It’s a frustrating sight: after heavy rainfall your dam finally fills, only to begin dropping again within days. Many landowners assume that rainfall will naturally fix dam leakage but often rain reveals leaks rather than repairing them. If your dam isn’t holding water after wet weather, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with a hidden leak that needs more than just rain to resolve. Fortunately, you can fix the problem quickly, safely & without draining the dam.
Why Dams Still Leak After Rain
Earth-based dams rely on compacted soil to hold water. Over time, soil can shift, crack, or become undermined by:
- Burrowing animals (like rabbits, wombats, or yabbies)
- Tree roots or vegetation disturbance
- Erosion or soil shrinkage during dry seasons
- Construction defects or lack of compaction
- Pressure from fluctuating water levels
When rain fills the dam, the water doesn’t simply sit still, it adds weight & pressure. If cracks, tunnels or porous zones exist, the new water is pushed directly into them. The leak worsens as more water forces its way into weak spots.
Why Waiting Won’t Help
After rain, many dam owners choose to wait & watch hoping the water will settle & stay. Unfortunately, this delay often results in:
- Lost water from the rainfall (which could’ve been stored)
- Exposed leak paths worsening with each storm
- Further erosion or wall weakening
- Wasted pumping or reticulation costs trying to top up the dam
The longer you wait, the more water & money you can lose.
Fast Fix: Seal Leaks While the Dam is Full
The best time to apply a polymer-based dam sealer is often after rain, while the dam is full or partially full. This allows the product to reach deep into cracks & leak zones with the help of water pressure.
Water$ave Dam Sealers are purpose-built for this kind of repair. They’re designed to be applied directly to the dam’s surface; no draining, no machinery, & no specialist equipment needed.
How Water$ave Works
- Broadcast Water$ave Dam Sealer over the surface of the dam (above the suspected leak).
- The granules float briefly, then begin to sink.
- Water pressure pulls them into cracks, voids, or porous zones.
- The polymer absorbs water & expands, creating a flexible gel plug that blocks the leak.
This sealing process mimics how clay liners work but it doesn’t require excavation or reshaping of the dam structure.
Which Product Do I Need?
There are two Water$ave Dam Sealers available. Your leak will determine which product is right for you.
Water$ave Plug
Best for:
- Fast leaks
- Leaks from the base of the dam
- Coarse or gravelly soil
- Visible signs of water escaping
Water$ave Seep
Best for:
- Slow leaks or wall seepage
- Fine or sandy soils
- Wet patches below the wall
- Water loss under 150mm per week
Both products are:
- Non-toxic
- Safe for livestock & wildlife
- Compliant with WorkSafe & GHS standards
- Available in 12kg & 18kg pails
When & How to Apply
Apply during calm weather, avoid high wind or rain events during application. Clear debris (leaves, reeds or weeds) from the dam surface to allow the product to move freely. Use a scoop or hand spreader for even coverage over the leak zone. Wait 7–10 days & monitor the water level. In many cases, a single application is enough. Some larger dams may need a second treatment for full effectiveness.
Why Choose Water$ave Dam Sealers Over Other Options?
- No draining required — perfect for full or partially full dams
- No heavy equipment — completely DIY
- No disruption to operations — stock & irrigation can resume once product settles
- No expensive liners — polymers work with your existing dam structure
Compared to bentonite clay, Water$ave Dam Sealers are faster-acting & more consistent in unpredictable soil types. Unlike plastic liners, there’s no risk of puncture, uplift or UV degradation.
Don’t Let the Next Rain Go to Waste
If your dam is leaking after rainfall, every passing day means more lost water & lost opportunity. With Water$ave Dam Sealers, you can seal leaks from within using the water already in your dam to activate the solution. Thousands of Australian landowners trust Water$ave Dam Sealers to keep their dams sealed, their water secure & their operations running smoothly; rain or shine.
Get Started
Contact Polymer Innovations for a free dam assessment, product advice or to order directly.
Visit: www.polymerinnovations.com.au
Call: +61 2 6571 5177
Rain filled your dam. Water$ave can help you keep it.
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