How to Fix Preformed Molded Ponds
Preformed molded ponds are created using plastic or hard rubber liners which establish the form of the pond. All these lakes can be set up in the ground or as lifted ponds which are surrounded by concrete or brick. Over the years, cracks or other damage to the liner may cause leaks that not only lower the water level in the pond but may erode the dirt around the leak too. Repair kits are available for these pond liners, though water needs to be eliminated from the pond first.
Remove fish and plants in the pond, placing them in buckets or other containers filled with water. This guarantees that they won’t be harmed by dropping water levels when you drain the pond.
Find the leak in the pond liner, marking it with a grease pencil or other markers if desired. For preformed liners, the leak is often an obvious crack or split, but sometimes it could be tricky to discover. Walk around the pond to look for moist dirt or soft spots where the leak is saturating the ground behind it. If you have trouble finding the leak, you may need to wait until the pond is vacant to find it.
Drain the pond by pumping water out of it and permitting the liner surface dry. Although it’s likely to drain the pond by allowing the water to leak out through the damaged liner, this may take significantly longer and may result in further soil damage or vandalism in the site of the leak.
Clean the surface of the pond liner around the flow using soap and water or a solvent cleaner intended for plastic or hard rubber pond liners to remove dirt, algae and other potential contaminants in the damaged region. A clean surface is important when patching a leaking pond as it helps ensure a better seal when you use the patch.
Apply an adhesive compound around the flow if a person is supplied with your patch kit; this chemical is typically a sort of epoxy or other glue and should be allowed to set up slightly so it becomes tacky before applying the stain itself. Whether an adhesive compound is not contained in your patch kit, then skip this step.
Remove any paper backing from your stain if it’s present and apply glue to the stain if needed, according to pack instructions. Place the patch over the leak, taking care to prevent bubbles or wrinkles in the patch that could allow water to keep on leaking out of the pond. Smooth the stain down and allow the glue to set completely, a process which may take up to 24 hours or more depending on the sort of adhesive included in your package kit.
Fill the pond once the patch has put. Return any plants or fish to the pond which you removed, pouring the water they were maintained in back to the pond to aid in their transition to the new water.