Steps to Finding a Leak in a Water Feature

1. Determine the Amount of Water Loss

1. Fill the pond to its’ intended water level
2. Observe the water level at its normal point for 24 hours.
   • Measure the starting and ending levels to determine how much water has been lost. Record the amount in inches or centimeters.

2. Isolate the Leak Location

1. Turn Off the Pumps:
   • Refill the pond or basin to its normal water level.
   • Observe for another 24 hours. If water loss occurs, it indicates the leak is in the pond. If the water level remains constant, the leak may be in the stream, waterfall, or piping.
2. Operate Pumps Separately:
   • If the feature has more than one pump, test each pump individually.
   • Follow the same observation procedure to pinpoint whether the leak is associated with a specific pump or section.

3. If Water Level Drops with Pump Off

1. Allow the water level to drop until it stabilizes.
   • The point at which the water level stops dropping can help identify the leak’s location.
2. Check for Common Issues:
   • Inspect edges of the liner for low areas where water might be escaping. Raise the liner as needed.
   • Examine the skimmer faceplate. Reseal with silicone if bolts are loose or missing.
   • Look for holes or punctures in the liner around the level where the water has stabilized.
3. Repairing Liner Holes:
   • Locate the hole in the liner.
   • Clean and dry the liner, ensuring it is flat or supported underneath.
   • Patch the hole using primer, tape, and cover tape.

4. If Water Level Does Not Drop with Pump Off but Does with Pump Running

1. Inspect the Stream and Waterfalls:
   • Check for obstructions in the stream, waterfalls, or Biofalls that might cause water to dam and spill over.
   • Examine the edges for low spots. If found, raise the liner or surrounding edges to prevent water loss.
2. Check Components:
   • Inspect skimmer and Biofalls faceplates. If they are loose, reseal with silicone and secure with new bolts.
   • Check fittings on skimmers and Biofalls. Replace or reseal if they are leaking.
3. Inspect Pipes:
   • Check for pipe leaks by digging up areas around suspected sections.
   • Cut out damaged pipe sections and replace them.
   • Alternatively, plug the pipe at the skimmer and fill the Biofalls. Observe whether the water level in the Biofalls drops. If it does, the leak is in the pipe or fittings.
   • If the pipe has extensive damage, consider replacing it entirely.
4. Look for Liner Damage in the Stream Area:
   • Examine overlaps, seams, and liner sections around rocks.
   • Feel with your hand for escaping water to identify leaks.
5. Set Up a Pipe Test (If Necessary):
   • Use a temporary above-ground pipe to divert water to specific sections of the stream or waterfall.
   • Plug the Biofalls to isolate water flow, helping narrow down the leak’s location.

5. Final Checks

1. After repairing any leaks, refill the water feature and observe for another 24 hours to confirm the issue is resolved.
2. Regularly inspect edges, fittings, and repaired areas to ensure ongoing performance and prevent future leaks.

Conclusion:

If someone told you to find the needle in haystack and you found the needle, you would be happy that you completed the mission by finding the needle. What if they told you to find the “needles” in the haystack? If you found one needle would you still stop? If the person didn’t tell you how many needles were in the haystack them you would have to keep searching.

It is the same way with a pond leak. Just because you found A LEAK doesn’t mean that you found ALL THE LEAKS! Don’t stop after the first step in finding a leak if you found a leak. Instead, go through every detailed step to make sure you put the effort in to find all of the leaks.