Leaking pond

[Rita]

We have been told that rather than use Bentonite to solve the problem of a leaky pond to use cement. Has anyone heard of this or actually tried it? Do you think the dry cement could just be poured/spread on the edge of the pond or do you think it should be sort of mixed in with the mud at the edge?

[dheat]

I have no experience with this, but I read somewhere (here?) of people using :1pig::1pig::1pig: to successfully seal ponds. It was never clear to me, however, whether it's the pressure from the pigs' feet or their manure or both that does the sealing. Google it.

[Windy in Kansas]

I've not heard of it but then again I don't have a pond nor keep track of such information.

My question would be your intentions for the pond, i.e. will the cement harm anything that is currently in the pond or will be in the pond in the near future?

Sometimes mud turtles working in a pond will seal it off. Have mud turtles?

[TSYORK]

Had a leak at a friends pond one time. The leak was on the dam side. We put a few bags of quickrete near the leak and it sealed it right up.

[Common Tator]

If I understand the theory on pigs, Joel Salatin of Polyface Farms will fence around a leaky pond, and put pigs in there. They are natural rooters, and will naturally root up the shallows and the rooting action and mud it creates will seal the leaks. I remember reading about it in one of his books, but I can't remember which one.

[fantasymaker]

Your not real clear about your situation. Do you need to conserve every drop? Does the pond leak from a sandy or crevice filled rock bottom?

Cement is good for a few small cracks in a hardsurface like rock. Bentinite is better for a generally leaky bottom such as a soil that doesnt have enough clay.

Hogs seal by working up the mud and compacting the lower levels. they work well with bentonite

[Rita]

We aren't sure where it is leaking. It never has completely dried up even during our three years of drought so I don't think it is the bottom that is a problem. Pigs are not an option. Just heard that cement was better than Bentonite but didn't get directions of how to apply it. Just to pour it at waterline or mix the cement with the mud at the waterline.

[Mallow]

I would head over to pondboss and see if you can get some more help on there.

http://www.pondboss.com/forums/ubbthreads.php

When researching what all was involved in developing my spring into a pong they were alot of help in what all was going to be required.

[airotciv]

Originally Posted by dheat

I have no experience with this, but I read somewhere (here?) of people using :1pig::1pig::1pig: to successfully seal ponds. It was never clear to me, however, whether it's the pressure from the pigs' feet or their manure or both that does the sealing. Google it.

:1pig::1pig::1pig: I told a friend about this method, read it here. He tried it and swears that it is the best way to seal a pond. Did cost him for the pigs, but they went in the freezer. Ok, one didn't, Lamb Chop. the 3 year old named it.

[ldc]

Yes Have heard of the Bentonite solution, but do not know anyone who has used it. ldc

[ronbre]

i'd never use cement..but bentonite, clay, pigs all work in certain situations..borrow a pig

[Miz Mary]

ducks will solve it ....the poo will fill the leak spot !

[How Do I]

My uncle used cement when his pond started leaking, but the leak returned and he eventually went with having a liner installed. I'd personally go with the bentonite (and pigs if you can get away with).