How to Install a Fountain Hidden Sump Pump

The fountain must be emptied to install the pump.

The sump pump in a water fountain forces water from the basin under pressure through a nozzle to create the effect of cascading water. Hidden pumps are submersible within the water and fit in the center of the basin. Hidden pumps typically use suction cups on the bottom to hold the unit in place as well as to absorb vibrations when the pump is operating. Installing the pump involves draining the fountain. The project typically takes less than an hour.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver set
• Garden hose

Instructions

1. Shut off the existing pump and unplug its power cord, unless it's a new fountain installation without a pump in place.

2. Open the drain for the fountain to empty the water. The drain varies with the type of fountain. Large outdoor fountains might have a dedicated drain and lever system that opens to divert water through a pipe away from buildings. Smaller fountains might use a drain plug inside the basin.

3. Lift off the pedestal in the center of the basin to expose the pump compartment underneath.

4. Loosen the screw in the metal or plastic band surrounding the hose on the pump. Pull off the hose.

5. Remove any mounting hardware holding the current pump to the basin, using a screwdriver. Raise the pump to break the seal on the suction cups underneath.

6. Pull out the old pump and the power cord from the gasket at the bottom of the basin.

7. Thread the power cord on the new pump through the rubber gasket in the basin and pull the cord from below the fountain. Extend the cord to the power outlet, but do not plug it in yet.

8. Seat the pump in its compartment and press firmly to seal the suction cups to the fountain basin.

9. Adjust the pump speed to the desired level. This is typically a knob control on the pump.

10. Attach the hose to the port on the top of the pump and secure it by tightening the screw in the metal or plastic band.

11. Replace the fountain pedestal over the pump compartment.

12. Fill the fountain with water supplied from a garden hose.

13. Plug in the power cord.

Tips & Warnings

• Add water to the basin whenever the pump makes gurgling or sputtering sounds. Outdoor fountains need water more frequently because of evaporation.

• Do not operate the fountain if the basin is empty or below the level that allows the pump to operate safely. Hidden submersible pumps are not designed to run without water flowing through them.

References

• Fountain Finder: Fountain Pumps
• Fountain Finder: Fountain Installation