Is it Possible to Repair a Damaged and Leaking Pond Liner?

Submitted by Garth Epp on Fri, 12/31/2010 - 15:57.
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Basic Pond Liner Repairs
If you suspect a leak within your pond liner, don’t become overly discouraged it is possible to do a pond liner repair.  Although the process will take some work it is very possible to repair.  First, identify where the leak or crack is in the liner.  This will likely require you to drain the pond and expose the area of concern. 

Flexible Liner Repair
The most efficient method to repair a flexible liner is with double sided adhesive PVP tape.  Clean the damaged area with a scrub brush being careful not to add further damage to the liner.  Then dry the damaged area with a soft clean cloth and finally clean it with rubbing alcohol.  Cut a piece of tape that will cover the damaged area.  Then cut a patch of cleaned liner the same dimension of the tape you will use to stick the patch to the existing liner.  Clean the patch in a similar manner as you cleaned the original liner.  Now stick the double sided tape over the hole or puncture.  Place the clean piece of liner over the tape and press it firmly making sure that all the edges are pressed flat.   Wait at least 12 hours for the patch to set before refilling the pond.

Preformed Rigid Liner Repairs
One of the main reasons that these units will crack is due to poor installation.  It is important that the rigid pond liner has been backfilled and compacted so the liner is sitting on a firm foundation and that there are no air pockets under or around the pond.  With a scrub brush, clean the damaged area finishing the job with a clean lint free cloth.  The repair is then done with a basic fiberglass automotive repair kit containing fiberglass matting.  Follow the instructions contained in the fiberglass kit.  Make sure you wait at least 24 before refilling the pond making sure that the ground surrounding the rigid liner is backfilled and compacted.

As in anything else, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  Use quality material and always follow the manufactures instructions for installation.  Don’t try to save time or money by making short cuts.  Use caution when working in the pond as to not puncture the liner.  When an accident occurs due to human error or natural causes, take heart almost anything is repairable.

Quality pond liners that are installed correctly are least likely to need repair, as cheaper liners are more susceptible to develop cracks and leaks. 

If a quality pond liner is installed correctly and maintained with care, a pond liner is unlikely going to leak, however damage can occur accidentally. 

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tip for finding the leak and repairing

Submitted by David Barkey on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 08:46.

Unless something sharp has fallen into the pond, most leaks are at the top foot of liner below the water level. This is where ice can press rocks against the liner if not laid out properly or can be damaged by tending to the plants. This being said I found that if you shut down any scimmer pumps ect. for a short period of time and let the water find its level where the leaking stops. At this point all you need to do is trace the water line to find the punture. Now that you know where it is lower the water level about a foot to give room to work . I found when doing upgrades and adding to my pond a product that is 6" wide one sided and comes on a roll for seaming on or patches. Prepwork for product is the same as above and works great.