water leaks behind waterfall

by Laura
(Chilliwack, BC)

We purchased a home with a waterfall and pond feature on patio. However, the waterfall was constructed without a liner behind it and the water leaks in behind the rocks. ( large rocks were used). How can we seal it up or do we have to remove the rocks and put a liner behind? The water to the fall is circulated by pump from the lower pond to a small pond on top. Thanks for your help.

Doug says - tricky problem. Most waterfalls are built by laying a liner down, then installing the rocks with a layer of "pond foam" as a sealer to stop water from going behind the rocks. If you use the sealer now, it will be visible and ugly. And honestly, it's going to be really tricky to do it to get all the cracks sealed up no matter what size of foam applicator nozzle you use. When we build one, the foam is laid down around the tops and sides of the rocks to force the water out from behind the rocks - make it go towards the front.

If this were mine, I'd be pulling it apart - laying in a liner and sealing properly. Otherwise you'll be swearing at it for years to come as it constantly requires work. Do all the work at once and sit back and enjoy it for years to come. (A hard choice but as far as I can see - that's the honest answer)

So sorry I don't have a quick fix - you got saddled with a poorly constructed waterfall.