How to Wire an Outdoor Water Fountain

If you are considering installing a water fountain in your garden as a means of enhancing its aesthetic appeal then you are in for an enjoyable yet challenging adventure.

You know, when it comes to wiring an outdoor fountain, there are a few obstacles that you will need to overcome and these problems include dealing with inclement weather, ensuring that the wires are waterproof, making certain that the power is correctly grounded, and being aware of the appropriate tools to utilize. 

Even though overcoming these problems can be challenging, we will guide you through the procedures necessary to ensure that your fountain project is not only a success but also a safe and fun experience, even if you are just starting out. 

We will explore how to wire an outdoor water fountain, the challenges you may likely encounter and demonstrate to you how to overcome them like a pro. Now, without much delay, let’s get started.

Determining the Appropriate Location and Preparing it for the Fountain

Selecting the ideal location for your custom-built outdoor water feature and preparing the necessary components are two of the most important aspects of the process. 

This is essential in order to ensure the aesthetic quality as well as the security of your project. To assist you, the following is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Picking the Perfect Spot

Find the perfect spot for your fountain to sit before you start working on the project. This will save you time and energy. 

Think about how easy it is to get to and how close it is to the places where you like to spend time outside. Bear in mind that this will also have an effect on your finances.

Step 2: Prioritize Safety

Keep in mind that working with electricity can be risky, thus it is prudent to exercise caution whenever doing so. 

Before doing any kind of wiring work, you should always consult with a qualified electrician first.

Because of their competence, you won’t have to worry about your safety at any point in the process.

Step 3: Install a GFCI Outlet

After the electrician has examined the spot you’ve decided to put the outlet, request that he or she install a GFCI outlet (ground fault circuit interrupter). 

This safe has a safety feature preventing you from being electrocuted. It is an essential stage in ensuring the success of your project and reducing the likelihood of electrocution.

Step 4: Measuring

Now is the time to put theory into practice. First, cut a piece of string to the same length as the electrical cord that is attached to your fountain pump, and then deduct 2 feet from that length. 

You will now have the appropriate length for your wire if you do this. Take some measurements to determine the distance between the GFCI outlet and the spot you’ve chosen for the fountain. Put these measurements in writing so you can refer to them later.

Position Your Fountain

Now that you have your measurements, you can begin positioning your fountain appropriately.

Arrange it in a manner that appeals to your sense of aesthetics while keeping in mind the dimensions that you have written down. 

After completing this stage, you will have a crystal clear idea of how your fountain will fit in the space 

Digging the Trench

This involves preparing the groundwork for the electrical connection. You will have to take a measurement of the distance that separates the outside GFCI outlet and the pump for your fountain. 

With this measurement in hand, you may now begin digging a trench that is roughly 2 feet deep. 

You don’t have to worry about the width because just 2 inches will be enough to accommodate the planned 40 PVC pipe that is required for your wiring requirements.

Cutting the PVC Pipe

After you have dug the trench and carefully positioned the fountain, it is time to focus your attention on the PVC pipe. 

Before doing anything else, cover the bottom of the trench with a layer of sand that is approximately an inch or two deep. 

The PVC pipe is shielded from the possibility of harm that could be caused by pebbles or other kinds of debris by this cushioning layer.

The next thing you need to do is determine how long the trench is. Using this dimension as a guide, cut two lengths of the 40-millimeter PVC pipe, each measuring approximately 18 inches in length.

If necessary, you can make use of the complete 10-foot with a piece cut to the right size to cover the entire trench. After cutting, place them carefully in the trench, and then cut a string from the receptacle to 12 feet.

Arranging and Positioning the PVC Pipe

Now that you have finished cutting the receptacle to 12 feet, use the duct tape to fasten one end of the string to the plug on the fountain pump’s power cord.

Attaching a hex nut measuring 3/4 inches to the opposite end of the string will provide stability. 

Move the hex nut slowly through one of the pieces of the 18-inch PVC pipe, allowing it to emerge from the other end while pulling the power cable along with it.

After the hex nut has been threaded through, guide it through a PVC elbow that is 90 degrees and the beginning segment of the pipe in the trench. 

After carefully pulling the string and power cord through, place the 18-inch pipe vertically at the trench’s end, next to the fountain pump. Now that the pipes are in their desired locations, it is time to fasten them in place.

To get started, give the outside of the pipe and the inside of the elbow a thick layer of PVC primer. Do the same thing to the inside of the elbow. 

After it has had time to dry, add glue to the same areas it covered. Insert the pipe carefully into the elbow, making sure to twist it carefully as you go. 

While the pieces are beginning to dry, you should hold them together. Repeat the process on the opposite side, this time making sure the trench is stable by inserting a hex nut through a piece of horizontal pipe at the bottom of the trench.

Thread and Bury the Extension Cord

Now what you need to do next is to run the extension cord through the PVC pipe. In order to connect numerous pipes, start by threading the cord through the first pipe and then attach a PVC coupling to it. 

Continue doing this for the remaining pipes. Repeat until you have covered the entire distance to the GFCI outlet. 

After you have attached all of the pipes to the PVC couplings, carefully bury the extension cord that is encased in PVC in the trench. When you are ready to refill the dirt, use a shovel and a wheelbarrow.

Assemble the Fountain

With the electrical aspect squared away, it’s time to put your fountain together.

Simply go to the instruction manual that came with the fountain and carry out each step in the order that they are presented. 

After assembling, you should test your freshly wired outdoor water fountain by filling it with water and turning on the pump. 

If everything runs as it should then you have successfully wired your own outdoor water fountain.

How to Fix any Potential Water Fountain/Wiring Problems

Despite all your efforts, challenges may still emerge. Here’s a detailed breakdown of why the problem occurs and how to troubleshoot them:

Diagnosing the Problem

Before doing anything else, check to see that the pump is powered because if the pump is not powered, there will be no water circulation in your water fountain and it may not function effectively.

Also, check to see if the circuit breaker has blown because this can result in the power supply being cut off. 

If everything appears to be in order in these areas, you should inspect the pump’s impeller by placing your hands on the pump while it’s running.

If you feel a mechanical piece whirring inside, then the impeller is running effectively. 

However, if you do not feel a whirring inside, it could be an indication of problems caused by a stuck impeller, but they can typically be fixed by running water in the opposite direction through the pump in order to free any blockages.

Major Leak Repair

To repair a major leak, check your pump’s adjustment dial. If there is a leak, turn the dial down to reduce the amount of water that is flowing. On the other hand, if there is insufficient water flow, turn up the dial to a higher level. 

Make sure that the hose that brings water into the pump is completely covered in water. If your fountain is too noisy, it’s a clear sign that your pump is not completely covered and adding water to the main basin can solve this issue. 

Additionally, check your pump screens and hoses for debris and remove any possible obstacles you find. Once you do all of these, your fountain will start functioning effectively.

Minor Leak Repair

When trying to repair a minor leak, check first to make sure the fountain is completely filled with water, then switch off the pump, and watch the water level for the next day. A big decrease indicates that there is a leak that has to be addressed. 

If you notice a decrease in the water level, empty the water and expose the affected area to air and make sure it’s clean before fixing the leak. 

The type of repair depends on the material the fountain is made of. For plastic liner fountains, make use of a PVC liner repair patch along with adhesive.

For concrete or stone fountains, make use of a patching mix strengthened with vinyl and bonding glue.

Conclusion

Obviously, with this blog post, you are now equipped with the information and abilities necessary to wire an outdoor water fountain without any complications.

Following our guide on how to wire an outdoor water fountain to the letter will not only ensure that the installation is done correctly, but it will also give you the self-assurance to deal with everyday difficulties. 

Now you can create an atmosphere that is beautiful, serene, and sophisticated by building a water fountain on your own. This will give your outdoor space a lovely look.

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