how do you hook up an outdoor water fountain

How to Wire Your Outdoor Water Fountain

1. Choose a Location. Choose the location for your fountain. ...
2. Contact a Licensed Electrician. Before starting your project, you need to address safety concerns. ...
3. Measure. ...
4. Cut the PVC Pipe. ...
5. Position Fountain. ...
6. Dig a Trench. ...
7. Thread the Extension Cord. ...
8. Bury the Extension Cord. ...
9. Plug it in. ...

Full Answer

How do you install a water pump for a fountain?

You'll need to install the pump and connect it with a power source -- either an electrical cable or a solar panel. Don't turn the pump on until you've filled the fountain. Pumps aren't meant to circulate air, and they can be damaged by being run dry. Most pumps use suction to circulate water through the fountain.

How do you hook up an outdoor fountain with string?

Measure and cut a length of string to the same length as your fountain pump’s electrical cord minus 2 feet. Place duct tape on one end of the string and tape it on top of a GFCI outdoor receptacle nearest to the area where you want your fountain.

Where should I place my electric water fountain?

Placement of the fountain is a purely aesthetic decision. You can place it anywhere you like as long as it poses no safety issues. Before starting your project, you need to address safety concerns. Attempting to wire any electrical item without proper training and licensing is not only dangerous but foolish as well.

How do you install an outdoor fountain with duct tape?

Place duct tape on one end of the string and tape it on top of a GFCI outdoor receptacle nearest to the area where you want your fountain. Stretch the string out and use it as a pivot point to find the farthest point from the receptacle that you can place your fountain.

How do you hook up an outdoor fountain?

1:523:37How to Install a Landscape Fountain Kit - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSaw drill a hole for each plumbing. Line drill each hole approximately one-quarter inch wider thanMoreSaw drill a hole for each plumbing. Line drill each hole approximately one-quarter inch wider than the diameter of the pipe being used carefully position the decorative fountain on the basin.

Do you need a water line to an outdoor fountain?

Most outdoor fountains are connected to a home's water supply. These fountains have a continuous supply of water so as long as the water is turned on, they won't go dry. There are some smaller fountains that can be filled using a water hose without the need for a permanent connection.

How are outdoor fountains powered?

Water fountains are typically powered in one of two ways: by solar power or by hardwired electricity. Solar-powered outdoor fountains don't require tapping into your home's electrical supply, making them a popular option, especially for those DIY-ing their fountain's power source.

Where does the pump go in a water fountain?

The pump goes in the reservoir, or, in a two-pump fountain, in the reservoir and the top basin. It may or may not be encased in a filter box, which -- just like the filter in a swimming pool -- helps keep out debris.

Should I leave my water fountain on all the time?

Should I Leave My Fountain on All the Time? Fountain pumps are specifically designed to run constantly. It is hard on the pump if you constantly turn it on and off every day. The only times you should turn off the fountain pump is if you are cleaning it or if you are going to be away from it for several days.

How do you power a water fountain?

0:181:44How to Run Electrical Wire to a Garden Fountain - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd eventually we're going to put a regular garden fountain out here but the first thing that weMoreAnd eventually we're going to put a regular garden fountain out here but the first thing that we want to do is supply an electrical line now my garden fountain motor is going to use a 20 amp circuit.

What are water fountains connected to?

mains water supplyConnected to the mains water supply, water fountains have a basin arrangement with a tap or bubbler that dispenses either continuously running water or water on demand. Fountains are typically made from stainless steel and may incorporate carbon filters to remove taste and bad odours from the mains water.

How does a fountain work without electricity?

A. Beginning in ancient times, fountain designers relied on gravity, channeling water from a higher source in a closed system to provide pressure. The aqueducts of ancient Rome carried water down from the mountains to elevated cisterns to be distributed through pipes for both drinking and ornamental purposes.

Do fountains use a lot of electricity?

Drinking fountain manufacturers have esti- mated energy consumption of refrigerated fountains to be between 7.8–10.8 kWh per 40-hour work week. 1 This consumption can vary widely due to usage rates, ambient conditions, feed water temperatures, and rated capacity of the units.

How do you hook up a fountain pump?

Nest the pump deep into the reservoir. It should be well covered with water. Pull the cord over the lip of the reservoir or through the opening designed for the electrical plug. Connect it to a grounded power source, and you should hear the soothing sounds of a well-working fountain immediately.

How long can a fountain pump run continuously?

six to 24 hoursGenerally, sump pumps can run for six to 24 hours continuously, depending on how heavy the rainfall is and the quality of your pump. The aftermath of torrential rains or even flooding puts a higher demand on your sump pump to keep your home's low areas dry.

Should you turn a water feature off at night?

Do I have to turn my water fountain off at night or when I am away? Water fountain pumps are meant to run 24/7. It is harder on the pump if it is turned on and off continuously. You should not need to turn your fountain off as long as there is enough water in the fountain for the allotted time.

Does a water feature need a water supply?

You probably don't need a water supply. Of-the-shelf water features are self-contained, they just need topping up occasionally. 2. But if the feature has moving water, unless it's solar powered, you will probably need an electricity supply to drive the pump.

Do fountains have to be plugged in?

It depends what type of fountain you have. A standard model will have a recycling pump and electrical cords to plug in. However, you can get solar powered fountains which still circulate the water using a pump, but is powered by the sun and do not require to be plugged in.

How do water fountains work without electricity?

A. Beginning in ancient times, fountain designers relied on gravity, channeling water from a higher source in a closed system to provide pressure. The aqueducts of ancient Rome carried water down from the mountains to elevated cisterns to be distributed through pipes for both drinking and ornamental purposes.

Can you make a fountain without a pump?

A continuous-flow water fountain moves water without a pump or mechanical parts. A gravity water fountain moves water through multiple chambers by using a combination of gravity and pressure science to tumble water into the air in a dancing, fluid flow.

How to measure a fountain?

First, start by measuring and cutting a length of string to the same length as your fountain pump’s electrical cord, then subtract two feet from it. Next, simply measure the distance for your desired location from the GFCI outlet. Next, write down the measurements to refer back to. After this, all you need to do is position the fountain however you desire. Once this is complete, you will now have an idea of the appropriate measurements and distance for your fountain.

How deep should I dig a trench for a fountain pump?

Now that you have the appropriate distances determined, it is now time to begin the next step in the process: digging. Begin by digging a trench roughly two feet deep from the outdoor GFCI outlet to your garden fountain pump.

How to use a PVC extension cord?

If you need to use more than one PVC pipe, simply attach a PVC coupling to the end of the first pipe and continue threading the cord through the second pipe. Keep repeating this same process until you have covered the entirety of the GFCI outlet.

How to secure a pipe in a trench?

To ensure it stays secure and stable, drop a hex nut through a horizontal pipe piece at the trench bottom and secure each pipe section . Lastly, add an elbow at the end of the trench and the other 18-inch pipes just as you did on the opposite side.

How to make a sprite out of a PVC pipe?

Begin by placing a thick layer of PVC primer on the exterior of the 18-inch pipe and the interior of the elbow. After it has dried, paint a thick layer of glue over those areas. Next, push the pipe into the elbow, carefully twist it, then hold the two pieces together and wait for them to begin drying.

How long does it take for a fountain to stop leaking?

More Minor Leak Repair Begin by checking again to see if the fountain is leaking by filling up the fountain, then turning off the pump. Next, wait for 24 hours to see if the water level decreases.

What happens if a fountain is not powered?

Without power being supplied to the fountain’s pump, the water cannot be circulated through the fountain, and the fountain will not function properly . Another key thing to check is to see if the circuit breaker has blown, as this would obviously prevent the power supply from functioning appropriately.

How do I turn on a fountain pump?

Plug the pump into the GFCI outlet and turn on the pump. You’ll love seeing that first rush of water coming out of the fountain and trickling over the sides to create a beautiful display in your garden.

How to clear water from a basin?

Wash dust and dirt from decorative gravel and rocks and then spread a layer of the rock on top of the basin to conceal it. If you don’t wash the gravel, the water will be murky the first few days but will eventually clear.

Can you leave a fountain running in the winter?

In the winter, you can either leave your fountain running or shut it down. Follow the instructions in the provided fountain instruction manual for proper winterization.

Can you use a kit for an outdoor fountain?

We highly recommend using a kit for your outdoor fountain project. Aquascape offers a variety of fountain styles to suit your taste and budget. Be sure to take the size of the fountain into consideration. If you’re placing the fountain near the front entrance, consider the surrounding landscape and how your fountain will fit in.

How deep should I dig for a GFCI outlet?

Dig a trench at least six inches deep and wide enough to hold the PVC pipe. This trench should make a straight path to the GFCI outlet. Save any dirt removed from the trench to refill the trench later.

How to connect a GFCI to a PVC pipe?

Thread the extension cord through the pvc pipe. If you need to use more than one PVC pipe, attach aVC P coupling to the end of the first pipe and thread the cord through the second pipe. Repeat this process until you have covered the distance to the GFCI outlet. Go back and attach all pipes to the pvc couplings.

How to protect extension cord from outdoor elements?

You will use PVC pipe to protect the extension cord from the outdoor elements. Using the recorded measurements, cut the PVC pipe to length with your coping saw. If the distance to the GFCI outlet is longer than the length of one PVC pipe, gather the specific number of pipes you need to equal the distance. Cut any excess length off the last pipe.

Can you wire an outdoor water fountain?

Wiring your outdoor water fountain was a challenge, but you tackled it fearlessly. Now, you are finished and can enjoy the fruits of your labor without any safety concerns.

What to use to stabilize a fountain?

You may also want to have a few other things handy: Various screws, nuts and bolts (these may come with the fountain, but if you're deviating at all from the manufacturer's setup you may need extra) Wire nuts and other connectors. Gravel, stone or cement cinderblocks to stabilize an outdoor fountain.

How does a fountain work?

Most fountains have a reservoir, a basin in which water collects. Fountains work by gravity , so the reservoir is also typically the base. Assembling the fountain usually involves connecting a series of other basins to the reservoir and feeding a tube or pipe between the reservoir and the top basin.

What happens if a fountain is set too low?

If it's set too low, the fountain won't seem to circulate at all. Before installing a wall fountain, you may want to have an electrician visit your house to install an outlet and a switch on the wall in question, in such a way that the power cord -- but not the switch -- will be behind the fountain when it's installed.

What happens if you pump water through a fountain?

You may need to experiment to find the appropriate pumping rate. If the pump is set too high, the fountain will splash (which can waste water, as well as damage the surrounding furniture, walls and flooring).

What is the smallest fountain?

The smallest fountains are designed for tabletops. These units may be no larger than the basin of a bathroom sink. They're typically self-contained. Tabletop fountains are great options for offices, studio apartments and other relatively small spaces (and you'll be amazed at how much more space you seem to have when the air is full of the sound of flowing water). You should, of course, make sure there's some sort of protection for the table surface -- a fountain can cause both water damage and nicks and scrapes. It's also a good idea to check the stability and placement of the table itself -- you don't want to put a bowl full of water on the wobbly end table everyone always bumps into on their way into the TV room.

What are the two elements that make a fountain dangerous?

You may have noticed that a fountain combines two potentially dangerous elements: electricity and water.

Where does a pool pump go?

The pump goes in the reservoir, or, in a two-pump fountain, in the reservoir and the top basin. It may or may not be encased in a filter box, which -- just like the filter in a swimming pool -- helps keep out debris.

What is the best way to power an outdoor fountain?

Outdoor fountains have a variety of power options with the two most common being hardwired and solar powered. A hardwired fountains draws on an electric power source to function. In most areas, only a licensed electrician can install a hardwired outdoor fountain since it is considered an addition to your home’s electrical grid. Solar powered outdoor fountains are fairly popular because they don’t require hardwiring to your home’s electrical supply. Solar panels on these fountains provide enough power for the pump to function in normal conditions.

What is an outdoor fountain?

An outdoor fountain can turn a humdrum outdoor living space into an inviting and relaxing area. Choosing the right fountain for your landscaping décor is a combination of personal preference and practicality. Knowing these 10 points about outdoor fountains can help you decide on which fountain is the best option for your project.

Why is my fountain looking bad?

Having a scummy layer of algae can make your fountain look bad. Some fountains have a cleaning cycle that helps to keep them clean. Even if there is a cleaning cycle, you should still drain the fountain and wipe it down. Each fountain manufacturer has guidelines for cleaning the fountains they produce.

How to prevent water from freezing in a fountain?

Almost all fountains should be drained before the first deep freeze. If the fountain is connected to the home’s water supply, a shutoff valve needs to be installed so you can turn the water off to prevent frozen pipes. Some people opt to cover the fountain during the winter months. If the fountain is pointed or has elaborate decorative accents, be sure that snow and ice weight won’t put pressure on those areas if it is covered.

Why shouldn't you place a fountain against anything?

Larger fountains shouldn’t be placed against anything because you will need full access to the entire fountain. Smaller fountains shouldn’t be placed in areas that have greenery or other objects that might block them.

How to determine if a permit is needed for a fountain?

Contacting the building code enforcement authority in your area is the most effective way to determine if a permit is needed. You should also be aware of any local water restrictions since those can affect how much water you can use for your fountain and how often you can fill it or add more water to it.

Can you put a fountain in your yard?

Fountains can stand alone in your outdoor living space; however, most people opt to dress up the area with complementary décor. A paved path leading to the fountain or a water feature around the fountain are two possible options to consider. Planting flowers or ground cover around the fountain helps to add beauty to a stand-alone fountain.

How do I install a fountain pump?

1. Measure and cut a length of string to the same length as your fountain pump’s electrical cord minus 2 feet. Place duct tape on one end of the string and tape it on top of a GFCI outdoor receptacle nearest to the area where you want your fountain. Stretch the string out and use it as a pivot point to find the farthest point from ...

How to hide a fountain cord?

Hide the fountain cord by stacking rocks around it or planting flowers near it. Do not add an extension cord to your power cord for extending length. Plan the area where you want your fountain in advance and purchase one with a longer cord to accommodate your needs. Mary Lougee has been writing for over 10 years.

How to make a mirror on a trench?

Prime the opposite end of the elbow and pipe and glue it together in the same manner. Drop the hex nut through one horizontal pipe piece in the trench bottom at a time and secure each pipe section. Add an elbow at the end of the trench and the other 19-inch pipe to make a mirror image of the opposite side.

How deep should I dig for a GFCI receptacle?

Dig a trench about 20 inches deep from the outdoor GFCI receptacle to the garden fountain pump. The trench only needs to be about 2 inches wide to accommodate the schedule 40 PVC pipe.

Why add a fountain to my lawn?

Adding a garden fountain to your landscape provides you with a serene area to relax and enjoy the sounds while blocking out other noises. Garden fountains are available in a large variety of sizes and shapes to complement your lawn. The power cord should be buried underground to install a fountain without any unsightly electrical wires on the lawn.

How to pull a power cord with a hex nut?

Drop the end of the string with the hex nut on it through one 19-inch piece of pipe. The nut will go through the pipe and exit the other side of the pipe as it pulls the power cord with it. Drop the hex nut through a PVC 90-degree elbow and the first section of pipe in the trench.

Why add a water fountain?

Adding a water fountain can bring a garden to life with the sound of moving water. Water fountains come in many different designs to beautify your landscape and provide a soothing environment. Depending on the complexity of the fountain design, pump setup is relatively simple and does not take long to do. Advertisement.

How does a fountain waterfall work?

As the small fountain reservoir fills up, water will eventually fill the small fountain reservoir and water will flow over the edge creating a waterfall effect. Since the small reservoir is located over the large base reservoir area of the fountain, the water will fall back down into the base reservoir to be reused by the water pump.

What is the main part of a waterfall?

For a waterfall, the fountain should have two parts. The first part is the large base reservoir of the fountain which holds the water pump and the bulk of the water supply when the fountain is not in use. The second part is the smaller fountain reservoir which is located inside the large reservoir of the fountain .

How many volts does a fountain pump use?

Run the power cable out of the fountain over to the outlet that will provide power. Most pumps use less than 120 volts, and they come with their own AC adapter to provide the power needed. Be sure to dry your hands before plugging in the power.

Can you use vinyl tubing on statues?

Attach the vinyl tube to a smaller tube with holes if a sprinkler effect is desired. The vinyl tube can also be hidden inside other objects, such as statues. Most statues are hollow. This allows the vinyl tubing to run inside the statue to create various water effects. With any special effects used, always verify that the water used has a way ...