How to Install a Hand Water Pump Fountain | eHow

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Cathy Conrad

Cathy Conrad has more than five years of newsprint experience as an assistant editor and is a professional writer. She has worked as a virtual assistant and email support specialist, and has more than 20 years of experience working in the medical field. Conrad is currently licensed as a Texas insurance representative and has many years in home improvement and gardening.

A throwback to the olden days are the old hand-pump style water spout. You used to have to pump the handle to build up pressure for the water to pump from the water well to the spout to fill buckets for water for the home. Although modern conveniences are better, the rustic look of the old water pumps are a beautiful addition to any garden. Take a trip to a junkyard or flea markets to find different sizes of the old hand pumps to convert them into water fountains.

Choose a location for your water fountain. Keep in mind that it will need to be close to an electrical outlet. Also, decide on how big the fountain will be to determine how big a water pump, barrels and concrete pad will be. Leave enough room between the pad and any structure to hold the pedestal for the fountain, which will be built with five 4-by-4-inch boards. The pedestal will be 12 inches square.

Place the concrete slab in the area the fountain will be. Make sure it is level.

Place one barrel close to the back edge of the concrete slab. Position the second barrel over the back side of the top rim of the first barrel. It will hang over in the back approximately 8 inches.

Drill a 1-inch hole near the top rim and in the back of the first barrel for the tubing. Cut a 1-inch V in the front of the top rim of the second barrel. This is where the water will spill into the bottom barrel.

Dig five holes, each 4 inches deep, with the post hole digger, between the pad and the home. Make a square with four posts in the corners and one in the middle. Drop the 4-by-4-inch posts into each hole and fill with Quikrete, according to manufacturer directions. Make sure the posts are as tall as the second barrel and check that they are level. Allow the Quikrete to dry, according to manufacturer directions.

Cut a 12-inch square of 3/4-inch plywood and place on top of the posts. Nail in place by nailing through the plywood two to three times into each post.

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How to Install a Hand Water Pump Fountain | eHow