DIY Indoor Water Fountain – Magical Floating Tap

Hubs always wanted to create a DIY indoor water fountain. Specifically one of those indoor water features where the tap is magically suspended above a watering can. He bought some of the supplies, but that’s as far as he got. When I stumbled on his stash, I decided to order a pump so I could make it for him.

DIY indoor water fountain supplies; paint can, pump, brush, spigot, grommet, plastic tubing, lid

Indoor water feature supplies

Unbeknownst to him though, I wasn’t going to make just any indoor water fountain! Painting is a big part of his life so I decided to substitute the watering can he had planned to use for a paint bucket instead and take it from there.

Materials for DIY Indoor Water Fountain

* [If you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered (disclosure): Clicking on the affiliate links below means we may receive a commission. But don’t worry, you don’t pay a cent more and it helps us make more unique crafts to share with you! Thanks for helping to support our blog!]

Gather the following:

Tubing for DIY Indoor Water Fountain

The tubing has to be rigid so it will hold the weight of the brass spout. We bought a few different sizes to test out. The first one we tried was 1/2″ interior with a 3/4″ outside diameter. It worked just fine but we thought the smaller tube we ended up using looked more realistic in terms of water flow. We used 1/4″ interior with a 3/8″ outside diameter. Keep in mind that the interior dimension of your tubing has to fit over the outlet of your pump, so take that into consideration. As an option, if you can’t find tubing with an interior diameter that fits over the pump outlet, you can always look for fittings for the pump itself to adapt it to fit the tubing.

We cut a piece of the tubing about 14 1/4″ long. The length you cut will depend on the height of your container (along with the pump once it’s attached). So cut the length of the tube to the proportion that looks good with your particular container.

Drill

Put some masking tape around the top to clearly mark holes with a marker. Using a 1/8″ drill bit, Hubs drilled 2 rows of holes around the edge of the plastic tube. He drilled 4 on each row for 8 holes in total – about 3/8″ down from the edge. He staggered the positioning of the holes on the second row.

Below you can see we have one row drilled and have the second row marked with the holes offset. We initially started with a larger tube. But as I mentioned, ended up using a small diameter (3/8″ instead of 3/4″).

Plastic tubing for DIY indoor water fountain showing drilling holes

Once the holes were drilled, we tested the tube on the pump to gauge the flow of the water and see how it would work. Hubs thought I was only using the paint bucket for a trial run. So we brought the tube, pump, faucet and paint bucket to our laundry room sink to give it a go. The pictures from this point forward show the 3/8″ tubing we settled on.

Testing the pump for the DIY indoor water fountain in the sink

Test Pump

After some adjustment with the flow, we ended up putting the pump flow on a medium setting. We found that worked best for us, but you will need to do your own experimenting to see what works for you. So far so good!

Once we were happy with the mechanics of the water works, I turned my attention to the paint bucket. Oblivious to the fact that it was going to be part of the final project, Hubs went on his merry way.!

I took apart the grommet and used the larger side to trace a circle with the chalk pencil on the back of the can about an inch or so down from the top. Don’t put it too low because it needs to be above the final waterline which will cover the pump mechanism. You don’t want the water leaking out! I used a diamond tip engraver to trace around the circle so I’d have an outline to follow with my cutting tool.

Cut Hole for Cord

I used a fine hacksaw to cut the circle out (you could also use a jigsaw with a fine blade) and  installed the larger side of the grommet into the hole to test it out. You could use some clear caulk around the edges before you permanently install the grommet to seal it. Snap the second piece of the grommet on; it provides a good strain relief for the cord and the black blends in with the bucket!

Close up of grommet in paint can with pump plug running through it

Moving onto the decorative steps, I first cut a piece of the sheet protector and placed it under the paint can to catch the intentional spills. It’s probably a good idea to glue it onto the bottom of the can at this point because it’s going to be there permanently, as you’ll see later.

Cutting sheet protector for DIY indoor water fountain

Paint Effect for DIY Indoor Water Fountain

I used a glossy paint for this project because when it dries, it will still look like it’s wet and I love that look for this project. I took the paintbrush and dipped it into the paint, then painted the interior of the paint can lid. Set both the lid and the paint brush aside to dry.

I wanted ‘controlled’ drips around the rim and edges of the paint can so I used an eyedropper that I saved from some vitamin drops to place several paint runs around the top. You could probably just do this step with the paint brush too.

At the bottom of the can, on top of the sheet protector, I added more paint to mimic the flow of the paint spill. Once I was satisfied with the amount of paint, I set the can aside to dry.

Applying paint to paint can

I used some JB Weld WaterWeld water proof putty to seal the end of the tube to the faucet and also at the connection to the pump.

Package of JB water weld

Connect Tube

Cut a small piece of the mastic and knead it according to the directions.

Cutting mastic to hold spigot onto clear tubing

I added a blob to the top of the tube. Make sure you don’t obstruct the holes (I ended up taking some away). As you insert the tube into the faucet, take care that it doesn’t squish into the holes. Hold the two pieces together to let it set up a few minutes before you let go of it.

You should also connect the bottom of the tube to the pump in the same way. Roll out another piece of mastic and wind it around the connection to seal it. I did this final step much later in the process so I could twist and position the faucet in the can once the pump was inside. Let the mastic dry for at least half an hour or the time suggested in the directions.

In the meantime, I slid the can onto a board and cut around the paint spill on the plastic sheet so I could removed the excess.

I carefully transferred the can onto a lazy suzan to test the final setup.

Assembly

The bottom of the pump I purchased has suction cups on the bottom so I inserted it into the can and pressed it down against the bottom. Now you can pull the cord of the pump through the back and pop on the other half of the grommet as you saw earlier. There’s no need to seal this part; in case you ever need to remove the pump you’ll be able to get the cord out again.

Running electrical cord from pump through grommet on paint can for DIY indoor water fountain

The top of the tube will be top-heavy due to the weight of the faucet, so I added clear dollar store gems around the pump to steady it and keep it from tipping. I only purchased two bags, but could easily have doubled it! Make sure that the pump is being held securely by whatever you choose to weigh it down; you don’t want it to tip and spew water everywhere when you’re not in the room!

Adding clear glass gems into paint can for DIY indoor water fountain

Pour enough water into the bucket to make sure the pump is fully submerged, but not so high that it will leak out of the hole you cut for the cord!

Pouring water into paint can for DIY indoor water fountain

When it was time to pull the whole look together, I set it up on the desk in my craft studio so I could try it out. I fed the cord down through the counter top and left it dangling until I was ready to plug it in. I positioned the paint lid beside the paint bucket, then leaned the paint brush on top of the lid.

DIY indoor water fountain with Birdz of a Feather banner in backgroud

DIY indoor water feature

When I plugged it in, I was amazed at how cool the DIY indoor water fountain looks. It’s as if water is flowing from a magically floating tap. I also love paint; it’s so shiny it still looks wet (but it isn’t of course!).

Close up of spigot floating above DIY indoor water fountain

Pulling Off The Surprise

I couldn’t wait to surprise Hubs so I moved the whole shebang upstairs!

DIY indoor water fountain on top of plant stand

Hubs grinned from ear to ear when he walked into the room and saw it. I love getting surprises, but I love giving them even more! I hope he has room for this at his office; I think his co-workers would get a kick out of it – and I’ll undoubtedly need the space for my next craft project 🙂

Finished DIY indoor water fountain showing spigot floating above upcycled paint can

UPDATE: Hubs loved it so much he refused to move it to the office; I’ll just have to make him another one so he can enjoy it there too!

Maintenance for DIY Indoor Water Fountain

As you run the pump, some of the water will eventually evaporate. Make sure the pump is fully covered with water; you don’t want to burn out the motor. It’s also a good idea to use distilled water instead of tap water; it will be a lot easier on the pump motor.

If you’re a visual learner, have a look at this video of the process (and subscribe to our YouTube Channel)!

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If you enjoyed this DIY indoor water feature project, please pin and share.

Pinnable image for DIY indoor water fountain

Other Water Features We’ve Done – Outdoors

If you love water features as much as us, here are two inspirational pond projects you may want to consider tackling:

If you’re interested in home and renovation projects (both indoors and out), be sure to check out our home page (where you’ll also find tabs for craft projects and recipes) and subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

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48 thoughts on “DIY Indoor Water Fountain – Magical Floating Tap

  1. I’m continually in awe of what you do!! This is great and I bet my husband would just love something like this too! Pinning & sharing 🙂

    • Thanks Angie; it’s a great recycle of a paint can that would normally end up in the garbage so I hope you try it!

  2. I liked the paint can and water tap it was wonderful. Id have to have it done for me as it seems complicated to me.
    What a conversation peice its. Beautiful. Angela

  3. I couldnt remember where i seen it so i went back to look and it seems it was Hometalk And of couse the best discription was your birdz of a feather.

  4. Can you explain more detail about “one row drilled and have the second row marked with the holes offset.”? Since the tubing is clear, I can not see where are the holes that you drilled.

    Your end product is very beautiful, I like to try to make one but I never do water feature before.

    • Thank you Joanna – have a look at the third picture from the top of the post. You can see the holes drilled just below the masking tape and then on the tape itself, the holes are marked in black marker. Once it’s drilled, it’s like a zig-zag effect because the holes on the two rows don’t line up one above the other – they are shifted.

  5. I know this is after the fact, but if you could paint the tube to match the dribbles and the puddle, it might look like it’s paint running out of the tap. You could even dye the water to match. Just a thought and your project is wonderful.

  6. Would have love to see a slower video with someone explaining all the steps for this project. Thank you.

    • All the steps are described in the tutorial with pictures. The video is just to give you an idea of the process 🙂

  7. Love your project! One question as I seem to have totally missed the “bucket” on this one: the pump is moving the water up through the tube and down through the same tube? Thanks for sharing!

    • Thanks Karen! The pump moves the water up the tube, but it spills out at the top where the holes are drilled (hidden by the water spout). So the water flows on the outside of the tube back down where it’s recirculated again. Hope that helps 🙂

      • Thanks so much…I thought that must be the case…but I wanted to be sure! Can’t wait to try this. Take care!

        • You too! Send me a picture if you do try it; I’d love to see how it turns out.

  8. Pingback: DIY Salvaged Junk Projects 460Funky Junk Interiors

  9. Oh how clever! I love that you were able to use the paint can in your water feature. So cute! Love you outside ponds too! Hoping one day I will have another.

    • Thanks Linda! We’d love to have more water features too; if only we had more room for them! The sound of water is so tranquil 🙂

  10. Love the indoor water feature. Was thinking of doing something outside and saw you have posts on that too! Lots of helpful info. here on your site!

    • Great always so glad to hear when our posts are helpful!

  11. Love it, Sara. We’re always on the lookout for small indoor water features so I’m pinning this one for sure.

    • I’m honoured Michelle – you have some great water features!

    • Thanks so much Cindy; so sweet of you to say! Happy Valentine’s.

  12. This is amazing! I never would have thought of this. It is a perfect gift for sure. So glad your hubby loved it so much.

    • It’s so hard to surprise him; I’m glad he loved it too or I’d have to keep trying :).

  13. another great, and creative project. I would love this.

    • Thanks Rosemary! The sound of running water in a water feature is so tranquil 😉

  14. Well this is super creative! What a great gift, Sara. It’s sure to be quite a conversation piece, too. Love the colors…

    • Thanks Kim! Hubs sure did love, it so my mission is accomplished :).

  15. What a creative idea for a water feature, it’s amazing.

    • Thank you Maria! I love the sound of trickllng water; it’s so calming.

    • Thank you Lynne; it’s was fun to sneak around hoping Hubs wouldn’t get a peak of it!

  16. Awesome! I’ve seen these at various attractions around the country and they amuse me every time! I pinned your video.

    • Thanks Kippi! Looking forward to opening up our outdoor water feature too; it can’t come soon enough lol!

  17. I just stumbled upon this link and WOW😳😲😮!!! My husband and myself are quite impressed with this and many other things you have up cycled! Very clever and very cute!

    • So glad you found us Amanda; thanks for those kind words! My husband and I enjoy the challenge of upcycling things that would otherwise end up in landfill 🙂

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