Pond Leak Deduction By ProudPonds Technicians

First of all, it should be known, that 90% of all leaks occur in the stream and/ or waterfall edges. Check these areas for wet spots when the ground is dry. Leaks in these areas are likely due to build up of debris or plant growth in stream forming dams. This raises the level of the water in the streams and consequently overflows the sides. Settling of rock—on the edges of streams and waterfalls, pulls the liner down, subsequently allowing water to leak out the sides of stream and/or waterfall. These problems can usually be solved by adding addition soil under the liner/rocks to build up the edges of the stream. Never should rocks be used under the liner to build up the edges. This is asking for trouble and additional leaks. If there is water behind the liner where it attaches to the bio-falls at the head of the stream or waterfall, it is likely the seal at that spot has been compromised and will require professional repairs. If no leak is found in the stream/waterfall...Bummer!

The leak detection process has just become much more difficult,

timely and expensive. At some point in the following process, it should be determined whether it would be more cost effective to have the old liner professionally removed out of the pond(s) and replaced or continue to search for any leak or leaks.

Constants:

If at anytime it rains, no matter how little the amount, the process should be restarted at the last fully completed step. At least 24 hours should pass after a rainfall before marking the level that the water stabilizes at. (stops going down).

Nothing, such as rocks, fish, plants are to be added, taken out, or even moved in the pond(s).

It is critical all measurements are accurate, documented using a timeline. example: "It took 2 days for the pond to drop 5 inches".

Process:

1. Start by turning off the water feature. Fill the pond to the full or slightly overfull level. This should be 1 inch below the top of the skimmer opening or the level that your drain or pond low edge is located. In hot weather, an aerator may be used to provide sufficient oxygen levels for the fish in the pond(s). Ensure that water is at least 1” below the top of the skimmer opening. If it isn’t, fill to that line.
2. Allow pond to sit for 24 hours.
3. After 24 hours be sure no water is moving from pond to pond or waterfall/ stream to pond.. If this is occurring, continue waiting until this stops.
4. Mark water level on skimmer or stone using permanent marker or wax pencil.
5. Wait 24 hours and document what happens.
6. When water level stabilizes, (stops going down) for 24 hrs. Document water level in pond(s) ****remember if it rains at all and additional 24hours should be given before marking the stopping level of the water****.
7. The water level should not go down more that 1” past the top of the skimmer opening in 24 hours.

If the water does go down past the full level on the skimmer, a leak is at perimeter of water level once water stops going down for 24 hours. This could be a hole in the liner, crack in concrete pond/fountain. If water drops less than one inch, leak is likely occurring due to low edge in liner .

What to do if water level stops at thickness of spillway rock, and/or 1 inch below top of skimmer opening for 24 hours. If this occurs, you can figure the pond(s) are holding water. And the leak is occurring somewhere in the plumbing or stream/ waterfall. Due to the material needed for the following, professional help is recommended from this point on.

1. Start by attaching pipe from pump in skimmer.
2. If you have a multi pond set up, put the pipe in the first pond above the
3. skimmer pond. Run pump for 24 hours to evaluate water loss. Water level in lower pond will go down initially, due to water required to fill upper pond to spill over spillway rock.. Do not mark level of water in lower pond until pump is running for 5 minutes. Mark water level in lower pond. If water level goes down in lower pond, the leak is located in the spill way area. Water should continue to go down until pump is sucking air. If water level remain constant for 24 hours after you 5 minute mark, proceed to step three.
4. Put the end of the pipe at the top of the stream in the bio-falls if you have one or in the beginning of the stream. Fill pond to 1 inch below top of skimmer opening.
5. Run feature, if water level drops, leak is located in plumbing, or liner is not attached to bio-falls correctly.
6. If after 24 hours, water level has not dropped in lower pond, move pipe down stream approximately 5 feet. Wait 24 hours if lower pond level does not go down, the leak is not in the 5 feet from top of stream to current location of pipe outflow. If water level does go down, the leak is located in the 5’ from the top of the stream to the outflow of the pipe.
7. Continue step 5 in 5’ increments over and over moving down the stream until leak is located in the liner.

Congratulations! You have located the first leak. Don’t assume because you found a leak that it is the only leak. If the leak was located during the detection process it is possible there are more than one leak.

All leaks can be prevented when proper installation techniques are used. Shifting of rock can cause a leak years after a new installation. Select your next installer wisely.