DIY Pond Leak Repair vs Professional Help – What Works in Devon & Cornwall?
A leaking pond can be frustrating — one day it’s full, the next it’s mysteriously dropping. Many Devon and Cornwall pond owners wonder whether to tackle a repair themselves or call a specialist. In this guide, we’ll explore the real causes of pond leaks, what can be fixed DIY, and when it’s worth calling in professional help like the SAS Aquatics team.
Common Causes of Pond Leaks
Most pond leaks come from a few familiar culprits:
- Damaged liners – Tears or splits caused by rocks, roots, or age.
- Faulty joins and seals – Often around pipework, waterfalls, or skimmers.
- Ground movement – Devon’s clay soils can shift, especially after heavy rain.
- Poor installation or materials – Low-quality liners or fibreglass that wasn’t properly cured.
Identifying the exact cause early makes the difference between a quick patch job and a full rebuild.
Can You Fix a Pond Leak Yourself?
DIY pond leak repair can be tempting, especially for small garden ponds. Here’s what might be manageable at home:
✅ Minor liner punctures – Use a pond-safe patch kit (EPDM for rubber, PVC for plastic).
✅ Loose fittings – Check hose clamps or sealant around filters and skimmers.
✅ Evaporation check – Rule this out before digging up your pond.
However, these fixes only work for surface-level issues. If your water loss continues after patching, it’s likely something deeper — a damaged structure or sub-surface leak.
When to Call the Professionals
If your pond still loses water after simple fixes, a professional inspection is the fastest and safest route.
Here’s what experts like SAS Aquatics bring to the table:
- 🎯 Leak detection without draining the pond.
- 🔧 Specialist materials for fibreglass or concrete ponds.
- 🌿 Eco-safe sealing that protects plants and wildlife.
- 🧱 Structural repairs for old or poorly built ponds.
Professional pond repair doesn’t just stop the leak — it often improves water circulation, filtration, and long-term health.
Real-World Example: Pond Leak Repair in Devon
Recently, our team repaired a wildlife pond in mid-Devon where the owner had tried several DIY patches. The problem? Poor initial install.
👉 See more in our Leaking Pond Refurbishment Project.
DIY vs Professional: A Quick Comparison
How to Prevent Future Pond Leaks
Use quality liners and fibreglass – Don’t cut corners on materials.
Add a protective underlay – Prevent root punctures.
Regular maintenance – Check seals, filters, and edges seasonally.
Professional inspection – Every few years, especially after major storms or rebuilds.
Need Help with a Leaking Pond in Devon or Cornwall?
If you’ve tried fixing your pond and the water’s still disappearing, we can help.
SAS Aquatics specialises in leaking pond repair, refurbishment, and maintenance across Devon and Cornwall.
Whether it’s a wildlife pond, koi pond, or natural swimming pool — we’ll get it watertight again.
