landscaping, a fountain could be the answer. Even better, you can learn how to build a fountain yourself and add a unique feature to your home in one day.
Preparing to Build a Fountain
Before you start building a fountain, you want to make sure that your desired placement is suitable. Part of the outdoor water fountain installation cost will be a pump. Because the pump required for a fountain is electric, you’ll need to build the fountain within reach of an electrical outlet. Typically, the cords for pumps can reach about 50 feet, and it is advised by manufacturers to avoid using extension cords.
The first thing you want to do when building your DIY backyard fountain is to dig the hole where the pump will go. Using a shovel, dig the hole about 2 inches deeper than the basin you’ve selected for the project. You also want to ensure you dig the width of the pit to fit your specific basin too.
Next, use the shovel to dig a trench between the pit you’ve made and the nearest electrical outlet. You’ll want to keep this trench narrow and shallow.
Set the Basin and Conduit
Now that you have a hole dug out for the basin, it’s time to set it. Begin by placing a layer of gravel approximately 2 inches thick in the bottom of the pit. Pea gravel is the ideal option for this, as it is made up of small parts and promotes drainage. As long as the gravel you use is suitable for drainage, you’re good to go.
Once you’ve put down the gravel, cut a section of PVC conduit that matches the measurement from the electrical outlet to the edge of the pit. Thread a string through the PVC conduit and tape one end of it to the pump’s plug before pulling the plug through the conduit, taping it securely to the end to avoid it getting pulled back in. After this, you can set the conduit in the trench and cover it up with the dirt you dug out of it in the first step.
Fit the Parts
The next step in building a fountain is essential for getting everything where it needs to be. Place the pump in the center of the basin before laying the aluminum screen over it. When you’ve done that, mark the spot directly over the threaded outlet of the pump and mark the screen where it lays closest to the conduit. This will help you make sure everything is set where it needs to be for the final steps.
Make an Opening
To be able to remove the pump for necessary servicing over time, you’ll need to make an opening that your hand can reach through. Using utility scissors, cut a circle about 1 inch wide at the center mark. Then, cut a three-sided flap at the conduit mark you made in the previous step.
Connect the Water Pump and Pipe
Now that your pump is placed and accessible, it is time to connect it to the copper pipe so you can get some water flowing. Using a pipe cutter, cut a 4-inch section off the copper pipe. Then, screw both the longer and shorter section of the copper pipe onto each side of the ball valve, which controls water flow. Once those are connected, screw the threaded end of the female adapter onto the pump, which will allow for the pipes to be connected.
Connect the copper pipe to the pump with the compression fitting it comes with. Make sure everything is attached tightly to avoid any leaks.
Install the Decking
Now that the water is ready to flow, you can finish securing the pit area. Lay strips of decking long enough to go a few inches past the pit on each side over the pit/screen.
This final step is potentially the most exciting. If you’re building a fountain, you’ve probably had water feature ideas running through your mind, and now is the chance to bring those ideas to life.
First, drill holes in the stones you’re using to build the fountain and make sure they are the proper size for sliding over the copper pipe you previously installed. Once the stones have been drilled, you can arrange them by sliding them over the copper pipe and stacking them until they’re well-balanced and aesthetically pleasing.
Feel free to fill up the basin with water and turn on the pump to see how the water falls and readjust the stones according to the look and flow you’re going for. After that, you’re all set and your DIY backyard fountain is ready to be the new centerpiece of your backyard.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Now that you’ve got a feel for all the steps in how to build a fountain, you may have more insight in weighing both the cost of hardscaping like this and the labor required.
While this project is certainly possible to do on your own so long as you have the equipment, supplies, and skill level to do it safely, there is always the option to seek out water features near you and hire a pro.
Ultimately, deciding whether to build a fountain on your own or hire a pro comes down to your budget and ability to complete the project. If you don’t think you’re quite at the intermediate DIY level, you may want to call in an expert. But if it sounds like a piece of cake, then building a fountain on your own might be a rewarding way to spend a day outside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is possible to make a fountain without a pump, though it may seem less intuitive and will require a bit more effort to use. In lieu of an electric pump, there are a few options including hand-cranked pumps or sprinkler systems that can work to provide water for a fountain.
Fountain maintenance is an important part of having a clean foundation in the first place. To keep your fountain water clean, you can use a water additive designed specifically to limit scale, algae, and other buildup in fountains. Or opt to use white vinegar as a pantry-ready water additive.
Em loves combining their budget-savvy instincts with a passion for home improvement. With plenty of experience writing in the financial industry, Em acknowledges that it’s crucial to budget for home projects and to have the full scope of these projects from a financial point of view. Their home saving tips can be found on personal finance sites like Borrowell and Money Under 30.
Em loves combining their budget-savvy instincts with a passion for home improvement. With plenty of experience writing in the financial industry, Em acknowledges that it’s crucial to budget for home projects and to have the full scope of these projects from a financial point of view. Their home saving tips can be found on personal finance sites like Borrowell and Money Under 30.
The homeowners guide to Fountains
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
