Repairing a damaged liner using mastic tape

Can I repair my damaged pond liner without having to replace it?

Mastic tape is ideal for patching damaged flexible rubber pond liners. To repair the liner, you may need to drain your pond first if the damage is near the bottom of your pond. If it is to the side of your pond, then you will just need to drain the water down to where the tear to the pond liner becomes visible.

When repairing a Butyl or Epalyn rubber liner, clean the liner with a rubber pad and clean water. Let the area dry before applying the repair material. It is not advisable to use a solvent or gasoline to clean the liner. Mastic tape (a double-sided tape) is used with off cuts of flexible pond liners to repair holes and slits creating a watertight bond.

Steps to repairing a small tear

  1. Clean the area: Dry the liner and clean it with a cloth to remove algae and dirt.
  2. Cut the patch: Make sure the patch is at least 5 cm larger than the tear on all sides.
  3. Apply primer and adhesive: If using a repair kit, follow the instructions—most require applying adhesive to both the patch and the liner.
  4. Press firmly: Smooth out air bubbles and let it cure for the recommended time.

The use of mastic tape for repairs

Here are reasons why mastic tape is a good option for repairs to small to medium size tears:

  • Strong adhesion – Bonds well to rubber, even in damp conditions.
  • Flexible and waterproof – Expands and contracts with temperature changes.
  • Easy to apply – No need for special tools or primers.
  • Works underwater – Some pond-specific mastic tapes can be applied without draining the pond.

Mastic tape is not suitable for repairs to PVC liners. For this type of liner, we suggest either keeping, or getting hold of offcuts of PVC liner and use with PVC patching glue or household adhesive, to repair a damaged PVC pond liner.

Exposed pond liner needing repair. Mastic tape is a good way to repair a liner

 

To repair a damaged rubber pond liner place an order for repair materials or for repair strips.

Refer to our Pond Liners Online Blog on repairing a PVC pond liner

The repair to a pond liner may seem an easy task, but prevention is always a far easier option. To protect you pond liner from damage we always recommend installing above protective underlay. This will protect it from any sharp stones or gravel being pushed into the liner due to ground movement.