Outdoor water fountains come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials so you can tailor them to your yard or garden. Over the years, the weather and other forces can make these fountains to crack or chip. Most cracks in flats can be repaired, provided you catch them before they become serious. The specific material used to repair a cracked fountain is dependent on what it is made of — epoxy-based patching materials usually work best for concrete fountains, while metal or fiberglass fountains can be repaired with waterproof silicone or comparable fillers.
Switch off the fountain’s pump and drain all of the water from the fountain. Catch the fountain to sit empty for around a week until both the fountain and the interior of the crack are dry.
Identify all of the cracks that need repair. Small cracks might not be observable when the fountain is moist, but once it has dried they will likely be easier to find. If the fountain is constructed of concrete, small cracks will appear white once dry.
Clean the cracks with a stiff-bristled brush to remove debris and dirt that could be trapped inside. Dirt left at the cracks could prevent the sealant you are using from bonding with the fountain.
Open the cracks marginally with a chisel or other instrument if necessary to permit enough room for sealant to penetrate. Don’t apply excessive force when opening the cracks, because that can cause extra damage. Brush the cracks to remove debris once you’ve completed opening the cracks.
Ready the sealant material. If you are using an epoxy-based binder chemical, mix the sealant components so they can start to cure. If you’ve chosen a silicone-based wax, mount the sealant tubing in a caulking gun.
Use the sealant, making sure it fills the cracks completely. Use a putty knife or similar instrument, if needed, to assist the flux penetrate the cracks and also ensure that every crack is covered.
Allow the sealant enough time to dry fully. Sand the sealant, if needed, to make an even surface within the fountain. Apply waterproofing concrete wax or wax if desired.
Refill the fountain and then turn the pump back on. Monitor the fountain to see if new leaks seem; this might indicate extra cracks that need to be filled or a leak in the pump or fountain plumbing.