Ever notice how your cat or dog seems fascinated by a dripping faucet or prefers drinking from a puddle outside rather than their fresh bowl? There’s an instinctual reason for this. In the wild, stagnant water is often a breeding ground for bacteria, while moving water is generally safer and fresher. Bringing a bit of that flowing water appeal indoors with a pet water fountain can seriously encourage your furry friends to drink more, which is fantastic for their overall health, especially kidney function.
Commercial pet fountains are readily available, but they can sometimes be pricey, maybe not quite fit your home’s aesthetic, or perhaps you just enjoy a good hands-on project. That’s where the fun of DIY comes in! Creating your own pet water fountain allows you to tailor it perfectly to your pet’s needs and your style, often saving you a bit of cash in the process. Plus, there’s a certain satisfaction in watching your pet enjoy something you’ve made yourself.
Getting Started: Safety and Supplies
Before you let your creativity run wild, let’s talk essentials. Building something that involves water and electricity, even low voltage, requires careful consideration. Safety is absolutely paramount.
Safety First! Always use a low-voltage submersible pump designed for aquariums or fountains. Ensure all electrical connections are kept well away from the water and are properly insulated. Never modify the pump’s cord in a way that compromises its waterproofing. Use only materials that are non-toxic and pet-safe for any parts that will come into contact with the water your pet drinks.
Okay, with that crucial warning out of the way, what do you actually need to build a basic fountain? It’s simpler than you might think.
The Core Components:
- Submersible Water Pump: This is the heart of your fountain. Small aquarium pumps are perfect. Look for one with an adjustable flow rate so you can control how vigorously the water moves. Make sure its power rating is suitable for continuous use.
- Tubing: Food-grade vinyl or silicone tubing is needed to connect the pump’s outlet to wherever you want the water to emerge. The diameter needs to match your pump’s outlet nozzle – usually, the pump description will specify this.
- Basin/Bowl: This holds the water reservoir. It needs to be stable, waterproof, and large enough to contain a decent amount of water plus the pump. Ceramic, stainless steel, or sturdy, food-grade plastic bowls work well.
- Power Source: Your pump will come with a power cord, usually ending in a standard plug or a low-voltage adapter. Ensure you have a safe outlet nearby, ideally a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet if it’s near any potential splashes.
DIY Fountain Idea 1: The Super Simple Bowl Fountain
This is the easiest entry point into DIY pet fountains. It uses a single, sturdy bowl as both the basin and the drinking surface.
What You’ll Need:
- A heavy, stable bowl (ceramic or stainless steel preferred, deep enough for the pump)
- Small submersible pump with adjustable flow
- Short length of food-grade tubing
- Optional: Smooth, clean river stones (large enough not to be swallowed)
The Build:
Clean the bowl thoroughly. Place the submersible pump inside, usually suction-cupped to the bottom. Attach one end of the tubing to the pump’s outlet. Run the other end of the tubing upwards, perhaps securing it discreetly near the rim or letting it poke up slightly in the center. You might use aquarium-safe silicone sealant for a more permanent fixture, but often just positioning it works. Arrange clean river stones around the pump if desired, ensuring they don’t block the pump’s intake. Fill the bowl with fresh water, making sure the pump is fully submerged. Plug in the pump (away from the water!) and adjust the flow rate to get a gentle bubble or stream your pet will appreciate. Voila! Instant simple fountain.
DIY Fountain Idea 2: The Cascading Pot Fountain
Want something with a bit more visual flair and the soothing sound of trickling water? A tiered pot fountain is a great option.
What You’ll Need:
- Two or three pots of decreasing size (terracotta, glazed ceramic – ensure glazes are lead-free/food-safe)
- A larger waterproof basin or saucer for the bottom pot to sit in (this catches overflow and holds the main water volume)
- Submersible pump
- Longer length of food-grade tubing
- Drill with masonry/ceramic bit
- Optional: Aquarium-safe silicone sealant
- Optional: Small, clean pebbles or stones
The Build:
This requires a bit more modification. You’ll need to carefully drill a hole in the bottom of the upper pot(s), just large enough for the tubing to pass through snugly. If using unglazed terracotta, you might want to seal the insides with a pet-safe sealant to prevent excessive water absorption and make cleaning easier. Place the pump in the bottom basin/saucer. Connect the tubing and run it up through the hole(s) in the pot(s), stacking them securely. The tubing should emerge from the top pot. You might need to create a small channel or notch in the rim of the upper pots for the water to cascade down neatly into the pot below, eventually returning to the main basin. Fill the basin, ensuring the pump is submerged. Plug it in and adjust the flow. You can add pebbles to the pots or basin for decoration and to diffuse the water flow.
Material Matters. When choosing bowls or pots, prioritize non-porous materials like glazed ceramic or stainless steel. These are easier to clean thoroughly and less likely to harbor bacteria compared to porous plastics or unsealed terracotta. Always double-check that any glazes or sealants used are certified food-safe or aquarium-safe.
DIY Fountain Idea 3: The Natural Rock Fountain
For a more organic look, you can create a fountain using rocks and a larger basin.
What You’ll Need:
- A wide, shallow basin (e.g., a large ceramic planter saucer, a sturdy plastic storage bin lid – food grade!)
- Submersible pump
- Food-grade tubing
- A collection of clean, smooth rocks and stones of various sizes (avoid very small ones)
- Optional: Larger flat slate pieces
The Build:
Place the pump in the basin. Attach the tubing. Now, get creative arranging the rocks! Build up a small mound or structure over and around the pump, leaving space for water intake. Guide the tubing up through the rocks so it emerges at a high point. Use larger, flatter rocks or slate pieces to create surfaces for the water to trickle down. The goal is to hide the pump and tubing while creating interesting pathways for the water flow. Fill the basin, ensuring the pump is submerged and water can circulate freely back to it. Plug in and adjust. This style offers lots of room for customization.
Pump Power and Tubing Talk
Choosing the right pump is key. Don’t get one that’s too powerful for your basin size, or you’ll have water splashing everywhere! Look at the GPH (gallons per hour) rating. For most small DIY fountains, a pump rated between 40-80 GPH is usually sufficient. An adjustable flow feature is highly recommended. Also, consider the pump’s “lift height” or “max head” – this tells you how high it can push water vertically. Ensure it’s enough to get the water to the top of your fountain design.
For tubing, flexibility and safety are important. Food-grade vinyl tubing is inexpensive and readily available in hardware or aquarium stores. Silicone tubing is even more flexible and durable but costs a bit more. Cut the tubing slightly longer than you initially think you need; you can always trim it down. Ensure a snug fit onto the pump outlet – sometimes warming the end of the tube slightly in hot water makes it easier to push on.
Basin Basics and Filtration
Your basin choice impacts stability and cleaning. Heavy ceramic or stainless steel won’t get knocked over easily by an enthusiastic pet. If using plastic, ensure it’s sturdy, BPA-free, and food-grade. The basin must be large enough to hold enough water so the pump doesn’t run dry quickly through evaporation or drinking. Running a pump dry will damage it.
While moving water stays fresher longer than still water, adding simple filtration can make it even better. You don’t need a complex system. Often, you can place a small piece of aquarium filter sponge around the pump’s intake to catch hair and debris. For chemical filtration, you can place a small mesh bag containing activated carbon (like that sold for aquarium filters) somewhere in the basin where water flows through it. This helps remove impurities and odors.
Putting It All Together: General Assembly Steps
- Clean Everything: Thoroughly wash the basin, rocks, pots, tubing, and the pump exterior with water (use vinegar for hard water stains if needed, then rinse very well – avoid soap residue).
- Position Pump: Place the pump in the basin, securing it with suction cups if possible.
- Connect Tubing: Attach the tubing securely to the pump outlet.
- Arrange Elements: Route the tubing and arrange your pots, rocks, or other decorative elements. Ensure stability.
- Fill with Water: Add fresh, clean water to the basin, making sure the pump is fully submerged according to its instructions (usually needs at least an inch or two above the intake).
- Test Run: Plug in the pump (ensure your hands are dry and you’re away from the water). Check the flow. Adjust the pump’s flow rate or the arrangement until you get the desired effect. Check for leaks or excessive splashing.
- Introduce to Pet: Let your pet investigate their new fountain! Some take to it immediately, others need time.
Keeping It Clean: Essential Maintenance
This is non-negotiable. A dirty fountain is worse than a simple bowl of water. Bacteria and algae slime can build up quickly.
- Water Changes: Top off water daily as needed due to evaporation and drinking. Completely change the water every few days.
- Full Clean: At least once a week (more often if needed, especially in warmer weather or with multiple pets), unplug the fountain and disassemble it.
- Scrub Everything: Scrub the basin, rocks, pots, and tubing with hot water and a brush. A bottle brush is great for tubing. Use diluted white vinegar (rinse extremely well afterward) or a specialized pet-safe fountain cleaner if needed for stubborn buildup.
- Clean the Pump: This is critical! Slime can clog the impeller. Most small pumps allow you to remove the front cover and pull out the small impeller (often held magnetically). Clean the impeller and the cavity it sits in thoroughly with a small brush. Refer to your pump’s manual.
Regular cleaning prevents illness and keeps the fountain running smoothly.
Troubleshooting Common Hiccups
- Low/No Flow: Check water level (is pump submerged?). Check pump intake for blockage (hair, debris). Check tubing for kinks or blockages. Clean the pump impeller.
- Noise: Vibration noise? Place a small piece of sponge under the pump. Low water level can cause noise. Is the impeller rattling? Check if it’s seated correctly or damaged.
- Leaks: Check tubing connections. Ensure cascading elements direct water back into the basin properly. Is there too much splash-out? Reduce pump flow rate or adjust rock/pot placement.
- Pet Not Using It: Give them time. Ensure the flow isn’t too strong or noisy (some pets are sensitive). Make sure it’s in a location where they feel safe drinking. Try placing it where their old bowl used to be.
Building a DIY pet water fountain can be a rewarding weekend project. It provides your pet with a source of fresh, enticing water, potentially improving their hydration and health. With basic supplies, a focus on safety, and a commitment to regular cleaning, you can create a functional and attractive addition to your home that your furry companion will love. So gather your materials and get ready to make a splash!
