How to Fix a Leaky Fountain
- Find the leak. Not to worry. Fixing a leak in a fountain is just as easy as fixing a leak in any other water feature.
- Fix the crack. Fixing a crack in concrete is not a big deal. With a few simple tools, you can have a simple repair done in a couple of hours.
- Waterproof the fountain. To make things uniform, coat each tier and any areas that will be submerged by water. Once complete check, for leaks and touch up as necessary.
How do you fix a leak in a fountain?
Check the fountain over and see if you can locate the leak. If you can't see it, let the water sit for about seven days. Any cracks will show up as a white area on the base. If your fountain is made of either stone or fiberglass, you can fix this with clear silicone like the kind used to repair cracks in an aquarium.
How do I know if my water fountain is leaking?
A leak in your water fountain is also a bad because it wastes water and requires that it be replaced. Check the fountain over and see if you can locate the leak. If you can't see it, let the water sit for about seven days. Any cracks will show up as a white area on the base.
Can a fountain be repaired?
You can also repair resin, fiberglass or plastic-type fountains with the correct sealers. Examine the fountain carefully to determine if it is a fiberglass, resin-cast fountain, plastic or concrete.
How do you fill cracks in a fountain?
1 Put on your safety gear after cleaning the inside of the fountain. ... 2 Apply a primer coat to the inside of the fountain for large fountains or ponds. You can skip this step on smaller fountains or ponds. 3 Let the primer dry before applying a liquid or caulk-like crack filler to all cracks. ... More items...
What do you use to seal a water fountain?
Apply spray concrete or terra cotta sealer to the inside and outside surface of the fountain reservoir. You can do this by spraying, or you can use a paintbrush.
How do I stop my fountain water from leaking?
Sealants will make your fountain airtight, filling in all holes and cracks. You can use a sealant on the entire fountain, or you can just use a leak sealant on the offending spot. It's up to you. If the crack runs deeper, then the solution is a little bit harder than just spraying it with sealant.
How do you fix a leaking stone fountain?
Mix a batch of quick-patch epoxy, using a 1-inch-wide plastic putty knife. Use the putty knife to apply the epoxy into a crack in the bowl. Alternatively, install a tube of the 2-part epoxy in a caulking gun and fill a crack at the mortar. Allow the epoxy to cure until it's dry to the touch.
How do you seal a leaking concrete fountain?
Concrete must be clean and free of previous sealers and paints. The birdbath and fountain must be completely dry before sealing. Fill in any cracks with a concrete crack filler where water may be leaking through. Use a penetrating concrete sealer or durable concrete coating to seal the birdbath and fountain.
What causes fountain to leak?
Q: Why is my fountain leaking? A: This is typically caused by over-filling the wall fountain. Most wall fountains have a tray inside the water basin that holds water. If water gets outside this tray or if the tray is overfilled it may leak out the bottom making it appear that the fountain is leaking.
Why is my fountain leaking?
Check and clean the inlet valve and suction lines, if necessary. Check the water supply – A leak in the seal or the suction lines can cause water to seep, which may slow down your fountain to a trickle. A leak can cause water pressure to fall. If this is the case, call a professional water fountain repair service.
Is Flex Seal good for fountains?
Since Flex Seal is waterproof, protects surfaces from corrosion and comes in a variety of vibrant colors we knew it would be the perfect match for our tabletop fountain!
How do you repair a crack in a concrete water fountain?
0:352:41Concrete Fountain Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipConcrete is a porous material. The bonding agent will enhance the bonding strength of the repair byMoreConcrete is a porous material. The bonding agent will enhance the bonding strength of the repair by penetrating the pores in the concrete.
How do you fix an outdoor fountain?
4:016:52How to repair a water fountains low flow - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI could fill around it with putty. But what I did with the flow that comes out of the pump it'sMoreI could fill around it with putty. But what I did with the flow that comes out of the pump it's gonna fill the gap here basically fill that little cavity inside the tip there.
How long do concrete fountains last?
And even if it is covered, they aren't likely to last more than probably 5-8 years, as over time tarps or covers tend to get holes or sweat on the underside – and those droplets of moisture start the damage process as it infiltrates the stone and freezes over winter.)
How do you seal a leaking concrete pond?
2:506:31Burke's Backyard, Fixing a Leaking Pond - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere's a number of quite big holes and to plug them we're going to use a thing called max plug.MoreThere's a number of quite big holes and to plug them we're going to use a thing called max plug. This is what's known as a hydraulic cement. So you make it up sort of like putty.
How to make a resin repair?
1. Pour the resin or liquid plastic material into one cup, and pour the catalyst into another as the amounts needed for the repair job. Only create small batches at a time, as once you combine the resin or plastic with the catalyst, you must work quickly to avoid the material hardening in the cup.
What to wear to avoid concrete dust?
Wear goggles and a dust mask to avoid getting concrete dust in your eyes and lungs. Writer Bio. As a native Californian, artist, journalist and published author, Laurie Brenner began writing professionally in 1975. She has written for newspapers, magazines, online publications and sites.
Can you use epoxy to fill cracks in concrete?
If you are using an epoxy sealant, mix only the amount needed to completely fill the crack, otherwise it will harden and go to waste. For cracks that go all the way through concrete, use an two-part injection product that requires mixing as in Step 1 and 2 of the previous section.
Can you use caulk to fill cracks?
Verify the material fills up the crack fully. Some liquid crack fillers can be applied using a caulking gun, while others may be applied directly from the bottle.
Can you use epoxy to repair a concrete fountain?
For example, you can use a concrete patch or epoxy material to repair a concrete fountain, but for a resin, fiberglass or plastic fountain, you'll need a liquid plastic or resin-type sealant to make the repair.
Why is my water fountain leaking?
A leak in your water fountain is also a bad because it wastes water and requires that it be replaced. Check the fountain over and see if you can locate the leak. If you can't see it, let the water sit for about seven days. Any cracks will show up as a white area on the base.
Why is my water fountain worthless?
Without a working water pump, your outdoor water fountains will be worthless because no water can be pushed through the system. If your water pump stops working or runs slowly, the filter probably needs to be cleaned.
What is the best material to use for a water fountain?
Resin and fiberglass cloth. Water proof sealant. Mortar, quick drying concrete or cement. Outdoor water fountains are a beautiful and artistic addition to your yard. You want them to maintain their beauty, and be in good repair. Therefore, maintenance and repair are important factors to consider for your water fountain.
Can you repair a broken water fountain?
If your outdoor water fountains are made of a resin material, you can still repair a crack or broken part fairly easily. All you have to do is use a mixture of resin and fiberglass cloth like you can find in a boat supply store.
What does a decorative fountain do?
Home Cleaning. By Brian Barth. With the sound of falling water and the sparkle of reflected sunlight, decorative fountains can add sense of grace to the landscape. They may exude tranquility when functioning properly, but as with any water-holding vessel, a leak leaves a sinking feeling as the water drains away.
How to get water out of plastic?
Dry the area with a towel and use a hair dryer to evaporate any water that may be between the cracked pieces of plastic. If it is possible to access the other side of the plastic surface, dry it from this side as well.
Do aquarium stores carry sealants?
Most hardware stores carry an appropriate product, but marine shops, aquarium stores and pond suppliers also carry underwater plastic sealants. Apply the product only while temperatures are within the range indicated on the label.
What is a concrete fountain?
A concrete fountain is a water feature that can do a lot for the look and atmosphere of your backyard, but that doesn’t mean they’re always perfect. Sometimes, even the best looking fountains can have cracks that affect water flow.
Can a broken fountain be repaired?
A cracked and broken fountain does no good for anyone, so it’s a good idea to repair, waterproof, and protect your fountain with a concrete leak sealer to keep it working its best.
How long does a cement fountain last?
A cement fountain is made to last for decades with proper maintenance, but even the best maintained fountains can develop issues that require repair. There are two main areas of repair with a cement fountain: the pump and the stone.
How to repair broken stone?
Repair broken stone using a quick patch epoxy. Quick patch epoxy is a two-part adhesive that when mixed forms a quick-binding material that immediately binds the stone pieces and cures in 24 hours. Mix the epoxy and spread a layer on both pieces of the broken stone using a putty knife. Firmly place the stone pieces together and hold for at least two minutes to allow the pieces to set. Wipe away excess epoxy on the surface of the fountain using a cloth. Allow the epoxy to cure.
How to repair cracks in cement?
Repair small cracks and chips in the cement by filling the areas with a quick-setting anchoring cement. Mix the cement to a pastelike consistency and completely fill the cracks and chips with the cement using a small garden trowel. Allow the cement to set for 15 minutes.
How to repair pitted surface?
Repair larger holes or restore a pitted surface using the quick set cement. Mix the cement and fill the holes with it, shaping the top of the patch. To smooth the patch's surface, mix a second, smaller batch of cement to the consistency of paint, and apply a layer of the thinned mix to the surface of the patch using a paint brush.
Can you fix a fountain yourself?
Most issues short of replacement of the fountain you can fix yourself, and due to the robust nature of the materials used to create the fountain, these fixes are generally inexpensive and quick, accomplished with supplies found at any home improvement store. Advertisement.
What to do if your fountain is leaking?
If your fountain is definitely leaking, but you can’t find the crack, check the pump and tube. They might be attached incorrectly or it could be defective. Water pumps can be deceptively simple-looking, so double and triple-check your fountain manual to make sure it’s all attached correctly.
How to stop water from losing in fountain?
The solution is easy; cut back the plants. Pull the weeds out from around the cracks of your fountain, and prune back the plants that you want to keep. Just make sure that the leafy greens aren’t in contact with the water in any way, and your fountain should stop losing water so quickly.
How to check for cracks in concrete fountain?
Another way to check for cracks is by letting the fountain stand for a week (again, with the pump and nozzle off ), and dry cracks will be easier to see, sometimes turning white on concrete fountains.
Why does my fountain lose water?
Fountains lose water for many reasons, the worst of which is a crack deep in the fountain’s foundation. However, many other causes are more common, such as plant overgrowth, small leaks, weather, and mistakes made in the fountain’s design. Many of these problems can be fixed easily.
What is it called when a fountain sprays water out of range?
When a fountain sprays water out of range of its pool, it’s called overspray. Another variation of overspray is when a fountain shoots the water straight up, but when the water hits the surface again, it causes a splash that sends water out of the fountain. Both of these issues are common problems, and they have a pretty simple solution.
How to keep water from wasting?
The best way to keep from wasting water is to notice where the water line is on your fountain and refrain from filling above that line. Otherwise, you might keep refilling it, only for it all to spill out, and it will start to look more like a waterfall than a fountain.
Why is my fountain draining so quickly?
Every fountain is different, and every yard is different, but chances are, you likely have plants growing up and around your fountain. Plants need water , just like everything else, so if any vegetation is growing on or around your fountain, they’re probably the reason the water is draining so quickly.
