How to Run a Cord Through a Rubber Plug Inside a Fountain Bowl

Pre-made Plugs

Step 1

Set the fountain pump inside the waterproof ceramic container. Thread the plug through the hole.

Step 2

Open up the rubber fountain plug and place the fountain cord in the center of the plug.

Step 3

Close the plug back around the pump cord and press the narrow end of the plug into the hole in the ceramic container. Push it tight until it's seated solidly in the hole.

Step 4

Fill the container up with water but don't plug the fountain in. Check to see if there is any water seepage around the rubber fountain plug on the outside of the container. If there it, push the plug farther into the hole.

Homemade Plugs

Step 1

Make a fountain plug by adapting a standard tapered rubber plug.

Step 2

Match a standard drill bit to the diameter of the fountain plug cord. Grip the stopper between the jaws of a channel lock pliers. These are pliers with jaws that expand parallel to each other. Gripping the pliers in the non-dominant hand, hold one end of the plug flat on a scrap piece of board.

Step 3

Place the tip of the corresponding size drill bit at the top center of the plug and press the trigger of the electric drill. Drill at medium speed all the way through the plug. Keep the drill bit perpendicular to the top of the rubber plug.

Step 4

Cut the drilled plug using a hand held power tool fitted with a miniature cutting saw. Place the rubber plug between the jaws of the channel lock pliers with one jaw positioned at the top of the plug and the other at the bottom. Grip the pliers with the non-dominant hand and cut halfway through the plug into the hole you drilled through the center.

Step 5

Spread the plug open and slip in the cord of the fountain pump. Set the fountain pump in the ceramic container and thread the plug at the end of the cord through the hole in the container. Press the plug tight in the hole. Fill the container with water and check for any leakage.