mystery holes in the liner

[Dorset Pond Man]

My 16 year old Butyl liner has developed small roundholes and is leaking as a result, any idea what might have caused them?

 

[Mmathis]

Hello and welcome!

Please tell us some more about your pond and your set-up. Post pictures, too, as that might help us understand better what’s going on. Basically, the more information you can provide, the better. Could you have animals that are getting into the pond — either gnawing on or scratching the liner?

 

[Dorset Pond Man]

The holes are perfectly round with no scratch marks - see photo

 

[j.w]

@Dorset Pond Man We can't see any photos. I think it takes awhile after you first join to be allowed photos maybe?

 

[Dorset Pond Man]

It shows under "Media" is this the correct Location?

 

[j.w]

Ok I found it by going to media. How thick is that liner? Almost looks like a bug chewed a hole in it. I've heard of leaf cutter bugs but sure didn't think they could cut through a liner! No idea what could do this.

 

[Mmathis]

Are the holes everywhere or just in certain spots? Like, are they closer to the top edge, or do they go to all depths?

 

[j.w]

Here is a photo of the holes he is talking about. I took it from the media section here on the forum where he put it.

 

[Mmathis]

@j.w Thanks! Yeah, after I read what you wrote, I found it, too.

 

[Dorset Pond Man]

The holes are all round the liner above the water line

 

[j.w]

Did you mean they are all around the liner and above the water line or just above the water line?

 

[Dorset Pond Man]

The holes are all around the liner located between the waterline and ground level

 

[j.w]

Looks like some kind of chewing bug or critter. How thick did you say it was? If not very thick you made need to replace it w/ something much thicker to stop it.

 

[Mmathis]

@Dorset Pond Man Have you had rocks piled on top of or under the liner? And was an underlayment used when the liner was installed? If not something chewing it, it almost looks like worn spots.

What about birds (herons or something pecking?) or even critters digging from underneath the pond and liner. @sissy I believe had critters damage her liner from underneath.

And another thought, do you know the warranty info on the liner? If the liner is 16 years old, maybe it’s at the end of its useful life-span. Did you install the liner yourself, or was it already in place when you acquired the property? Maybe it’s older than you think. Just a wild thought....

 

[Mmathis]

@Becky Could you move this one to a different topic, as well — maybe “equipment”? Might help the OP get more views.