Pond Leaks.

[mnglandscaper]

I have a customer who we put a small pond in 3 years ago. After this winter is drained about 6 inches or so. I did a preliminary check and there are no low edges, but I was currious as if there was an easier way to find the leak aside from ripping it apart. It seems to have stopped leaking, so I know at what level the leak could be. Just want to hear what your experience has been with this issue. Thankyou!

[4seasons]

is it level with the bottom of the skimmer?

[mdvaden]

Someday, someone should write a book called the "Lead Finder".

Its amazing how many ways water can be lost, from evaporation, to slight splashing, to punctures, etc..

[mnglandscaper]

the level was at about the bottom of the skimmer opening and that was one place i thought of resealing. I checked it last week saturday, so I should check it again to see if it is any lower.

[4seasons]

I would check there first. A lot of times the screws rust or seal breaks there.

[Robin Ramsay]

If the water is clear pour a cub of milk near the area you think may be leaking. the milk will slowly swirl to leak. ta da.

[mdvaden]

I would check there first. A lot of times the screws rust or seal breaks there.

Do you think its worthwhile to replace with stainless steel screws?

Or even use stainless steel screws in the first place?

[4seasons]

I think the last one I put in had stainless screws.
But yes I think it would be worth it.


Robin,
nice on the milk idea, I will use that if I ever need to look for a leak knock on wood.

[Raj Venugopal]

check where the water supply meets the bulkhead fitting on the falls unit. Also check where the water leaves the skimmer box.

[crisp]

If the water is clear pour a cub of milk near the area you think may be leaking. the milk will slowly swirl to leak. ta da.

That is an insipered solution and I will try it out next week at one of my customers who has the same problem. I will keep you posted.