How to find a leak in your pond

Introduction

“Is my pond leaking?”… If you’re losing more than an inch of water a week, the answer is most probably yes.

Finding a leak is undoubtedly one of the hardest jobs a pond contractor has to do from time to time, but there are some things that you can do yourself to find potential leaks.

Things to check

Check pumps and filtration

Your ponds equipment could indeed be the reason you’re losing water, either your pump hosing isn’t fitted correctly or it could be damaged, or maybe it’s something as simple as a rusted jubilee clip.

It’s worth checking for these potential problems each time you give your pond a maintenance.

Waterfalls and streams

Your ponds, waterfalls or streams can be a very common place for water leakage, typically when the design of the waterfall is poorly designed and constructed.

No one can accurately predict how and where water will flow until it’s finished, so it’s important to be sure your new waterfall or stream is flowing properly to the pond without any low points along the way, where your pond’s water can find itself being lost.

Debris and plantation

This can be a problem along the pond’s edging, waterfall or stream but are often overlooked. Debris and plantation matter can cause leakage points in your pond. Think of the debris and plantation matter in the same way as a sponge in water. Even if plants and debris are only partially floating in a body of water, a sponge effect can occur where the water is slowly sucked out of the pond and discarded elsewhere along with the debris.

It’s the liner, concrete, fibreglass or ready made pond

For those of you that have no streams, waterfalls or external filtration systems, it’s highly likely that the leaking point is within the pond’s body. For example, a hole or rip in the pond’s liner.

How to find a leak in a pond liner?

For the untrained eye, finding a leaking point in the ponds liner can be difficult, but it isn’t impossible.

You do this by letting the water drain until it sets, once the water level drops to a point where its stationary for a 24 hour period it will then be apparent that the water leak will be within the surface area line of the water.

If you feel the leak may be towards the bottom of the pond, then rehouse your fish in a holding tank until you have diagnosed the problem.

Walk around your pond and investigate, removing any algae from the walls of your pond, being careful not to damage your liner further. Pay close attention to detail for any pinches, holes and rips in the liner. If a hole or rip is found, you can use a liner repair kit on the area. Be sure the damaged area is clean and thoroughly dried before application.

If there are more than 3 damaged areas on your pond liner, it is suggested that you re-line your pond.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading, remember Wellies and Waders are here to help you. If you feel you need more professional help, we offer pond repair services and are always happy to give free consultations.

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