Pond Boss
Posted By: jsg712 Pond Repair Northern Virginia - 04/07/15 06:24 PM
I recently found that my one acre pond sprouted a leak in the dam. I would greatly appreciate any recommendations on who I can contact in the Northern Virginia area to come out to assess the problem and ultimately make the necessary repairs.
Posted By: Pat Williamson Re: Pond Repair Northern Virginia - 04/08/15 12:19 AM
Jsg712
Welcome to Pond Boss forum
Someone near you will be along to help , untill then give some details about the leaks location , soil type, how old is pond.... Stuff they will need to know before they can answer again Welcome


Pat
Posted By: Bill D. Re: Pond Repair Northern Virginia - 04/08/15 01:11 AM
Hey Jsg712,

Welcome to PBF! I can't help on the leaky pond question cause my puddle is a water table pond and leaks by nature! grin

One of the experts will be a long I am sure to guide you to a pond man in yer area. You can always ask a nearby fish farm for a recommendation. Around here, they seem to have a list of contractors they can give you.

Again....Welcome!

Bill D.
Posted By: catmandoo Re: Pond Repair Northern Virginia - 04/08/15 01:25 AM
I'm about 15-20 miles west of Winchester off US-50. I am in Winchester a few days a week.

I don't do repairs. I know a little bit about ponds and dams. I've built and repaired a few ponds between here and Nokesville, VA. I also know a few dirt movers.

If you are in western Loudoun, Clarke, Frederick, Warren, or Shenandoah counties, I may be able to assist, or at least assess your problem. However, I'm highly allergic to the area anywhere from about 15-20 miles west of the Route 28 and 15 corridors, and all that is east of it.

If you are hesitant to post where you are, send me a PM with your approximate location.

Also -- welcome to Pond Boss.

Ken

Edit: P.S. I'm not soliciting. I don't charge. I'm retired.


Posted By: Pat Williamson Re: Pond Repair Northern Virginia - 04/08/15 03:02 AM
Cat
What did you do that you are allergic to that area? LOL I bet it's a doozy



Pat
Posted By: catmandoo Re: Pond Repair Northern Virginia - 04/08/15 03:12 AM
Originally Posted By: Pat Williamson
Cat
What did you do that you are allergic to that area? LOL I bet it's a doozy
Pat


It is like driving in New York City, Boston, LA, Philadelphia ...

It is far more intense than other big city areas like calm and polite Dallas/FW at rush hour during an ice storm. eek
Posted By: Pat Williamson Re: Pond Repair Northern Virginia - 04/08/15 03:22 AM
Dangit was hoping for some good stuff
Posted By: Mike Otto Re: Pond Repair Northern Virginia - 04/08/15 11:16 AM
Welcome aboard It hard to beat GOOD free advice When catmandoo talks you listen, As far as I know there is no other place on the planet that a guy will offer to help a new friend. This is great
Posted By: jsg712 Re: Pond Repair Northern Virginia - 04/08/15 01:28 PM
Thanks for the quick replies. I am located in Haymarket, VA about 5 miles north of the Rt 15 (Haymarket) exit on I66. Located on the west side of Rt15 at the base of Bull Run Mountain.

We purchased our home about 3 years ago. I believe the previous owner had the pond build about 10 years ago. The soil is clay and doesn't perk very well which is why we have an alternative septic system. A part of the property is actually located in a 100 year flood plain.

I noticed the leak last Saturday. The leak was at the bottom of the dam. It was a rather steady stream of water exiting from a hole. I dug around the hole to try and determine the cause and source of the leak. I tried plugging the hole with clay from the dam but it seemed that the water always found another way to exit either through seeping or through a stream of water. I also put on my waders and entered the pond to see if I could stomp/compact the clay bottom to fill in any hole(s) that might exist. The bottom was extremely soft and difficult to walk on. I also compressed the clay around the shoreline to close any grayfish holes since it seems we are a lot of grayfish who have become very active since spring has finally arrived. The leak has slowed somewhat but is still providing a steady stream of water. I don't believe the dam is in any immediate danger but the leak certainly needs to be fixed.

The pond was frozen for an extended period of time this winter which may have caused some soil shifting.

The pond doesn't have a drain valve so I'm told that it will costs $5K to have someone drain the pond. Obviously my first hope is that I don't have to drain the pond. In searching the internet I found a product called PondSeal that apparently has pretty good reviews and can be used without draining the pond. The leak hasn't caused the pond to recede at this point; but this is probably because the springs that feed the pond are pretty active at this time of the year.

Thanks in advance for any help and/or guidance.
Posted By: catmandoo Re: Pond Repair Northern Virginia - 04/08/15 01:54 PM
I can do Bull Run Mountain. I know the area well. The good thing for ponds in this whole area is that a lot of areas dont perc -- bad for new home builders.

$5000 to drain the pond in pretty extreme. You can rent or buy a high volume trash pump for a small fracton of that.

Right now may be a difficult time to keep the pond level low enough to work the area causing the leak. My ponds are several inches above full pool, as the ground remains close to saturated. They are flowing pretty well. The repairs must be done from inside the pond. It could be as simple as having muskrats or crawfish living inside the dam.

I should be able to visit in the next 30 days. You can PM me with your approximate schedule and I'll see what we can do.

Ken

Edit. Mike Otto, who posted above, literally wrote the book on building and repairing ponds. He recently wrote an excellent pond construction/maintenance/repair book called "Just Add Water". Besides having incredibly great info, I keep my copy on the coffee table for guests to look at because of all the fantastic photos. The book is available here through the website.
© Pond Boss Forum