How to Do These Things

The first step to build a fountain is to purchase a package containing all the materials you need. There are hobby stores selling fountain-making kits of different sizes and styles.

After buying the said package, you can start by digging a pump hole. Use a pointed shovel to dig a hole 2 inches deeper than the basin. The hole should be wide enough to fit your basin. Then dig a shallow and narrow trench between the hole and the nearest exterior outlet.

Setting the basin and the conduit is the next step. Place a 2-inch thick bed of drainage gravel in the hole. Put the basin on top of the bed of gravel. Determine the distance between the outlet and the hole. Cut a piece of PVC conduit to the measurement you have. Thread a piece of string through the PVC conduit. Tape one end of the string to the plug of the pump. Pull the pump�s plug through the PVC conduit. Tape the plug firmly to the conduit. Place the conduit on the trench. Back fill over the conduit.

Place the pump at the center of the basin. Lay the screen over the hole. Mark the spot over the threaded outlet and the spot nearest to the conduit. Then you need to mark an opening. Cut a 1-inch circle on the first mark and a 3-inch flap on the conduit mark.

You then need to connect the pump and the pipe. Slide a nut on the ball valve through the pipe. Attach the pipe to the other end of the valve. Screw the adaptor to the outlet of the pump. Attach the pipe to the pump through the compression fitting.

Place a 2-inch thick layer of gravel in the basin�s bottom. Place the pump at the center of the basin. The pipe should be facing up. Place the screen over the pipe.

Next, you need to create the decking. Use a saw to cut pieces of decking to extend a few inches beyond the hole. Form the decking and place it across the hole above the screen.

Stack the stones on the basin. Create an artistic form to make the structure more realistic. Thread the stones above the pipe. Make sure that the stones in the said area are balanced.

Add water to the basin. The pump should be under 5 inches of water. Open the valve and turn on the pump. Control the water pressure using the valve. Direct the flow of water to the desired manner. Then close the screen and cover the base with stones.

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