How To Fix a Leaking Pond
Because water is so intrinsically linked to our survival, the sight of it brings us joy and a sense of reassurance. For this reason, backyard ponds and water features are popular landscaping choices; they are relaxing and add to outdoor enjoyment. The problem, though, is that ornamental ponds are prone to leaking, and most leak eventually. Seeing a half-empty pond with dying plants and fish struggling to survive is anything but relaxing. Seeing an empty pond that has failed completely can be utterly depressing.
Not only do pond leaks affect the homeowners, but plants and fish can suffer from not having enough water to thrive. With a pond leak, nobody is happy. You can try to maintain the water level by refilling, but you waste time and money attempting to do so. Quick patch repairs rarely hold up, and you are right back where you started. Thankfully, pond-lovers everywhere have a solution to this on-going problem that doesn't cost thousands of dollars and is easy enough to do themselves. You can fix a leaking pond with a leaking pond sealer, such as the easy-to-use solvent-free Liquid Rubber Neopond Sealant.
What Causes Ponds to Leak
While all bodies of water are susceptible to losing moisture due to evaporation, man-made ponds are especially prone to leaking. Leaks typically occur because of holes and cracks that appear in the construction materials over time. This damage is due to the natural erosion of most organic and fabricated materials by water and bacteria. Pond liners are also prone to deterioration from water erosion, causing splits, rips or cracks that can also lead to leaks.
Failed repairs are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to causes for pond leaks. While it may be tempting to allow the water to drain low enough to expose the leak to make a quick repair, these repairs will usually fail. In a wet environment, the most effective repair seals out moisture completely so that there is no chance of water penetrating the adhesion to the underlying surface. Water will eventually compromise partial repairs made with materials such as silicone caulk and similar products. Even a partial repair made with a rubber sealant will become compromised when submerged underwater for an extended period of time.
How to Fix a Leaking Pond
The best way to repair a leaking pond is to waterproof the entire surface with a leaking pond sealer to prevent any water from penetrating below the sealant or coating. You can waterproof cement, bricks, wood or even a pond liner for a repair that will last for years with Liquid Rubber Neopond Sealant, which is so easy to use that you can fix your leaking pond yourself. Here are the steps to take to ensure a leak-free repair of your pond:
- Remove plants and fish
- Re-home your fish in a healthy amount of pond water
- Drain the remaining water
- Discard the mulm on the bottom of the pond
- Remove any previous patch repairs made with silicone or similar materials
- Pressure-wash all surfaces to clean
- Dry surfaces thoroughly
- Use Liquid Rubber Seam Tape where needed (see below)
- Use Liquid Rubber EPDM Primer for EPDM liners after cleaning with acetone
- Apply Liquid Rubber Neopond Sealant with a brush, roller or sprayer
- Allow four to six hours to dry between coats
- Apply three to four heavy coats to achieve a 30 mil. (0.75 mm) membrane
- Allow membrane to dry thoroughly for three to five days
- Fill the pond with water
- Wait for 24 to 48 hours to check for leaks
- Use water conditioner
- Reinstall plants
- Allow fish to float in water bags for one hour to acclimate to the temperature
- Release fish into the pond
More Tips
Use Liquid Rubber Seam Tape to:
- Repair holes and cracks
- Seal gaps around openings for hoses or submerged pond equipment
- Repair rips, tears or holes in the pond liner
Liquid Rubber Neopond Sealant stays soft and flexible, but you need to wait until each coat is thoroughly dry to the touch before applying any additional coats.
To ensure a clean, dry surface, use Liquid Rubber Concrete Etch on concrete surfaces and Liquid Rubber Deck Cleaner for wood surfaces. A coat of Liquid Rubber Multi-Purpose Primer helps adhesion with any non-rubber surfaces.
The best season to waterproof your pond is at a time of the year when temperatures remain above 5C/40F while still preventing exposure of your membrane to hot, direct sunlight during application. Check the weather forecast and make sure there are clear skies on application day. Because dew can affect material that has not yet cured, apply coats early enough during the day to ensure they will be completely dry by morning.
Leaking Backyard Koi Pond Repair Case Study
A homeowner in Ontario was looking for a solution for leaks in his backyard koi pond. Water had begun to leak through cracks in the cement walls of the pond that had formed over time. The homeowner drained the pond, cleaned the surface and used Liquid Rubber Concrete Etch. He then used Liquid Rubber Seam Tape on the seams, gaps and penetrations. Next, he applied a generous coat of Liquid Rubber Multi-Purpose Primer to give the membrane a secure adhesion to the surface. After this preparation, he applied three coats of Liquid Rubber Neopond Sealant, allowing each coat to thoroughly dry in between each application. Now he can enjoy his koi pond for years to come without worrying about leaks.
Buy Liquid Rubber Neopond Sealant Today
Liquid Rubber Neopond Sealant is a cost-effective way to stop leaks in your pond for many years and is easy enough to use that you won't have to pay someone else to fix your pond. Liquid Rubber Neopond Sealant is water-based, non-toxic, solvent-free and safe for plants and fish. Because there are no harsh fumes, it's safe to use around kids and pets. Find out how Liquid Rubber Neopond Sealant can help you repair leaks and waterproof your backyard pond or ornamental water feature. Shop now and join the loyalty program.
