Pond Dam Repair and Restoration Services

Red Dirt Contracting is a family-owned company with over 10 years of experience repairing and restoring pond dams throughout Upstate South Carolina. We understand what causes dams to fail and how to fix them so the problem does not come back.

Dam failures rarely happen all at once. Most start small with seepage through the base, erosion along the spillway, or settling that worsens over time. By the time property owners notice the water level dropping or see visible damage, the underlying issue has usually been developing for years.

We start every dam repair project with a thorough evaluation to identify what is actually causing the problem. A leaking dam might have a cracked core, root intrusion from nearby trees, animal burrows creating pathways through the structure, or improper original construction. The fix depends on the cause, and we do not start moving dirt until we understand what we are dealing with.

Signs Your Pond Dam Needs Repair

Most dam problems do not announce themselves with sudden failure. They develop gradually, and by the time property owners notice something is wrong, the issue has usually been building for months or years. Knowing what to look for can help you catch problems early before they turn into major repairs or complete dam failure.

Failed or Rusted Outlet Structure

The most common problem we see is a failed outlet structure or rusted pipe going through the dam. Over time, metal outlet pipes rust through and fail, creating a pathway for water to escape. When the outlet structure fails, it compromises the entire dam.

If your pond is losing water and you have an older metal pipe or outlet, this is the first thing to check. A failed outlet does not fix itself and will only get worse, eventually leading to complete dam failure if not addressed.

Dropping Water Levels

If your pond is losing water and it is not due to drought or seasonal changes, the dam may be leaking. Some water loss from evaporation is normal, but a steady decline in water level usually indicates water is escaping through or under the dam structure.

Wet Spots or Soggy Ground Below the Dam

Water seeping through the dam often shows up as wet areas, soft ground, or standing water at the base of the dam on the downstream side. This is a sign that water is finding a path through the structure, and the problem will get worse over time if not addressed.

Visible Erosion

Erosion along the face of the dam, around the spillway, or along the edges where the dam meets the banks indicates water is moving where it should not be. Left unchecked, erosion undermines the dam structure and leads to larger failures.

Settling or Sinking

If the top of the dam is no longer level or you notice areas that have sunk or settled, the internal structure may be compromised. Settling can create low spots where water overtops the dam during heavy rain, which accelerates erosion and further weakens the structure.

Trees or Large Vegetation Growing on the Dam

Trees and large shrubs on a dam might look harmless, but their root systems can penetrate the dam core and create pathways for water to seep through. When trees eventually die or blow over, the root channels remain and become leak points.

Common Causes of Dam Failure

Most dam failures come down to a handful of common causes. The specific problem determines what kind of repair is needed.

Poor Original Construction

Many older ponds were built without proper compaction, correct soil materials, or adequate spillway design. A dam that was not built right from the start will eventually show problems, no matter how long it seemed to work fine.

Root Intrusion

Trees growing on or near the dam send roots deep into the structure. These roots create channels through the compacted soil, and water follows those channels. Even after removing the trees, the pathways remain and allow seepage until they are properly repaired.

Animal Burrows

Animals like muskrats, groundhogs, and beavers burrow into dams because the compacted soil near water makes attractive habitat. These burrows create direct pathways through the dam, and a single tunnel can cause significant leakage or even complete failure during high water.

Spillway Erosion

The spillway handles overflow during heavy rain. If it is undersized, poorly positioned, or unprotected, water erodes the surrounding soil over time. Left alone, spillway erosion cuts deeper and wider until it threatens the dam structure itself.

Seepage and Internal Erosion

Water moving through the dam carries soil particles with it. Over time, this washes out material and creates larger voids and channels inside the structure. What starts as minor seepage becomes a serious structural problem as more material disappears.

Deferred Maintenance

Small problems become big problems when ignored. A minor erosion gully that could be fixed in an afternoon turns into a major repair when left for years.

Our Dam Repair & Restoration Process

We start every dam repair and restoration project by understanding what actually went wrong. We do not show up and start moving dirt until we know what caused the problem and what it will take to fix it properly.

Evaluation

We walk the dam, look for signs of seepage or erosion, assess the spillway, and identify any structural issues. If the cause is not obvious from the surface, we dig test areas to see what is happening inside the dam.

This evaluation tells us whether you need a minor repair, a major rebuild, or something in between.

Repair Planning

Once we understand the problem, we put together a plan that addresses the root cause rather than just the symptoms. A dam that is leaking due to animal burrows needs a different approach than one failing from poor original construction.

We explain what needs to happen and what to expect before any work begins.

Repair Work

The repair itself depends on the problem. Minor erosion might just need regrading and compaction. Leaks from root intrusion or animal burrows require excavating the damaged section, removing the compromised material, and rebuilding with properly compacted clay.

Major failures may require draining the pond and rebuilding a significant portion of the dam from the core out.

Spillway Repair or Replacement

Many dam problems trace back to an inadequate spillway. If your spillway is undersized, eroding, or in the wrong location, we repair or replace it so the dam can handle overflow without damage.

Final Grading and Stabilization

After the structural repair is complete, we grade the dam to the proper slope, stabilize the surface to prevent future erosion, and clean up the site. You are left with a dam that works the way it should.

Frequently Asked Questions

If your pond dam is showing signs of damage, you probably have questions about what it will take to fix it. These are the questions we hear most often from property owners dealing with dam problems.

How much does dam repair cost?

The cost depends on what is wrong and how much work is needed to fix it. A minor erosion repair costs significantly less than rebuilding a dam that has failed internally or suffered major structural damage.

We evaluate the dam first and give you a clear picture of what the repair involves before quoting a price. That way you know exactly what you are paying for and why.

Does the pond need to be drained for repairs?

It depends on the type and location of the damage. Some repairs can be done with the pond at normal levels or partially drawn down. Others, especially repairs to the dam core or major rebuilds, require draining the pond so we can access the damaged areas and work with dry material.

We let you know during the evaluation whether draining is necessary and how it will affect the timeline.

How long does a dam repair take?

Minor repairs might take a few days. Major repairs or partial rebuilds can take one to three weeks depending on the extent of the damage and weather conditions. If the pond needs to be drained first, that adds time to the overall project.

We give you a realistic timeline upfront and keep you informed if anything changes during the work.

Can a badly damaged dam be saved?

In most cases, yes. Even dams with significant damage can usually be repaired or rebuilt without starting from scratch. A full replacement is sometimes necessary if the original construction was fundamentally flawed or the dam has deteriorated beyond practical repair, but that is not the typical situation.

We assess whether repair or replacement makes more sense for your situation and explain the trade-offs so you can make an informed decision.

How do I know if I need a repair or a full rebuild?

It depends on the extent of the damage and the condition of the original structure. If the dam core is intact and the problem is limited to erosion, spillway issues, or localized damage, a repair usually makes sense. If the dam was poorly built from the start or has multiple serious problems throughout the structure, a rebuild may be the better investment.

We walk you through what we find during the evaluation and recommend the approach that actually solves the problem long-term.

Will the repair last?

A properly done repair should last decades. The key is fixing the underlying cause rather than patching over symptoms. If a dam is leaking because of animal burrows and we just fill the visible holes, the problem will come back. If we excavate the damaged section and rebuild it correctly, the repair holds.

We do not cut corners on dam repairs because a failed repair is worse for everyone. We fix it right the first time.

Do I need a permit for dam repair?

Permit requirements depend on the size of the dam, the scope of the repair, and whether any waterways are affected. Minor repairs on private property often do not require permits, but larger projects may need approval.

We can help you figure out what applies to your situation and point you in the right direction if permits are needed.

What happens to the fish in my pond if it needs to be drained?

If the pond needs to be drained for repairs, you have a few options. You can seine the fish and relocate them to a temporary holding tank or another pond, or you can harvest them before the drawdown. Some property owners choose to restock after the repair is complete.

We give you advance notice before draining so you have time to make arrangements for the fish.