Whatever you use your water body for, whether that’s for livestock, irrigation, wildlife, or aesthetics, keeping the water intact is crucial. Not only is preserving the water great for saving water, but can also improve the health of the water and benefit the aquatic life living there as a result.
And if you’re relying on it for irrigation or firefighting, even a slow leak can be a real problem. You might also see water levels drop, plants drying out, fish getting stressed, or worse; your dam wall starting to erode.
EPDM liners are an excellent choice when it comes to supporting a leak-free dam or pond. They’re designed with such durability and flexibility that they’ll last a lifetime without compromising on quality.
Let’s explore EPDM in more detail, and understand why it’s such a popular choice.
What Is an EPDM Liner?
EPDM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, and it’s a type of synthetic rubber known for having excellent waterproof qualities. It stays flexible and strong, even in adverse temperatures like extreme heat or cold.
EPDM completely outlasts cheaper liners made from plastic or PVC, as these materials tend to crack or go brittle, as well as begin to break down in just a few years. EPDM stands strong, and holds its condition for as long as you need it.
We stock Rollgum EPDM liners, a popular, durable kind of liner that’s built for hard conditions. Manufactured in Spain, it’s quickly becoming one of the most popular choices for dams and ponds all over Australia.
What Are the Advantages of Using EPDM Liners?
So, why is EPDM so popular? What are the benefits of using it? In the following sections, we’ll find out.
Here are some reasons why EPDM are an excellent choice of liner for your water body:
Puncture Resistant: Keeping Water Where It Should Be
One factor to consider is that all water bodies that aren’t lined will leak; even just slowly over time. Despite being built well, there is always the risk of this. Whether disturbed by roots or burrowing animals, or if the soil is dry or sandy, water gradually seeps through it over time.
One of the main reasons for tears is sharp rocks; they can be detrimental. Roots and digging animals can also cause issues. That’s why opting for a thick liner that flexes when it needs to is vital.
EPDM liners are designed to withstand all kinds of conditions and have excellent durability that makes them a top choice for avoiding issues associated with leaks.
The reason for the EPDM’s excellent puncture resistance is:
- It can absorb impact without tearing
- It works to reduce the chance of root intrusion
- Resist abrasions from rocks and debris
For extra peace of mind, we always recommend laying it over a geotextile underlay to protect it from sharp objects underneath. Shop our options here.
And if a tear ever does happen (which is rare), we’ve got repair kits with sealant and tape you can use without draining your dam. Browse repair accessories here for excellent solutions in case of a tear.
UV and Weather Resistance For Long-Term Protection
One of the biggest reasons why liners fade in quality? Damage from the sun. UV rays and hot temperatures can cause liners to degrade over time. EPDM liners are designed to withstand weather conditions and are highly UV resistant.
Year after year, your pond keeps holding water. This is not because you’re constantly patching it, but because slow leaks are rare and reliability is built in.
Unlike other materials that break down from heat, ozone, or oxidation, this one stays tough and watertight. It can outlive you when installed right. That’s the strength of EPDM liners like Rollgum. Sunlight and high temperatures? No problem. It’s already made to handle it so there’s no need to bury it under sand or stones.
Flexible Material = Fewer Leaks
Flexibility is one of the main reasons why EPDM liners are so popular, as it’s highly necessary for a watertight pond. Rigid and brittle liners can easily crack under pressure and lose their quality. As a result, you’ll find yourself stuck with the challenging task of replacing it.
EPDM liners’ flexibility is unmatched and you can stretch and bend them as much as you need. No matter what shape your pond is, this liner can completely conform to its shape. No dam liner is easier to handle, and none flexes like this. With an incredible 400% stretch capacity, the Rollgum EPDM liner we stock stands out as the most flexible option available.
This flexibility is key to leak prevention because:
- It forms a snug and seamless fit against every contour of your pond, no matter the shape
- It lays flat without ridges, meaning seams between pieces can be bonded cleanly and tightly, drastically reducing potential leak points
- It adapts to ground movement and temperature changes without tearing or splitting
- It reduces stress points, especially in corners and around rocks, where other liners are prone to fail
And in the rare case something does go wrong like a tear or a seam that needs reinforcing, EPDM is very easy to patch up. The rubber bonds well to itself with a bit of sealant or splicing tape and a roller. No draining or fuss necessary!
Safe For the Environment and Aquatic Life
The best liners for water bodies are the ones that are free from chemicals that can affect aquatic life. EPDM liners are completely chemically inert and don’t leach/degrade, so you don’t need to worry about everything living in the water.
Some plastics release chemicals as they break down, and these chemicals end up back in the water where they disrupt the condition.
Instead of disrupting life, EPDM provides a safe, neutral foundation that supports it. It’s perfect for koi ponds, frog-friendly waterholes, or wildlife-friendly dams. It won’t harm fish, frogs, native species, aquatic plants, or even the beneficial bacteria that keep your water clean.
Stable Water Levels to Create a Healthier Pond
Your water staying exactly where it’s meant to be is a simple but powerful benefit of a leak-proof liner. Consistent water levels are essential and EPDM works to create an effective watertight seal that stops any water from leaking. Even the smallest of leaks can lead to unlevel water and fluctuations in water depth.
When water levels drop, it doesn’t just cause inconvenience but it disrupts everything. Local wildlife might stop visiting. Beneficial bacteria can’t thrive without consistency. Plant roots get exposed and stressed. And for fish and frogs, fluctuating water means trouble with oxygen levels and breeding.
Less stress for you and your pond comes from fewer fluctuations in the water. Whether it’s a livestock dam, a garden pond, or anything in between, stability is so important. With a watertight EPDM liner stopping those slow, silent leaks, you get healthier pond life, steadier water quality, and a thriving aquatic ecosystem.
Final Thoughts: Invest in Leak Prevention with Rollgum EPDM
A slow leak might seem minor at first but over time it can upset your pond’s balance and stress aquatic life. Not to mention the ongoing maintenance headaches. Choosing the right liner from the beginning is one of the smartest ways to avoid those issues altogether.
Rollgum EPDM liner is an excellent addition to a water body of any size. With unmatched durability and flexibility, you can expect to see top notch water conditions and avoid the disadvantages that come with plastic or PVC liners.
Check out Rollgum EPDM liners here or get in touch with us for more information and expert advice.