Let’s face it, water has a relentless efficiency when it come to finding holes. Whether you wish to contain water or exclude water for any purpose, any leaks will very soon become apparent when put to the test. In respect of your pride and joy pond, such a leak will exhibit itself in a visibly decreasing water level.

If you are new to pond keeping, it is obviously important to allow for factors such as evaporation, leaking pipe work and water features that may contribute to water loss. Having established that the water loss goes beyond these expectations, the only available course of action is to identify the leak. Initially this may seem a daunting task but the methodology is pretty simple. Once the pond drains to the lowest extremity of the leak, the water loss will cease. Providing this is not too close to the bottom of the pond, this could avoid any need to move fish stock. If the water level continues to drop too far it is obviously necessary to make provision to move your fish to a holding location.

Once the water has ceased draining, the issue becomes very straightforward. Somewhere, just above the water line is a leak. Finding the leak may not be the most fun you’ve ever had but, once done, for the most common forms of pond that use either flexible or pre-formed pond liners, these are very easy to repair. Repair kits are readily available for all of the common materials in use and this will solve the problem.

There is no cast iron certain way to ensure you never experience a leaking pond but as ever, there are steps that can be taken when installing a new pond to minimise risk. Flexible pond liners require the removal of stones and roots or any other potential threats. The use of correct quantities of cushioning material will avoid many issues and all of these requirements will be stated on the manufacturer’s instructions for the liner. A preformed liner requires installing in a well sized hole and then backfilling to provide support. Water is a very dense and heavy substance that does place substantial loads on unsupported fabrics.

If you have a concrete pond then unfortunately a significant repair is required to reseal the affected area. An alternative solution could possibly be to install a flexible pond liner inside the concrete pond.