EPDM Pond Liner Repair Tips
The goal of a pond liner is to ensure that the water stays where it belongs and that it doesn’t simply soak into the ground. Many people choose to use EPDM liners, since they are durable and they can conform to many different shapes. Of course, even with the best liners, there may come a time when you have to repair it to prevent leaks. When you start an EPDM pond liner repair project, you will need to go through several different steps.
Locate the Source of the Leak
Before you can start any type of repairs, you need to determine where the leak is coming from and what is causing it. In some cases, you might be fortunate enough to find out that the lining has simply slipped out of place, and that is where there is less water. Returning the liner to the proper spot can stop the leak. In other cases, you will need to do some additional detective work.
If you have fish and plants in the pond, you will want to put them in a safe location when you look for the leak. Once you have them in another spot, you can start looking for the leak. If it is a fast leak, you can try to put some colored liquid into the water. Sand can work as well. The colored liquid and the sand will head toward the area where the leak is occurring.
Of course, you may be able to find the leak with a physical inspection as well. If it is a large leak, it should be relatively easy to find the hold or crack. Once you find the area that is leaking, the next part of EPDM pond liner repair requires that you clean the area well to remove any dirt or debris, as this can make it impossible for the patch to adhere properly.
You will take a patch from a patch kit specifically for EPDM pond liner repairs and place that over the leaking area. If you still have any leftover EPRM material from when you installed the pond, you can use that instead. Make sure the patch material is larger than the area you are repairing.
Once you have it in place, you will want to make sure the patch and the liner are both warm, as this will make the patch adhere to it easier. Many people will use a hair dryer – after the water is all drained, of course – to heat up the location. Just make sure it doesn’t get too hot, as this can damage the rubber.
Then, you will attach the patch using pond liner glue. It is important that you have a high quality glue designed specifically for pond liner repair. Some of the EPDM pond liner repair kits come with glue, and others have the adhesive already affixed to the patch, so it is even easier to apply.
Place the patch onto the crack or hole and make sure that you remove any creases, or else water could still find its way out. EPDM pond liner repair may take some time, but you can do it on your own.
