How to Make a Bucket Fountain

Find an old bucket and turn it into a fountain.

Decorative fountains add a whimsical element to indoor and outdoor spaces. You can make a fountain from many types of common household objects, such as terra cotta planters, ceramic bowls and watering cans. One of the simplest ways to make a rustic fountain is to use an old metal bucket. Nestle the bucket fountain in a flower bed or stand it on your patio, surrounded by potted plants. Look for rustic buckets to create a fountain at thrift stores and farm salvage yards.

Things You'll Need

• Drill
• 1-inch hole bit
• Duct tape
• Silicone sealant
• Submersible fountain pump
• Fountain head

Instructions

1. Drill a 1-inch diameter hole in the base of the bucket. Make sure that you use a drill bit that's appropriate for metal. The hole is to fit the power cord from the fountain pump; drill a smaller or larger hole if needed.

2. Place the fountain pump inside the bucket. Run the power cord through the drilled hole.

3. Cover the opening around the power cord with duct tape attached to the outside of the bucket. The duct tape will give the silicone sealant something to hold onto when you seal the drilled opening.

4. Seal any cracks, holes or other openings in the bucket with silicone sealant. Seal around the power cord. As the fountain reservoir, the bucket must be watertight. Allow the silicone to dry completely.

5. Attach the fountain head to the spout on the fountain pump. Extend the fountain head to just below the rim of the bucket.

6. Fill the bucket with water. Start the pump. If the fountain spray falls outside the bucket, adjust the fountain head until the water only lands inside the bucket.

Tips & Warnings

• Decorate a new bucket with mosaic stones or hand-painted flowers to make a more colorful bucket fountain. Use waterproof construction adhesive to attach stones or tiles to the metal bucket. Acrylic paints work well on metal surfaces and will hold up outside if you coat the finished designs with polyurethane.

• Handle an old metal bucket with care; wear gloves to avoid nicks and abrasions.

References

• Virginia Wind: How to Drill a Hole

Resources

• How to Draw and Paint: Acrylic Painting Techniques