The post Do You Have a Pond Leak? appeared first on FNC PONDS.

pond leak

As we transition between seasons, you may notice, at some point, a slight drop in your pond water level, making you think you have a pond leak,

For many experienced pond owners, this can be a common occurrence. However, for a novice owner or someone who’s never experienced water loss before, this may be a caution for concern. Rest assured, no matter what end of the spectrum your expertise falls upon, there isn’t a need to panic, but there is a need to investigate.

Understanding the basic principles of identifying and fixing a pond leak will help you repair the problem quickly and efficiently.

Low Pond Edges

Settling at the pond’s edge is the one of the most common causes of a pond leak, especially if you own a new pond. Finding a low spot in the liner can be tough because the pond liner used in ponds and waterfalls is covered with stone, plants, rocks, gravel, etc.

What is the definition of a low edge?

 A low edge or “low spot” occurs in ponds where the ground settles in an area, typically not a large area, and pond liner is too low allowing a small amount of water to go out of the pond.

Usually, the low edges are found around the stream and waterfall where most of the settling may have occurred, especially after a few rainfalls. These areas are usually built up during the construction of the pond using the soil from the excavation and are the most subjected to settling.

So what’s your first move? 
The first line of defense is to carefully inspect the edges of not only your stream and waterfall, but also the perimeter of the pond. As the dirt around the stream or waterfall settles, it can create low spots that may cause water to escape over the edge of the liner.

What to look for? 
Keep your eyes peeled for wet mulch or gravel, or muddy areas around the perimeter of your pond – this is a dead giveaway that you have a leak.

If you do find a spot that’s leaking, all you have to do is lift the liner up and push some soil under it in order to raise the edge- Voila! Leak fixed!

Evaporating Pond Water

First, let’s have a look at what evaporation is and what it isn’t. Evaporation is defined as the process of turning from liquid into vapor. So is it possible that your pond water is simply disappearing into the air? Sure is!

The amount of water loss will vary according to the region of the country and the season. Ponds that are located in areas of the country with moderate temperatures and high humidity can expect to see 1 to 1 ½ inches of water loss per week during the spring and summer. Most of this evaporation should be replaced naturally by rain. However, if you live in an area with high temperatures and low humidity, it’s possible to see 3 inches or more of evaporation in a week.

Does your pond have a waterfall?
If yes, then you can factor in “splash evaporation” as a potential culprit.
The quantity and size of your waterfall(s) also affects the amount of water that is lost. Regardless of the climate, a 4’x 6’pond with a 20-foot stream and 5 feet of cascading waterfalls may lose as much as 2 inches or more every day!

What is Not Evaporation?

Evaporation is not filling up your pond all the way at night, and waking up the next morning to find the water lower by six inches. If that’s the case, you are now in leak territory. If your pond is experiencing a loss of water at a more rapid rate than normal evaporation, you most likely have a leak. But no worries, we are here to help you find it!

Low Pond Edges

Settling at the pond’s edge is the one of the most common causes of a leak, especially if you own a new pond. Finding a low spot in the liner can be tough because the pond liner used in ponds and waterfalls is covered with stone, plants, rocks, gravel, etc.

What is the definition of a low edge?

A low edge or “low spot” occurs in ponds where the ground settles in an area, typically not a large area, and pond liner is too low allowing a small amount of water to go out of the pond.

Usually, the low edges are found around the stream and waterfall where most of the settling may have occurred, especially after a few rainfalls. These areas are usually built up during the construction of the pond using the soil from the excavation and are the most subjected to settling.

So what’s your first move? 
The first line of defense is to carefully inspect the edges of not only your stream and waterfall, but also the perimeter of the pond. As the dirt around the stream or waterfall settles, it can create low spots that may cause water to escape over the edge of the liner.

What to look for? 
Keep your eyes peeled for wet mulch or gravel, or muddy areas around the perimeter of your pond – this is a dead giveaway that you have a leak.

If you do find a spot that’s leaking, all you have to do is lift the liner up and push some soil under it in order to raise the edge- Voila! Leak fixed!

Obstructions in the Stream and Waterfalls 

If the above theories have been explored and it hasn’t resolved the problem, it’s time to check for obstructions in the stream and waterfalls. Rocks and excessive plant or algae growth inside the stream, or even in your biological filter, can restrict the flow of water and divert it over the edge of the liner.

Still Leaking? 

You’ve followed all the other steps and your pond is still showing signs of a leak?
It’s not time to panic, it’s just time to dig a little deeper! Not literally of course, you just need to do a little more investigating.

The first step, shut off your pump for a day so you can determine the approximate location of the leak.
Next, follow these simple step by step instructions to evaluate the cause of the leak:

a. Make sure the pond is filled to the appropriate level.
b. Unplug the pump.
c. Let the pond sit for 24 hours.
d. Let the water level drop, then you know the leak is in the pond.

When the Water Drops:
To source where the leak is occurring, allow the water level to continue to drop. Where the water level stops dropping is the level where the leak is located!

Concentrate your search around the perimeter of the pond at the level that the water has stopped dropping. At this point, you should probably consider calling in a professional, especially if you’re a newbie to pond ownership and maintenance. A professional can quickly locate and repair the leak in a timely manner. But if you’re an experienced pond owner and enjoy working on and in your garden, it’s certainly a project you can tackle with a little effort and time.

Steady and Level 

The entire process of finding and fixing your pond leak can be time consuming, but it doesn’t have to be frustrating or complicated. Starting with the obvious and easiest assessments like the time of year, low edges or splashing while meticulously working through our list will help you figure out the problem while removing anxiety and annoyance. If that doesn’t work, contact us!

You’ll be back to enjoying your peaceful pond and all the serenity it brings soon again!

The post A DIY Guide to Finding and Fixing a Pond Leak appeared first on FNC PONDS.

Having a Pond Leak is challenging and one of the most common problems pond owners face. The frustration mounts when the cause of the leak is misdiagnosed or misunderstood.

Here are six reasons your pond may be leaking:

Evaporation. What is it really?

Evaporation is defined as the process of turning liquid into vapor. So let’s discuss what that ACTUALLY means.

First question to ask is, “Can water evaporate from my pond?” 

Absolutely, is the answer! The amount of water loss, of course will vary according to the region of the country and the time of year. Ponds that are located in areas like Dallas, with moderate to hot temperatures and high humidity in spring and summer months, can expect to see 1 to 1 ½ inches of water loss or more per week during the warmer months.

Now let’s ask the question… “Can my pond lose 6 inches of water overnight?”

 No, is the answer!  It’s important to understand that evaporation is a slow process, over the course of time. With major dips in water levels, you are most likely facing a leak,

Pond Leak Problem: Low Edges

Settling at the pond’s edge is the most common cause of a leak, especially in a new pond. We suggest all pond owners periodically check for low edges around their pond, but even more on a new pond build.

The most common area for “low edges” are often found around the stream and waterfall areas, where settling may have occurred after a few rainfalls. These areas are usually more susceptible because they are built up during the construction of the pond using the soil from the excavation and are prone to some settling.

Carefully inspect the edges of not only your stream and waterfall, but also the perimeter of the pond. Water can escape over the edge of the liner, so look for wet mulch or gravel and muddy areas along the perimeter. If your super sleuthing paid off, you’ve now located the problem area.

Go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back, job well done!  A low edge can be built back up relatively easily by compacting the soil beneath the liner, in order to raise the edge above the water level. A quick lift of the liner, pushing some soil under it to raise the edge, and you are on your way to becoming ‘pond master’.

Dam(n) Debris in Streams & Waterfalls

Okay, so there’s no beavers in your pond but there could very well be a blockage restricting the flow of water. Rocks and excessive plant (or algae growth) in the stream may not only restrict the water but also divert it right over the edge of the liner.

Pond plant and algae maintenance are important for keeping the flow running smoothly. Trimming them back in order to let the water pass freely is a simple and easy fix.

Are We Still Experiencing a Pond Leak?

Unfortunately, if you’re not fitting into the categories above and you’re still hoping to solve the problem on your own, you have a bit of hard work ahead of you. We appreciate your tenacity, so what’s the next move?

It’s time to roll up your sleeves and a go for a bold move. Shut off your pump for a day.

What does turning off the pump do? It provides a controlled environment, meaning you’ll be able to determine the approximate location of the leak. Make sure to follow the checklist below in order for this to be effective.

• Make sure the pond is filled to the appropriate level.
• Unplug the pump.
• Let the pond sit for 24 hours.
• If the water level drops, then you know the leak is in the pond.

Confirmation: Water Levels Dropped

It’s confirmed, your water level has dropped. To find out where the Dallas Pond problem is occurring, you will need to allow the water level to continue to drop. The level where the water stops dropping is very likely the level where the leak is located. Concentrate your search efforts around the perimeter of the pond at the level that the water has stopped dropping.

Now this is where things can get complicated, so you may want to consider calling in a pond professional. If you would still like to locate the exact source of the leak, you will need to do the following:

• Remove any rocks around the entire perimeter at the level where the water stopped. You can then carefully check for some sort of puncture, or hole in the liner.
• When you locate the hole, patch it with a liner patch kit.
• Now you can replace the rocks and fill the pond back to the top. (Don’t forget to turn your pump back on)

Ready, Steady, Level

If the water level remains the same, the Pond Leak is not in the pond itself. Get ready to start checking the accessory items involved with your pond system. The pipe, the plumbing fittings and the pump connectors are all possible sources of the leak.

Another possible problematic area is the face plate of your skimmer, (if your pond has one.) If the water level stopped dropping above the bottom of the face plate you should investigate the skimmer. There is a possibility it may not have been sealed correctly.

If the Leak is in the Skimmer- you can follow a few steps to correct it properly. 

• Investigate the skimmer face plate without disassembling it.
• Simply move a few rocks around the front of the skimmer and slide your hand behind the liner, feeling for wet soil around the opening of the skimmer. If the soil is saturated, then the face plate may have not been installed properly and might be the source of the leak.
• Remove the face plate, clean the old silicone off the liner, and refer back to the instruction manual on proper procedures for sealing the skimmer face plate to the skimmer. Hopefully, this resolves the problem.

We know just how time-consuming and daunting the process can be to locate the leak on your own. Hopefully, with the help and experience we shared with you in the above steps and tips, you can quickly locate the source of the leak and recover lost time.

We want to help you get back to enjoying your pond, not repairing it, as soon as possible.

If you still have a leak, can not manage the repair or have other general questions- please reach out to us and we’d be happy to help!

The post Solutions for Pond Leak Problems? appeared first on FNC PONDS.