How to Make an Urn Fountain

Dig a basin long enough and wide enough to hold your reservoir, and 16 inches deep. Spread sand in the bottom. Smooth sand with the back of a rake, then place the reservoir in the hole. It should sit level, and the top should rest just at or slightly above ground level. Fill reservoir two-thirds full of water. Add sand around the outside of the reservoir, and water it in to make a snug fit.

Arrange the cinder blocks in the reservoir to support the urn. Then, place the grate on top so it rests on the blocks and the interior ledge of the reservoir, and so that the trap door is easily accessible.

Drill a 1 1⁄2-inch hole in the bottom of the urn and use a plastic tank fitting to secure copper standpipe so it runs from the hole to the lip of the urn. Attach a hose barb to the fitting, then clamp a rubber hose to the barb.

Cut and place plastic mesh to fit over grate, cutting a hole to match the hole in center of grate. Thread hose through the hole in the grate and mesh and stand the urn up on the grate. Reach into the reservoir for the end of the hose, pull it through the trap door, and attach the hose to the barb on the pump. Place the pump in the reservoir.

Fill the urn with water, cover the grate with rocks, and plug in the pump.