How To Repair A Torn Pond Liner

Anyone can get a hole or gash in their pond liner. It can happen a lot of different ways. From dropping a tool to turning a rock to get it just right. Even a small tear in your pond liner can cause you to lose a lot of water. Pond liners can be expensive, so you’ll probably want to repair yours instead of replace it when it gets torn.

How To Repair a Torn Pond Liner

Step 1: Know your pond liner.

Depending on what material your pond liner is made of, you’ll need to get a different patch kit. Most pond liners are made of EPDM or butyl rubber. Some others are made of PVC. You’ll need a patch kit that’s made to work with whatever material your liner is made of.

If you have a rigid pond liner, you’ll want to have a professional do the repair.

Step 2: Empty your pond so the water level is at least 12 inches below the hole.

You need a dry area in order for your patch to stick properly.

Step 3: Clean a 3- to 4-inch radius around the hole.

Use a tape measure or ruler and measure from the center of the hole. If you have a long gash, you’ll want to measure 3 to 4 inches from all sides of the cut, including the ends. Mark your measurements with a lumber or tire crayon.

Step 4: Apply a layer of primer to the hole.

Most patch kits come with a small roller to apply the primer, but others may not. To know when the primer has cured enough to put the patch on, touch it with your finger. If it sticks to your finger, you’re ready to apply the patch. Clean off your roller so you can use it to smooth out your patch later.

Step 5: Trim the corners of the patch so they’re rounded.

Corners have a tendency to fray and begin to peel up when they constantly have water moving over them (no matter how gently). By rounding them off, you can make your patch last much longer. Your patch should be about 1 inch smaller in diameter than the primed area (or a half inch smaller on each side).

Step 6: Apply the trimmed patch to the primed area.

Peel the contact sheet off the patch and lay it down gently. Smooth it out to get rid of any gaps or air bubbles underneath. Use your roller for this.

Step 7: For a more durable repair, apply a strip of waterproof marine sealant around the edge of the repair and let it cure.

Be sure to choose a sealant that lists the material your pond liner is made of on the packaging as one it bonds to. Some of these sealants take up to a week to fully cure, so be prepared to wait.

Step 8: Once everything is set and cured, fill your pond back up.

You should now have a pond liner repair that will last for years.

For more how-to articles, pond maintenance tips, and great info on just about everything related to ponds, check out our Water Gardens & Backyard Ponds blog.