How to Install a Water Fountain | eHow

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Sara Gilmore

Sara Gilmore is a freelance writer who has been creating web content for the last four years. Her writing has appeared on eHow and her own blogs and websites. Gilmore has a degree in paralegal studies from Kaplan College.

A water fountain can add ambiance to your back yard. It even serves as white noise to block out any traffic sounds. This is a DIY project that can be done in a weekend & enjoyed for years to come. You can create a water fountain for any style of garden. When the water feature isn't turned on, it acts as a piece of garden sculpture.

Decide whether you want to circulate water. You'll need a special circulating pump to install a water fountain. This means that the water will be pumped from the basin, back up to the spout, and fall down all over again. This uses a lot less water. Otherwise, your water fountain will need a drain and a place for the water to flow to.

You will need to waterproof the fountain. If you are building the water feature directly into the lawn, you'll need to line it with a pond liner. Before you lay this down, dig out a trench so you don't have any rocks or weeds poking out. Seal any terracotta pots and the inside of the base of your water fountain, so it won't leek.

Attach the flexible vinyl tubing to the water pump. Place this on the inside of your water feature. You can disguise the tubing with a copper pipe or even a piece of hollowed-out bamboo. Wherever the tubing ends is where the water will come out, so play with different heights. This will add drama and even change the sound of the water flow.

Fill your fountain with water, and then plug it in. If the pump sounds like it is working too hard, add more water. This should be done any time the pump is buzzing or making an unusual sound. The pump should always be submersed in water.

Landscape after you install your water fountain. This will turn your store-bought fountain into an outdoor oasis. You can place plants around your fountain so it has more of the feeling of an outdoor stream. For a rustic look, gather up river rocks or stones from around the yard. If you want a more modern feel, try using slate tiles or even glass pebbles. Make your fountain the focal point of your backyard or patio.

You can still install a water fountain even if you aren't handy. You can buy table top fountains inexpensively. They just require you to pour water into the base and plug it in. These work both indoors and out.

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How to Install a Water Fountain | eHow