Do-It-Yourself or Hire a Professional?

Installation may be as simple as unpacking, adding water and plugging the water fountain to a power supply or letting Mother Nature provide solar power. Other water fountains, require wall support, landscape expertise, plumbing or electrical service. Shop with an online water fountain retailer that specializes in all types of water fountains, custom fountains and water fountain accessories and parts. Contact customer service. Ask lots of questions and rely on their recommendations to help choose the best fountain for your needs and preferences.

Know your limits. If you are a garden enthusiast with an eye for layout and logistics, determining the best location and preparing it for a fountain is a breeze. If in doubt, about location feasibility or landscape aesthetics, rely on guidance from a horticulturist or landscape architect. If you are an experienced do-it-yourselfer, you can probably handle installation on most fountains by following the manufacturer's detailed how to install a fountain instructions. Preformed fountains that only require filling with water, monitoring water level and adding water to offset evaporation require no plumbing experience. However, if a dedicated water source is required or pipes behind a wall are required for a wall patio fountain, call a plumber.

And, if a nearby power source is not available and you have no electrical know-how, a licensed electrician is a must. Mistakes can be costly and dangerous. Installation of an electric line from a central power source must be done safely within local electrical codes and restrictions. Some city and county codes require a not only a permit, but that work is done only by a certified electrician with a follow-up inspection.