Leaking Pond Repair

We are often contacted by people whose pond has sprung a leak. Unfortunately, over time things like pond liner, cement and fibreglass can perish. Leaking Pond Repair and refurbishment is something we are seasoned in and more than happy to help with.

There are many reasons why a pond can lose water. Sometimes, it’s down to poor initial installation and other times it can be due to damage, age-related wear and tear- or a mixture of all three! It’s worth noting that (during the summer months) it is normal to lose some water to evaporation. If you would like to calculate how much water your pond is losing, you can use our handy pond volume calculator.

Marginal plants are a great addition to a pond, but left unchecked can soon take over. If they spread to the extent that they are taking root out of the pond, then this can create a bridge for water to seep over the liner and out of the pond.

Ensuring that any spray from fountains is not blowing water out of the pond’s periphery, is also advisable. This is a common problem, so be sure to take a closer look when conditions are windy.

So there are a few quick things to consider before thinking too much about a leaking pond repair; here are a few more specific subjects.

Can A Leaking Pond Be Fixed?

The answer is yes, a leaking pond is repairable some of the time. Occasionally though, it can be more cost-effective (particularly with pond liner) to replace it entirely, especially if it’s old.

Punctured Pond Liner Leaking

A visible puncture in your pond liner is actually a good thing. Especially if it’s believed to have been caused by something falling into the pond like a rock, or it could be a tear created by an animal. For pond liner repair we can use special sealant and patch material to safely repair the pond liner. If there is no obvious reason for the damage occurring, then there is more of a cause for concern, as it could be something penetrating from beneath the liner, especially if pond underlay has not been used.

Poor Pond Liner Installation

This is probably the main offender when it comes to pond liner leaking. When installing a pond liner, it is important to ensure that you are not putting it under any unnecessary strain when the pond is filled with water.

It can be all too tempting to pull the liner uptight, but this can lead to it stretching when water is added, or the surrounding soil is compacted under pressure. This is why it is important to take care when filling your pond up and to move the liner as needed. When building a pond it is also necessary to create a concrete ring, as some soil types are prone to crumbling away.

Below you can see a pond where the liner isn’t actually being supported, it is pulled tight and has resulted in numerous microscopic leaks.

When we build a pond we always fill it with water before fixing the liner in place ensuring the liner is sitting comfortably before fixing the liner in place under the stone.

Leaking Pond Pipe Work

Leaking pond pipework is a common cause of water loss. Being exposed to the elements can contribute to hose and fittings becoming brittle and failing. This can be a relatively easy fix by simply replacing the old pipe with new. Consider replacing with heavy-duty pond hose or solid PVC pipe for extra longevity.

Waterfall Leaking

Sometimes your waterfall can be the cause of water loss. Old pre-formed concrete waterfalls are particularly prone to cracks. Another common occurrence is was waste building up (such as blanket weed and leaves). This can sometimes block the usual flow of water, pushing it over the side. This can be prevented by regular maintenance and the use of a blanket weed treatment.

When installing a waterfall and pond, it is a good idea to run the liner as far underneath the waterfall as possible. Then if it ever starts losing water, it will return to the pond.

Leaking Concrete Pond

Concrete ponds used to be very popular before the introduction of quality pond liners. They still have their place today for certain needs; like all materials though, they can perish with age. Cracks can sometimes form causing areas to corrode away. Any damaged areas should be repaired with concrete and then sealed using G4 a polyurethane-based stone and concrete sealant mixture. Better still have it fiberglassed.

How to seal a pond naturally?

Clay can be used to seal a pond naturally. For example with bentonite.

With large ponds, this is a valid option but there are particular conditions needed for it to work.