Pond leak help

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Hello. I have about an 1200 gallon pond I just finished in my backyard. I am losing water when my waterfall is running. If I turn off the pump and falls it doesn’t leak. I have tried to seal the screw holes again. Looked at the tube running from the pump to the falls. I cannot think of where I could be losing water. Any suggestions of what to do or try?
 
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Waterfalls are a common area for water leaks. Can you post some pictures of your set up, it might help us better help you.
 

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Probably a low edge in your liner. Turn on the falls and look for wet spots along the edge. Could also be splashing.

How does the falls interface with the pond? Single liner for pond and falls or separate liners? That is also a common spot for leaks if separate liners.
 
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Pictures pictures and more pictures
 
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When you turn off the falls, does the water level return to normal in the pond? Or do you have to top it off?
 
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Waterfalls are a common area for water leaks. Can you post some pictures of your set up, it might help us better help you.
Thanks. I will get some pictures tomorrow. I tried to really get in to it the other day and looked all over. I noticed that I was missing a screw and there was an open hole. I thought FINALLY I had figured it out. Filled it with sealant but it appears to still be leaking. Thank you and I will post pictures tomorrow.
 
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When you turn off the falls, does the water level return to normal in the pond? Or do you have to top it off?
So the falls does empty back in to the pond through the pump. It takes it a little while but eventually drains out
 
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When you turn off the falls, does the water level return to normal in the pond? Or do you have to top it off?
So the falls does empty back in to the pond through the pump. It takes it a little while but eventually drains o
Probably a low edge in your liner. Turn on the falls and look for wet spots along the edge. Could also be splashing.

How does the falls interface with the pond? Single liner for pond and falls or separate liners? That is also a common spot for leaks if separate liners.
it is all one liner. And I had plenty to spare so it’s high enough around the sides. I’m going to get some pictures and post them tomorrow. Thank you!
 
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50 PERCENT IS USUALY the sides of the waterfall area not wide enough to keep the water confined or splashing and getting outside the containment


if your face plate is missing a screw did you use a quality caulking when you applied the face plate?
 
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I'll ask again - when the waterfall is off and the water all flows back into the pond, do you still need to add water?

I know It seems elementary, but years ago we had a similar question. The poster thought the pond was leaking because the water level fell when the waterfall was on - however, when it was off the water level returned to normal. He wasn't taking into consideration the amount of water in transit. Every single new pond owner's first thought it "I think I have a leak!"

So it bears asking - how much water do you lose when the falls are running and does the water level return to a more normal level when the falls are off?

Also - where are you located that you were able to just finish a pond? What's the weather like?
 

addy1

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Welcome to the forum!

Leave the falls off, see if the pond itself drops without the falls running.
 
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These are the pictures you asked for. Hope this helps. Thanks.
 

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I'll ask again - when the waterfall is off and the water all flows back into the pond, do you still need to add water?

I know It seems elementary, but years ago we had a similar question. The poster thought the pond was leaking because the water level fell when the waterfall was on - however, when it was off the water level returned to normal. He wasn't taking into consideration the amount of water in transit. Every single new pond owner's first thought it "I think I have a leak!"

So it bears asking - how much water do you lose when the falls are running and does the water level return to a more normal level when the falls are off?

Also - where are you located that you were able to just finish a pond? What's the weather like?
Hello. I am in Alabama. It’s not 100% yet but able to be run.

To answer the other question- yes, the water does return to a certain level when the pump is turned off and the waterfall basin empties back in to the pond. However. The leak occurs while running the pond. I fill the pond up to the level mark on my skimmer. The pond runs constantly and after a couple days the water has dropped about an inch below that line. A few days later it’s dropped another inch. So I did turn the pond off and waited for the backfill and filled back to the line and waited a few days. No drop in water. Hope that makes sense. Thank you for any help. I did attach some pictures to my post. Can add more if needed.
 

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