update pond is up and running-new question please read

I'm sure there's some common sense way to do this but I can't figure out what to do. I have a preformed pond that seems to be leaking.....I've pulled it out of the ground and cannot find a leak.? When I first filled it, it seemed to leak out within a few hours...any advice on how I can identify the leak? I've inspected it all around and can't find it?

I tried filling it up above ground and it did tip to one end and water was coming out? Perhaps it's been doing that in the ground? I should secure that end or give it more lift? I'm stumped.

Oh, and if I find it, what do I do to patch it? I stood in the silicone aisle at the store for like 20 minutes lol.....I remember on here someone saying to use pure silicone correct?

I really want to get this in this year and make it really pretty. Starting off after the first fill with a possible leak SUCKED!

Any and all advice is appreciated.

 

I have to patch my preform about once a year. It can be a little difficult to find a leak. Normally its from a slice/crack in the plastic. I used aquarium safe silicone to pack into the crack and put a generous amount over it because it does not bond well to the plastic. If you dont get aquarium silicone, just make sure it is 100% clear silicone with no mildew or mold inhibitors.

Some may even say "not safe for aquariums" but actually are, they just cant claim it for legal reasons.

 

how did you find the leak? Was it pretty obvious where it was.....I cannot locate anything, some bends but no cracks......very weird!

 

when u drain it you should be able to see and feel the gap or abrasion. In your case I'm not sure. Check around the bends and steps

 

google EPDM liner and overlay it. I beat the crud out of mine and abuse it to exposed sun etc.... 10 years still going strong.

 

Liner is def the way to go for larger and custom shaped ponds. Just make sure you secure your rockwork with cement or expanding foam, cant tell you how many ponds I have serviced where peoples kids or dogs have knocked rocks into the pond and punctured the liner. If you do get a liner, I recommend the protective layering in between the ground and the liner. Cant remember exactly what its called (we call it underlay) but it prevents abrasion from gravel in the soil and makes the liner last longer. Its like a cloth sheet that goes down before the liner.

 

You can use layers of wet newspaper under the liner.

 

I used old carpet reminents

 

try elevating the filled pond above ground by setting it on a couple stumps so you can see 360 degress of it when fill. You can also coat it with newspaper and see where it gets wet. Good luck

 

Thank you all for the advice. This is probably what I will do. I had a liner and didn't prefer the look for my small pond and really like the pre-formed. I did put some old sheets and pieces of my old liner underneath it to help insulate it from roots and such. I think I will try the elevation idea to find the leak. Thanks much!