If your pond or waterfall is losing more water than normal evaporation, the first step is to determine whether the water is escaping from the pond, waterfall, stream, or plumbing.
Most water loss problems occur around waterfall and stream edges where water escapes over the liner.
Step 1: Check for water escaping around the edges
Inspect the perimeter of your pond, waterfall, and stream for:
- Wet soil, mulch, or gravel outside the liner.
- Low liner edges caused by settling soil or rocks.
- Water splashing outside the waterfall or stream.
- Rocks, plants, or algae redirecting water over the liner.
If you find a low edge: Carefully lift the liner and add compacted soil underneath to raise the edge and keep water contained.
If water is splashing out: Reposition waterfall rocks to redirect the water back into the feature.
Step 2: Turn off the waterfall pump
If you cannot locate the leak visually, perform a water-level test.
- Fill the pond to its normal operating water level.
- Mark the water level for reference.
- Turn off and unplug the waterfall pump.
- Allow the pond to sit for 24 hours.
- Check whether the water level has dropped.
Important: If your pond contains fish, maintain adequate aeration and oxygen levels while the waterfall pump is off.
Step 3: Determine where the leak is located
If the water level stays the same:
The pond is likely holding water, and the leak may be in the waterfall, stream, plumbing, or filtration connections.
- Inspect waterfall and stream edges for water escaping over the liner.
- Check plumbing connections, fittings, and hoses for leaks.
- Inspect the waterfall filter and surrounding area for signs of water loss.
If the water level continues dropping:
The leak is likely within the pond itself.
- Allow the water level to continue dropping while monitoring the pond.
- Note where the water level stops dropping.
- Inspect the pond perimeter at that level for low liner edges, punctures, or tears.
- Check around the skimmer faceplate if the water stops near the skimmer opening.
The leak is typically located at or slightly above the level where the water stops dropping.
Step 4: Inspect the pond liner
If you suspect a hole or tear in the pond liner:
- Carefully move nearby rocks to expose the suspected area.
- Inspect the liner for punctures, cuts, or damage.
- Once the leak is located, use an appropriate EPDM pond liner repair product following its instructions.
- Refill the pond and monitor the water level to confirm the leak has stopped.
Could the water loss be evaporation?
Some water loss is normal, especially during hot, dry, or windy weather.
- Ponds may lose approximately 1–2 in. (2.5–5.1 cm) of water per week under moderate conditions.
- Hot, dry conditions can cause significantly greater evaporation.
- Waterfalls and streams increase evaporation because more water is exposed to moving air.
Sudden or excessive water loss is more likely to indicate a leak than normal evaporation.
What if I still cannot find the leak?
If the water loss continues after checking the liner edges, waterfall, plumbing, and skimmer, a qualified pond contractor may be needed to locate the problem.
For additional assistance, submit a request through the Aquascape Customer Care contact form.