Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Beaver Problem/Syphon Drain

I have a 2 acre pond in Georgia near a stream and I have historically had beaver problems for the past 20 years. They have had a lodge in multiple places on my pond. I have trapped and shot over 20 of them over a long period of time. It's a constant nuisance. They currently continue to dam up the drain. The drain is a 6 inch galvanized (I presume) pipe that goes straight down at the edge of the dam about 12 ft and turns 90 degrees to empty below the pond. The drain is in decent shape but the pond was built in the early 60s. I've used a go pro taped to a pole to evaluate the drain. I am concerned with the age of the drain and the constant attempts of the beaver to clog and dam this drain. I am considering putting in a 4" or 6" syphon drain that the beavers wouldn't be able to plug. I would assume I would fill the old drain with concrete or something else?? Any thoughts on making this modification? I've used a 2" temporary syphon to draw down the pond which made me think a permanent syphon would be better than the aging drain loved by the beavers! Thanks in advance and Merry Christmas.

I'm a subscriber but I don't know why.

I do not have any experience with siphon drains or plugging old metal drains, but I wish you happy holidays!

I am no expert, but I think siphon drains are usually considered an upgrade over the vertical stand pipes. So worst case you get an upgraded system that will draw anoxic water off the bottom of the pond rather than drawing highly oxygenated water off the top. I have no idea if the beavers would still try to plug a siphon. Seems like I've seen/read folks fill those old stand pipes with concrete, but I can't remember for sure and I have no personal experience with that. I would think the very best answer is dig the pipe out, but maybe not 100% necessary. At least we get you a bump and maybe someone better will answer.

Put in the siphon drain, the beavers won't realize that it's a drain. Wait until the pond water is below the old drain, then pour in dry red bag concrete mix down the standpipe. It will harden by itself without mixing once water gets to it. It's used to set mailbox posts, etc.

Thank you so much for the advice!

Why plug the old stand pipe? It could serve as one extra bit of "emergency spillway".

Either set your siphon control level 1-2" below your standpipe level, or add a little ring to elevate your standpipe level. If it is not moving water, then the beaver should leave it alone.

If it continues to cause problems, then you can always plug it later.

Hi Fishing Rod. I wanted to close it because of it's age (built in 60s) and the constant beaver activity with the drain. Thanks!

You could add a stand pipe on the outside on the existing drain pipe. Even a few feet up and the beavers couldn't dam it.