Hello,we have a 2 acre farm pond that was built in 1972,the top of the overflow pipe is rusting,it has about a 6 inch tear at the top so the pond will not fill completely up.It is spring feed,I was wanting feedback on repairing it or would it be better to try drain the pond and replace the pipe.
Thanks

Can you not lower the pond just enough to weld the tear.

Farmall,

It's not clear from your message whether you have a horizontal pipe or a vertical drop structure. However, based on the pond size, I assume it is a straight tube through the dam.

If it is a corrugated galvinized pipe, you should be able to buy a coupler section. This is a two piece section of galvinized that is just a bit bigger than the pipe diameter. Each section is a half circle, and there are bolts and clamping straps that are placed on it to hold the two sections together. If you dig back a ways into the bank, you can put this coupler on the end to make a "new" end. You might get an old tire intertube and wrap around the culvert before you put the coupler on. This will help create a better seal.

If you have a straight steel pipe, you might also get the corrugated coupler to work, but may need to use multiple layers of the rubber intertube.

Hey

The pipe is a vertical galvanized 12 inch pipe that the water overflows into
and then goes down the pipe and turns under the dam. There use to be a metal
rod sticking up out of the water beside the galvanized pipe to drain the pond
or lower the water level. But is not there anymore I assume due to rust. So I
don't know the best way to repair this or if I should drain the pond and replace
all the piping. Just looking for suggestions.

Thanks

farmall:

Is the pipe that's under the water in better shape? (i.e. less rusted?) If it is, I'd lower the water, cut the pipe off back to the stronger stuff, bolt a collar on it with a new top piece (extension) and fill the pond back up.

If the rod that's broke off is broken due to rust as well, and the valve won't work, then you might be forced to drain/dig/replace. If the rod is broken off, but the valve will still work, you might be able to splice on an extension rod as well.

I'd agree with esshup. Take a look at the rest of the pipe, and if the other sections look good, you should just be able to bolt on a splicing collar. I don't think that's what they are actually called, but if you call a pipe supply store and describe that what you want to do, they should be able to identify the part you need.

Thanks guys I'll try that .