ML :

I agree this has been a good discussion. Options and info are good . So are different points of view .

Upon reflection I think a warning is due. Working with equipment { tractors , backhoes. and dozers } on inclined surfaces can be very dangerous. If the surface is wet or weak it is even more dangerous . If you have a dam that has water running out of a hole or breach be careful. It is better to pay for professional help than to be injured or killed . You can rebuild a dam and start over.

From my point of view there are two types of leaking pond problems. First where the dam is obviously leaking running water. Like a hole in the dam. The second where the pond bottom is leaking under or around the dam or there is minor sepage through the dam. Like a sand being to close to the surface of the pond bottom or there is a less than perfect seal on the dam. It was the second type of problem that I was addressing.

I like your list.

Number 1 is the best but often the hardest to get and only applies for a short period of time and if it is the contractors fault. I have never seen or heard of a written warranty against pond leakage. If it is an obvious defect in the dam maybe. Unless the builder just wants to protect his reputation good luck collecting. Not a high confidence level , if he could not do it right the first time why should I trust that he can fix it.

Number 2 is limited as noted above.

Number 3 I think has limited application. It involves working on the back side of the dam. It requires the owner to know what and where the problem is. I read your post when you did the work. Most pond owners could not do what you did and it can be dangerous for them if they don't know what they are doing. I have had very little success getting an operator to move in heavy equipment for a small {$500} job. If you can find one it turns into a $2500 job when the problem is not what they thought or the equipment gets stuck , if they find another problem it esclates further.

Number 4 is like number 2 but costs much more. This service is like what was dicussed in no. 2 the difference is you do the work and by the material.I would put the cost of 2 at $200 not $20. 4 involves pumping a solution of or broadcasting bentonite into the pond. I think nos. 2 and 4 work at a higher rate , say 70%. I think east of the Texas/La. line we see less pond leakage on a large scale. There may be more clay in the dirt in the eastern US.

Number 5 no comment except no one likes to lose their fish and the time to replace them.

Thanks for taking the time to make the list. It should help those in need. ewest