DIAGNOSING A LEAK IN A WATER FEATURE

NOTE 1: Before performing any work on or around the water feature, be sure to educate yourself about all equipment used and take all necessary safety precautions when near the water's edge, any electrical or plumbing components, or systems. If you are unsure about or are unable to perform the following instructions, stop immediately and contact PondWorks.

PROCEDURE:

1. Turn off all pump equipment by either pulling plugs from outlets or using switches, depending on your installation.
2. Fill water feature to its normal level and make a clear visible mark somewhere at the waterline to compare against as time passes.
3. Let the water feature sit approximately 12 hours, or overnight (with no rainfall).
   1. Result #1: If water level has dropped it means there is a problem with the liner / concrete (i.e. tear, puncture, hole, or crack.).
      1. Continue to let the water feature sit until it stops dropping. Once the water level has stabilized this will indicate the depth at which the problem lies.
      2. The problem area needs to be further pinpointed and repaired by a trained technician; call PondWorks for assistance.
   2. Result #2: If the water level remained the same then the problem lies within the circulation system, or a waterfall(s) (when installed).
      1. If a waterfall is installed, by-pass the waterfall with a temporary line.
         1. Bypass the waterfall by temporarily re-routing the waterfall supply line(s) so water goes directly into the water feature, not down the waterfall.
         2. This will eliminate the waterfall and test to see if the existing plumbing and filtration are functioning correctly.
         3. If water feature maintains water level with the waterfall(s) bypassed, then the problem lies within the waterfall. The waterfall needs to be disassembled until it is determined precisely where the water leak is occurring and then reassembled ensuring there is no future water loss.
      2. If water feature level drops without a waterfall running then the problem lies within the plumbing or filtration equipment system.
         1. Make sure all filtration equipment connections are tight and not leaking.
         2. Expose all buried plumbing and start water feature up to find leak. Repair piping as required.
4. Once repairs have been made start water feature up and let run to make sure water level is holding.