How to Build a DIY Indoor Water Fountain

Updated: Mar. 31, 2023

Create a tiny natural waterfall in your living room with indoor water fountains.

indoor water fountains indoor water fountainFamily Handyman
Enjoy the sound of bubbling water falling over rocks all year round with this miniature, plant-lined stream and waterfall. All you need is a container, a pump and some favorite beach stones.

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Time
An hour or less
Complexity
Beginner
Cost
$51–100

Plug the planter hole, then add rocks for indoor water fountains

Photo 1: Indoor Waterfall base

To start building your indoor water fountains, place the pump in the bottom of the container with the tubing attached and the switch on. Fill around and above it with bricks or stones.

Photo 2: Build falls and pond

Create a ledge with a flat stone for a mini waterfall. Adjust the flow with the valve and orient the water line until you achieve a pleasing result. Hide the line with more stones

Indoor Water Features

Create this natural indoor water fountain using a planter, rocks and a small pond pump.

Plug the drain hole of a large glazed ceramic or resin planter with plumber’s epoxy putty. After it cures, fill the planter with water for a day or two to confirm that it won’t leak. Place the planter exactly where you want it before adding the rocks and water. It’ll be very heavy once it’s done.

Stack bricks or stones around and above a small pond pump (about 40 gph) to about two-thirds the depth of the vessel. Then cut the water line to length and add a restrictor valve. We used a 3/8-in. PEX valve (clamp it if the hose comes loose under pressure). Or choose a “pinch”-type valve, found with pond accessories at home centers. You can change the look and sound of the indoor water fountains by tinkering with the water flow rate and the shape, size and arrangement of your stones. That’s the fun part!

Required Tools for this Indoor Water Fountain Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY indoor water fountain project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

  • 4-in-1 screwdriver
  • Utility knife

Required Materials for this Indoor Water Fountain Project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.

  • 40 gph submersible pump
  • Bricks
  • Flexible water line (to fit pump)
  • Planter with base
  • Plumber's epoxy putty
  • Restrictor valve
  • Stone