How to Make an Indoor Waterfall
Indoor waterfalls are a focal point in any area where water will create a soothing atmosphere. Instead of purchasing a ready-made waterfall or commissioning one -- an expensive proposition -- you can make an indoor waterfall with basic materials like river rock, plexiglass and glass tile. You're only limited by your imagination when it comes to design and decoration. Choose a color scheme that matches your decor, or use neutral colors to fit in anywhere in your home. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Plexiglass, precut to desired size
- Plumber's putty or caulk sealant
- Epoxy putty
- Mosaic glass tile sheets
- Glass tile adhesive
- Trowel
- Grout
- Tile float
- Pond liner
- Clay pot or other container
- River rocks
- Submersible pump
- Plastic tubing
- Waterproof glue
Instructions
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Determine the size of the fountain you want by measuring the area the waterfall will be in. Have plexiglass cut to fit into the container reservoir you choose. If it is not a tight fit, you can lean the plexiglass against the wall or secure it in the container with two blocks of wood or river rock. The container should be at least 6 inches deep to hold enough water to cover the pump.
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Seal any cracks or openings in the container with plumber's putty, caulk sealant or epoxy putty to make it watertight. Plumber's putty works best for small areas where two surfaces meet. For example, if your container has a drainage hole in the bottom, use a rock that fits in the hole and plumber's putty to seal the hole. Roll the putty into a thin snake and place around the edge of the hole. Push rock into the putty to get a good seal. Use caulk sealant or epoxy putty on small cracks and holes. Squeeze a thin bead of caulk into the crack.
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Lay the plexiglass on flat surface. Spread glass tile adhesive on a small area of the plexiglass. Using the notched edge of a trowel, create grooves in the adhesive. Press mosaic glass tile sheets with mesh backing into the adhesive. Let the adhesive dry, preferably overnight.
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Apply grout to the surface of the tiles using a tile float. Push the grout at a 45-degree angle first, then side to side to evenly distribute the grout between the tiles. Let the grout set for 15 minutes. Remove excess grout using a dry paper towel or soft cloth by wiping the surface until it is clean. Continue wiping the tiles until all grout residue is removed. Allow the grout to cure for two to three days.
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Place the clay container for the waterfall in the desired location. Cut pond liner to fit inside the container, bringing it up over the top edge about 1 inch. Press the pond liner into place in the container.
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Place the submersible pump in the lined container. The pump should be powerful enough to force water to the top of plexiglass. Drape the pump's electrical cord over the top of the container. Attach plastic tubing to the pump. Place the tiled plexiglass into the container. Extend the tubing up behind the plexiglass, fastening the tubing to the plexiglass with duct tape or adhesive. The end of the tubing should rest over the top of the plexiglass.
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Fill the container with water. Plug the pump into an electrical outlet. Test the pump to make sure it will force the water over the top of the fountain. Arrange assorted sizes of river rock and water plants in the container to help hide the liner. Place a couple of larger plants on either side of the waterfall to hide the electrical cord. Place decorative rocks on the root systems of the plants to anchor them. Add floating aquatic plants to finish the waterfall.
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Tips & Warnings
A ground fault interrupter (GFI) electrical outlet must be installed for the waterfall to plug in to.
