Make your own neighborhood drinking fountain!
You can build your very own neighborhood drinking fountain and join our network of free fountains that are hydrating communities, combating extreme heat, and creating connections between neighbors. Below, you will find a complete instruction manual, a suggested materials list, and links to purchase the hardware items online. You can build the whole thing for around $150.
Download Instruction Booklet (PDF)
Download Materials List to take to your local hardware store (PDF)
We also offer free advice on installing your drinking fountain. To request an appointment for a phone or video call, please click here and fill out the contact form.
Materials List
Fountain Materials
Drinking Fountain Faucet
The most important piece.
Buy from Amazon ($52 as of August 2023)
Sharkbite 1/2” x 1/2” Male Adapter
Connects the drinking fountain faucet to the copper pipe.
Buy from Amazon ($8 as of August 2023)
Copper Pipe 1/2” x 36”
Gives the drinking fountain its height.
Buy from Ace Hardware ($14 as of August 2023)
Sharkbite 1/2” x 1/2” MNPT Elbow
Connects the bottom of the copper pipe to the hose adapter; gives the fountain a rigid surface to rest on.
Buy from Amazon ($9 as of August 2023)
Connects the Sharkbite elbow to the hose.
Buy from Ace Hardware ($9 as of August 2023)
Hose Adapter 3/4” FH Swivel x 1/2” FIP Garden Hose Fitting (Female)
RV Hose
Lead-free/drinking water safe
Connects the drinking fountain to the water source.
Buy from Ace Hardware ($24 as of August 2023)
Plumber’s Tape
Use on all screw-on connections to prevent leaking.
Buy from Amazon ($2 as of August 2023)
Your drinking fountain needs to be connected to something stable. If you are attaching it to a post, fence, stump, or other wooden-surfaced object, we recommend using the brackets and screws below. If you are attaching it to something narrow, like a handrail, we recommend using zip ties.
Connection Materials
Copper Tube Strap and wood screws
Connects the fountain to a wooden object for stability.
Buy the tube straps from Home Depot ($3 as of August 2023)
Buy the screws from Amazon ($9 for a 20-pack as of August 2023)
Zip ties
Connects the fountain to a narrow object for stability.
Buy from Amazon ($5 for 100 pack as of August 2023)
Optional Materials
A few things you might need in addition to the core materials above.
2-Way Y-Valve Hose Splitter
Dog Bowl
Let dogs drink from the fountain. You may have a bowl hanging around your house already that you can use for this; if not, you can buy this one or another one that tickles your fancy.
Buy from Amazon ($4 as of August 2023)
Assembling Your Fountain
Now that you have all the materials, it’s time to put them together!
Starting from the faucet, connect the pieces as shown.
NOTES:
Before attaching screw joints, twist a few inches of plumber’s tape around the male portion, then screw together and tighten with a wrench.
Sharkbite pieces can just be pushed together; plumber’s tape is not required at the Sharkbite-to-copper connections.
Stabilizing Your Fountain
You will need something to attach your drinking fountain to for stability. It could be a post, fence, wall, handrail, stump, or other solid, stable object.
The location should be publicly accessible to people passing by.
The location should be in or adjacent to landscaping to absorb excess water flow. If no absorbent landscaping is available, you can use a large low container for drainage as shown below, Alternatively, a large bowl or trough could be used for an animal watering station, but you will need to monitor the water levels and cleanliness regularly to ensure that it doesn’t overflow and that the water is fairly clean.
Some attachment ideas:
Wood post set in concrete
BONUS: decorate the post with paint or tiles.
Large stable slice of tree trunk (doubles as a step stool for kids).
Existing fence or wall
NOTE: you will need about 6” of clearance to turn the fountain handle. If the fence or wall is as tall or taller than the fountain, attach a wood post first to serve as a spacer, then attach the fountain to the post.
Large ceramic pot filled with rocks
NOTE: if drainage hole is large enough, the hose can run out the bottom. If not, run it over the side, as shown on the right.
Existing handrail or post
(secure with zip ties if metal).
Adjust and Accessorize
Turn on the water at the hosebib. Ensure that the drinking fountain side of the hose bib splitter is open (oriented parellel to the pipe, as shown at right). You will leave the water turned on for the whole life of the fountain, with the exception of freezes.
NOTE: Be sure to shut off the water if temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in a climate with deep and extended freezes, we recommend shutting off the fountain, disconnecting the hose from the hose bib, and letting it drain before the first expected freeze to prevent cracked pipes.Test the water flow from the fountain and adjust the fountain arc if needed by twisting the adjustment knob with a wrench (see illustration at right).
Place the dog bowl in the correct location to catch the water when it falls.
Run the water for a few minutes to rinse all the component pieces.
Consider adding other accessories, such as a stepping stool, nearby sculptures, or solar-powered lighting.
Register your Fountain
Click here to register your fountain as part of our network.
Following your registration, you will receive a complimentary plaque that you can attach on or near your fountain identifying it as a neighborhood drinking fountain and telling your neighbors that the water is safe and free to drink.
We’re so glad you are part of our network of water-loving, community-minded neighbors!
