How to Fix a Farm Pond That Is Leaking Water

Your pond may need a liner if it doesn't already have one.

While it is normal for ponds to lose some water due to underground seepage and evaporation, if you find your water level is decreasing by a rather alarming level, you probably have a leak. Sometimes there is a visible wet area around the pond's perimeter that will clue you in to where the leak is.

Things You'll Need

• Chemical sealant

Instructions

1. Locate the leak. Watch where the water level rests. The leak will likely be just above this level. Water will continue to leak until the leaking point is above the water surface. Inspect the perimeter of your pond, and be sure to examine under folds and creases of the pond liner. Check all pipework, including seams, welds, joints and valves, to and from the pond. You will find damp areas where the pipework is buried if that is the source of the leak.

2. Drain the pond, and move the fish. If the leak is low enough, you may need to drain the pond to make adequate repairs. This means moving any fish to a temporary home.

3. Repair the leak. You can use materials such as bentonite clays or other chemical sealants. Bentonite will swell and plug holes and crevices as the pond fills back up. You can also use bentonite if the pond still has water in it as the material sinks to the bottom. Chemical sealants work for single holes in liners. You may want to add a liner to your pond if it doesn't already have one. If the problem is in your pipework, repairs can range from simple, such as a fitting or joint, to complex where you will need to do excavation.

4. Retest the pond. Refill the pond, and wait to see if you have fixed the issue. Keep in mind that evaporation sometimes will cause an inch of water to be lost in a day.

Tips & Warnings

• If you continue to experience major seepage with your pond, the problem may be the pond's location. Some areas contain soil that is simply too permeable to hold water without adding a waterproof fabric, vinyl or polyethylene liner which is then covered by 6 inches of soil or sand.

• Remove burrowing animals as soon as you notice them, as they can also cause leaks and holes in your pond.

References

• Pond Doctor: Leaking pond
• Simple Gifts Farm: Pond leaks
• Mississippi State University: Leaking ponds