Locating a Pond Liner Leak

• 1
  Remove living things from the pond before trying to fix a leak.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Remove any plants or fish and store them safely elsewhere. Remove rocks or any other materials that cover the liner and may obstruct a search for the leak.
  
  
• 2
  Milk will show up against a dark pond liner.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  If your pond is losing water rapidly but you cannot locate the leak, slowly pour milk or lightweight sand into the pond and watch for the leak to draw it through the water.
  
  
• 3
  It is difficult to find a leak in a large pond.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  If the leak doesn't pull the sand or milk toward it, turn off the pond pump. The water will stop draining when it reaches the level of the leak.
  
  
• 4
  Vacuum up any loose material.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  If the pond drains completely and you cannot find a leak, use a wet/dry vacuum to remove all water and organic material. Rinse, and vacuum again. Let the pond liner dry completely.
  
  
• 5
  Your garden hose becomes a detecting tool.Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  When the liner is completely dry, run a garden hose beneath the liner. Run the water until it comes up through the hole in the liner.
  
  

Fixing the Leak

• 1
  Pond liners are tough, but be careful not to make the leak bigger.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Scrub the area for several inches around the leak with a bristle brush, removing all non-liner material. Allow the liner to dry completely.
  
  
• 2
  A puncture can cause a dimple in the liner.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Determine what kind of leak you have -- whether it's a puncture, worn or deteriorated liner material, or a rip or tear.
  
  
• 3
  Use sharp scissors to cut cleanly through the liner.Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images
  
  If you have a puncture, or the liner is worn around the hole, trim any distorted or deteriorated material until you have a smooth, strong surface with which to work. Cut the patch material slightly bigger than the hole.
  
  
• 4
  Follow the safety instructions on any chemicals you use.George Doyle/Stockbyte/Getty Images
  
  Apply the sheeting cement and allow it to dry per the directions on the container.
  
  
• 5
  A paint roller can apply pressure more evenly.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Apply the patch, pressing firmly with your hands or with the paint roller to avoid creases or wrinkles. Allow the repair to dry per the cement directions, and then refill your pond.