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.

 

[Becky]

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

Done

 

[guitarman023]

Do you have kids?

 

[Mmathis]

Do you have kids?

Good point!

 

[Dorset Pond Man]

Thanks for your suggestions
I do have daughters, aged in their late 30s , on this occasion I feel they are innocent!
The heron is a possibility - but he's a damn poor shot!
The liner is thick Butyl laid over pond matting (I am not sure what the correct name is but it is designed to provide extra padding to resist punctures).
Still a mystery

 

[sissy]

Moles did chew my liner in several spots and the holes were small also .I am guessing when water came out they would stop chewing and go to another spot .The moles were after grubs so when I replaced the liner I put lots of milky spore on the dirt and the used roofing paper I had left from the house build as a preliner and then used the stuff that you are supposed to put under the liner next .Milky spore kills the grubs that the moles chew on .I suspect it may have been mice also since i live in the country where field mice are bad .I also have seen large damp bugs that chew liners at a neighbors house .The bugs were huge and dark brownish red .