How to Fix Leaks in Sports Balls

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

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A leaking ball can ruin any sports fame. As the ball deflates, it becomes more difficult to throw or kick, and it definitely becomes more difficult to bounce. But a leaking ball doesn't have to mean a game is over, even if there isn't a replacement ball at hand. There are products available that will keep your inflatable sports balls in working condition despite the occasional leak.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Bucket of water
Air pump

Step1

Check the ball to make sure that the problem is being caused by an air leak and not the normal loss of air that will occur over time. A ball's air pressure may also increase or decrease due to changes in temperature. You can check for holes that may cause a leak by submerging the ball in a bucket of water. If bubbles appear from a particular point on the ball, then you have a leak and will need to repair it.

Step2

Locate the ball's air valve. This is the same place you use when inflating the ball.

Step3

Insert a syringe filled with leak repair rubber into the ball valve and depress the plunger.

Step4

Use an air pump to increase the ball's air pressure to the desired level. You do not want to have pressure that is too low or high. Low air pressure will decrease the ball's ability to bounce. High air pressure may cause the ball to bounce too much. There are regulations for different sports. You may consult those regulations to find the standard air pressure used for your sport.

Step5

Bounce the ball vigorously. Now the ball should be ready for continued play.

Tips & Warnings

Using your sports ball on courts and fields that are clear of debris will reduce the possibility of developing air leaks.
A ball may continue to develop air leaks even after you've fixed it once. A quart of Ball Doctor will repair approximately 30 balls. You may use the product to fix a leak in the same ball more than once, but over time you may have to purchase a new ball as continued use of Ball Doctor may effect the ball's performance after several uses.

Comments

kaitriona said

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on 2/21/2008 Hi, I've managed to break the seal in my son's basketball by attempting to insert the moistened needle into the air valve, only to have the air valve separate from the outer lining of the ball.

I speculate that this happened because the ball was exposed to UV rays as it sat outdoors over the summer. As far as I know the inner bladder should still be intact.

Does anyone know whether it's possible to repair a ball once the air valve has separated from the outer layer of the ball?