We’re Draining The Pond

[@markbrockelman316]

First red flag was the original guy having you rent equipment. He should own his own iron. Second was not digging test pits to see what soils you’d encounter. Good points were Neighbor Doug and selling the topsoil. Compacting that thickness with a bucket is totally the wrong method. Having a poor “keyway” is undoubtedly the main issue. Good luck with the rebuild.

[@harleyfiremedic7796]

Adam, it is so nice to hear someone say "My Bad" not blame everyone else. Good luck moving forward and in the end you will have a nice pond. Keep up the great work. Remember, "It is not that you have setbacks, it is how you handle them." You are handling them very well!

[@TheCaptScarlett]

Hi Adam. Post Implementation Review - the most important part of a project is what did you learn. Your honesty with yourself is to be applauded Adam. Pond on

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Am I still allowed to come over and watch part 2 of the pond rehab? 😁

[@HometownAcres]

Yep. Hoping this one takes

[@rickthelian2215]

❤

[@TheBigmark75]

@OneEyeCustoms you are going to be part of it no watching

[@nwngunner]

by the time adam is done, you both will be able to build ponds.

[@ew1421]

I feel your pain. I had a half acre pond dug and we were getting to the depth that I wanted and ran into sand stone. I didn't have any clay on hand to seal up the sand stone. Well it leaked through the sand stone so I had a well dug that I have on a timer to keep it full. It cost me about $50.00 a month. The cool thing about it is my pond stay crystal clear. It's cooler in the summer and hardly ever freezes. It's an awesome redneck pool in the summer.

[@davidtesta1361]

Hey Adam, I know what its like to have huge black cloud projects hang over your head. Hope this one clears up soon (and fills the pond in the process). Thank you for showing us real life and not just KZbin magic. You guys are great and hope to see you guys playing in and on that pond soon!

[@l4xx03luyf6l0to]

I admire your positive attitude.

[@ModernCountryLiving]

"Real life." Exactly. That's what we all face. Thanks for sharing the experience and good luck!

[@nmancini]

Aren’t you now a former accountant and now a full time social media influencer? Jokes aside this is a perfect example why your channel is so enjoyable. You have a genuine way to show this in such a relatable way, we all have areas of expertise and some we are still learning. Thanks Adam and looking forward to the rehab

[@jimhoge3252]

I know nothing about ponds…. Admire you for taking on the project in the first place! Good luck!!!

[@kevinlee6731]

Adam, I’m already a longtime subscriber, and I watch every video, but the way you handled this and the way you described the failure without putting blame on anyone else shows what a great guy you are.

[@Saeglopur89]

My pond is old Torf mine (peat? in English) which is in valley and 1,3m above level of small river. Father made it bigger and bigger over the years with modern equipment and it holds perfectly :) Great channel and I'm watching video after video! All best from western Poland, Europe :)

[@danielwillliams9669]

That's humility and making it real. This is how we learn. Henry Ford started an automotive company in Detroit with a group of investors using his ideas. These investors fired him and took the company and named it Cadillac (after the person who founded Detroit). He learned from his attempt and started another company and named it Ford Motor Company. We all can learn from our decisions and choices - weather good or bad. This pond is going to turn out to be 10 times better than the 1st attempt. There are going to be many people who will watch your channel and be able build from your experience - (Many People)! Thanks for sharing! Keep it Real!

[@aneirins7085]

The unique thing that I love about your channel is the transparency about a normal guy with a day job learning and making mistakes while trying to build a beautiful homestead. There will always be mistakes and as wonderful as it is to see the pros on youtube make perfect dams and amazing dirt works it does trick the mind a little on how hard it actually is to get the job done right. Sounds like you have a good plan to fix the problems with the pond and in the end it will be an awesome addition. Not to mention invaluable learning experience for you and us viewers about the woes of getting the job done right. Keep your head up and never be afraid to admit you've learned!

[@genesispuredeaf2390]

I cannot stress enough how impressed that I am with your patience and gracious outlook on this entire scenario. I watched your videos through all of the steps and at time would cringe but also wanted these remedies to work. Thank you for your transparency and vulnerability throughout the process. It is my hope that you will capture the remedy on film so we can celebrate the win together. Most people would have said “screw it, we got what we got” but you pushed through it and it would seem that your (just described) solution should be the final step.

[@chadmcswain5389]

Theres a reason most ponds built back in the old days were fed from small creeks and large springheads that never went dry (it didn't matter if it had small leaks or evaporated, it always had more water steady running into it). The amount of work and maintenance that goes into ones that are not supplied by a good natural running water source can truly be a headache sometimes. I built a 3/4 acre pond on my property and it leaked like crap for the first 2 years. I finally sealed it off with about $500 bucks worth of small grain non-cented kitty litter (basically bentonite). It was great for a couple years until both my springs that feed it started to dry up during extreme droughts. Now i find myself during extreme droughts having to pump water up from the creek below to it just so the fish dont get stressed and the cranes/blue herons don't get easier pickings on them. As much as we enjoy our pond when things are going right with it, sometimes I wish I'd never even built it. Good luck with your project brother 👍

[@oakrunacres2564]

I think we've all made or didn't make decisions that we regret. I was my own general contractor when we built our house. Money was tight and I was trying to save wherever I could. I hired the wrong guy to do the drywall and I knew it early on but didn't do anything about it and it turned out less than stellar. So I feel your pain on this one Adam. My mother always said....A mistake is not a mistake if you learn something from it. All you can do is move on and try and make it right. I'll be following along with your progress. Hopefully everything turns out in your favour this time. Dave

[@randywilson6869]

Yea if I ever build a new house it’s going to b round so contractors can’t cut corners

[@oakrunacres2564]

@@randywilson6869 Oh boy. There's a Dad joke I ever heard one. 😁

[@johnbilinski6830]

Excellent episodeAdam, I feel your pain. You try and do the best that you can, you try and make the best decisions that you can and sometimes it goes against you. I respect your will to continue and fix this thing. When I built our house, I had the excavation contractor dig a pond when he dug the foundation for the house. It was in pure clay. Apart from the side settling, it is doing well after nine years. My best wishes to you for success.

[@robertwazniak9495]

Putting the clay down should work but make sure you use a sheep’s foot roller (sometimes called a pad foot roller) for compaction. Otherwise, you will introduce shear planes into the layering that may still leak. A sheep’s foot will mix the clay and compact it as one homogeneous layer. You could also use bentonite to seal what you already have in place. Again, a disc harrow and a sheep’s foot to mix it up a bit but I don’t know the relative costs in your area. Good luck either way. Mistakes are made all the time in engineering. The key is to only make new mistakes. Repeating old mistakes is not smart.

[@elaczi]

The knowledge you have gained is invaluable. Hate that it had to happen like this. Wish you all the best moving forward with the pond.

[@randyclyde4939]

You'll do just fine! Thanks for the personal update, that means a bunch to your fans. Stay well, stay safe!

[@henrymorgan3982]

A lesson for all of us. It will happen and you will get your pond! Thanks Adam!

[@dennisdubey2126]

I watch Dirt Perfect & Letsdig18 a lot. First thing they do before quoting a pond dam project is to dig test holes on site to determine if there is clay is available for the dam and if the dirt can hold water.

[@CentralPlainsEnt]

I think you hit the nail on the head when you suggested those youtube channels. Those guys are very experienced with ponds and understand a lot about why they fail because of their experience in building them and fixing mistakes. Just by watching their videos I believe a lot of knowledge could be gained before moving forward on this pond project.

[@diywithjonandpebbles]

He admitted to having watched their channels and follow what he’d learned from them.

[@snappingbear]

@@diywithjonandpebbles Except he didn't follow their advice. DP via Matt told him EXACTLY what to do to fix the dam and when its was rebuilt their instructions weren't not followed. He doesn't known yet if that poor repair job worked or not because the pond has never been full.

[@BealyGood]

Yup

[@urbanlumberjack]

I can relate! Had a similar experience with a home addition. Couldn’t get any contractors to call me back so planned to do it myself. Except instead of a “70 year old farmer” I had a “60 year old father in law.” Should have trusted my own skills but that when we disagreed he new better than me. Got burned harder than anything I’ve ever been through and paid some serious life tuition Not many people can self reflect like you did that’s impressive on its own

[@sloth9669]

Wow. Someone taking responsibility in 2023. Refreshing. Just keep moving forward.

[@mikewatson4644]

I hope that this fixes the pond for you. It has been a struggle for you. It speaks very highly of you to take responsibility for this project. Yes, you may have had some communication issues, you may have had some poor advice, you may not have had knowledge and experience but instead of blaming others you are taking responsiblity and looking how to fix the problem. You are a "stand up guy" that shows us your failures as well as your successes. We are able to learn from you and relate to you. That makes you a real person. Thank you for bringing us along.

[@seansullivan1439]

Adam, Love the channel. I hope you have better luck on the pond than we did. In 2017 I had a golf course management company (pond construction) come in and drain my almost 1 acre pond that has been here for about 50 years. It has always leaked down to a certain point. They cleaned it out with an excavator over a 2-3 week period, brought in 56 tri-axle loads of clay and spread it, 40,000 lbs of bentonite were ground into the top layer with a dozer and then rolled it. I have video of the whole process. Pond filled quickly and within 3 months started leaking the same as it always did. :-(

[@BuildItFixItDIY]

Oh man, I did not expect those last eight words. Sorry to hear about that, like, a lot! Muskrats or something created a hole somewhere?

[@GFYYT11111]

Valuable info & grateful you shared💚🌍

[@lvsqcsl]

I know when I hired an excavation company to dig my pond they were VERY picky about how the dam was built, how the clay was compacted, how the keyway was cut in the levee and so forth. Even in the driest months my pond looses very little water and the fish are thriving. I know, I actually put on my scuba diving gear and went down there and looked. Great video!

[@DAH-ss1nu]

You might want to look into 'billboard tarps' as a pond liner. They're used billboards and they're thick vinyl. Almost the same as a roofing membrane - but cheap! And they can be joined together with PVC glue but a simple overlap should do for a pond.

[@carolinafirewood]

Best part of this is we are learning right along with you. I, for one, ain't got a clue on building one, your are actually educating us on what works and doesn't work. The things you've done on getting water to the pond has been a treat to watch.. I'm sure you guys will be very methodical this time so it get's done right. good video! -Dave

[@joesixpack8305]

Live and learn. We all have projects like this. Good luck Adam. I like your plan. If that doesn't work then a pond wasn't meant to be. But I think it will work. Look forward to the videos.

[@martyr787ro5]

I'd fill the pond and make that area a organic mini farm. Thanks for the great videos

[@adirondackwoodsman]

Thanks for being transparent! You will eventually get there!

[@springhollerfarm8668]

I feel your pain. I had a similar issue with the tile guys in my bathroom remodel part of the room addition project I have been working on. They did fine installing the cement backer but once they started on the tile, I was teaching them how to do it. I could have done better myself from a couple YT videos. Live and learn.

[@rickvaiBBB]

Your video was a nice change the way you described the mistakes and didn't assign blame to everyone else. You took on a project that was definitely not something that there are many people who know how to do it correctly and it is too bad that people won't come right out and tell you they don't know how to do it. Great video(s) in all aspects.

[@spencercrispell3255]

Hang in there Adam, I know that has to be stressful. Happy independence day! Thanks for the videos.

[@engelmanoutdoors2025]

Love the rawness of this channel you show the good with the bad that’s what it’s all about learning from your mistakes and not being ashamed to share them ! I love how you show both sides

[@zackjohnson5247]

Wondering if you’ve looked into a pond liner… we’ve installed a few at work not sure on cost effectiveness tho. We also dug the liner in with a trench on the top edge of the liner? Just an idea, I’m sure you’ve looked into it already

[@mylife4137]

I'd come over and bring a shovel if ya needed it. Good stuff. A jumping platform on the dam side is a must imo.

[@DDL2728]

TWO YEARS??? It's been 2 years? We watched all of it - my, how time flies!! The stress you were under had to have been tough, Adam. You handled it so bravely!! You never showed the really difficult trials you were having. We knew you were having a few setbacks, but I would have been straight up crying on live video if I were going through what you went through!! 😉😳😪 I'm glad you're going to fix it. We'll be watching!! God bless y'all!! 🙏💕🙏

[@HometownAcres]

Thanks Dianne, it’s been a struggle but I’m optimistic one day we will see the pond full

[@maga5381]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@RailheadRanch]

Great video series (on your pond). Thank you for the insight and explanation of success and failure along the way.

[@fitterextraordinaire2856]

Hi Adam, love you guys and love the channel. Sorry but here is some tuff love. We have pond builders and we have accountants. I would say it is time to bring in a pond builder. Mistakes take a lot of time and I would like for your kids to use the pond before they get too old. My dad always said a word to the wise is sufficient.

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

We feel you. Having a similar experience at our place. Tractor Hard! 🚜💪!

[@conservativejones3537]

I am in the process of pond (2) rehab on Wyoming mountain property. These ponds never held water after the spring runoff was finished. Several years ago, I rented a backhoe and scooped out several feet of silt and decomposed granite from both of the ponds. I ordered 25tons of "off-spec" bentonite. I had no clue what I was doing. 25 Ton was not enough. Nor, did I cap the clay with material to keep it in place. Surprisingly, it worked for a few year....until the bentonite washed out of the pond. I have hired a local contractor, who removed more materials and is now hauling in 100T of "run of mine" bentonite. This material has a few larger chunks of bentonite dispersed throughout, but is significantly cheaper than refined end product. I will complete application of material at a rate of 4 pounds per ft2. With extra clay materials applied to the deeper portion of the pond. The pond bottom is a combination of loam and decomposed granite. After addition and compaction of the clay materials, the plan is to place a stabilizing cap of 3 to 4 inches of soil. Wish me luck, please.

[@DirtRoadLife1]

I was waiting for this video. Kinda knew it was the only way to fix it but we all learn the hard way sometimes. Like you said though it’ll be nice to get it fixed correctly so it’s not something you have to worry about any longer. Plus after all the time money and effort you really need to be able to enjoy it. Looking forward to the vids Adam

[@isaacw38]

Thanks for sharing, Adam! My favorite updates from you are pond updates. I can't wait to see the work that goes in to finalize it and bring your family even more joy!

[@FelonyVideos]

I have to respect a man who takes full responsibility. I have to respect a man who can figure out what's wrong. I have to respect a man who is willing to share his flaws and mistakes with the world. I have to respect a man who can follow through and make it right. But, in addition to that, the above behavior will save me a TON of money and labor when my pond goes in, so there is a LOT of value in a video such as this one. So, for ALL of the above, thank you for this video!

[@buttonmonkey6845]

Much kudos for saying you were wrong, not many people will do that these days. So you have learned something, and can go on to correct it therefore all is well. I hope you get a beautiful pond and all the “black clouds” will disappear for you (quickly). I for one have learnt a lot watching your videos and look forward to seeing the fixing process and the results 😄🇬🇧👋

[@petramundo]

awesome to really hear how you have gone about the pond. I have a few acres where I want one and this is sooo helpful when that time comes. Thanks for sharing!

[@williamirwin6205]

Taking full responsibility for every action and outcome in your life is the upmost respectable attribute a human can have. Much respect my man. Can't wait to see what your future brings!

[@scottburk4083]

That had to be a tough video to put out. I am really glad that you are going to fix the problem. I am praying that it all goes well and the pond fills up so that your family can finally enjoy the pond. Take care Adam,God Bless you and your entire family!!!❤😊

[@miken5413]

So I guess you didn’t do any test holes. I had to move my pond to a spot I thought wouldn’t work, from an area I thought would be golden! Test holes are worth it

[@gregdrusjack4934]

Best of luck Adam, hopefully this is the final fix. You'll be enjoying the pond in no time, and all this will be in the rear view mirror.

[@uberuser1999]

Been there and done that, Adam. I don’t think you should beat yourself up over this one. You did your best given the time, equipment and circumstances. Stuff happens. Even the call on letting the older farmer proceed the way he did wasn’t a bad call per se’ as he assured you it was the right way. The excessive amount of topsoil actually helped ease the financial pain a good bit. And, there is no doubt that the build provided you with good content - which in all honesty made you additional money. It will all work out in the end. I have the utmost respect for you and all you do!

[@stromxtc2033]

Agree, Adam is still one of the sharper tools in the shed 😁

[@ottley32]

Keep at it, don’t give up!

[@renukrewsoftwash5666]

Thanks for Sharing Adam. Sorry to see you having to redo your hard work. We learn from our past experiences. We will continue to follow your rebuild of the pond.

[@brucebello2049]

Hi Adam, great summation, you’re always focused on the solution, impressive way to live, look forward to the next phase take care

[@ddsswarmagic5677]

I learned so much from your experiences, very much appreciated, and you are right in the end ❤❤

[@dropshot1967]

I look forward to seeing this project get successfully completed. I hope this solves all the issues you had. Good luck.

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Great video.

[@VicenteGarcia-ic3tz]

If you are open to suggestions, I learned from old times to fence off the pond put some pigs in there and they will seal the pond off for you. Good luck my friend!

[@woodruffwoods]

So sorry to hear this as it is a beautiful pond. My videos will be showing my build soon and your build has been a roadmap for me. I am having the opposite problem, I have too much clay and too much water. Thanks for sharing your build and the issues you encountered. -Darrin

[@tfitz44]

Seeing this, I’m reminded of another KZbinr @Bamabass, from South Alabama that built a huge 5 acre pond. Might be a worth reaching out to him. As always, I enjoy your videos. Great content!

[@dogpotter]

Hate that you are having to deal with a project gone bad. But it sounds like you have the right attitude to get it right. Hope it all goes smoothly from here on out. Thanks for sharing

[@owestyo]

Thanks for the update.

[@derrick_builds]

Thanks for sharing. Hope you can figure it out.

[@billobermeyer660]

Thank you for sharing the recap with us as I remember it well, but not the back story. You will have helped many others who maybe undertaking a similar project. What if the Morgans had not shared their daughter's experience with their Kiari malformation? Those few families who used that information to help their children, would still be searching for answers!! May your channel continue to prosper!

[@S_and_S_Farms]

The third time is a charm! Hopefully the clay liner will fix your pond.

[@Mammothbaron]

This happens more often than you would think. Im from in an area of Wv that has the stickiest red clay. I’ve made a pond with a small dozer back in October 2023 and I laid a pipe through the dam bottom, then I placed some chunks of clay on the pipe area and pushed up the dam and never compacted properly. It holds water like a soldered copper pipe fitting. I’m also a petroleum engineer and understand more than most that the permeability of you pond bottom is too high. Your native dirt is too permeable and the whole bottom area of your pond is leaking. You need to order a couple pallets of bentonite clay from a drilling fluids company. It will seal your pond bottom.

[@happycamper9300]

Yiu are an accountant, with a very good analytic mind. Sometimes the real solution is to recognize the problem and start from scratch. Hope everything goes well this time.

[@coreyhamilton244]

Adam if you need a contact local for building ponds\fixing them I hear good things about “Hall’s Excavating in Cochranton” I believe they have built many ponds/fixed them in the area. Just wanted to pass along as a possible resource. Hope you get it filled/fixed!!!

[@wesleyhuckabay5968]

Looking forward to watching the pond rebuild. Good luck with your endeavor.

[@johnneylin831]

Lets dig 18 is your only man , always go for the best.

[@michaelmullins1290]

Would be nice to see the Captain or DP come over and help with the fix. Good Collab for the channels. Hopefully it's fixed and back full very soon.

[@BAMFWOODS]

Ya keep on keep on. Took a gamble That’s ok. Thanks for sharing the knowledge

[@neilforbes1082]

Sad to say it Adam but from memory there were a lot of people offering good advice which you appear to have disregarded. Good on you for copping it on the chin, best of luck moving forward. Some jobs you have to leave to the pros.

[@ProductiveRecreation]

You have learned by experience (the hard & expensive way) most of what I teach in a semester Soil Mechanics course. Unforeseen site conditions can be a menace (poor construction aside). Subsurface exploration is really important. I tell my students you can pay for a good exploration up front, or potentially pay a lot more later based on differing site conditions. Yours is a small project. On big infrastructure projects it can be a really big deal.

[@jacobzimmerman3330]

I learned a lot about pond building from this video. Im local to you and rent equipment from Mattensons. Johns a good guy and has helped me out in the past. Youll get it sorted and if nothing else it gives us all something yo watch. 😂

[@262dave]

Hope it's ready for your winter freeze so you can get skating on it again!

[@stevehennessy3588]

Grandpa always said - want it bad, get it bad. Sorry this happened and glad you have learned from it. I'm in the process of fixing a drain project I did two years ago that has failed me. I did it on the cheap the first time and I've been paying for it ever since. Going to the store to get some schedule 40 pipe to do it right this time. I could have saved money and time if I had just done it right the first time. Seems I should have learned that leason already! Hang in there - this too shall pass.

[@Holzplatz]

I had this as well - I was sure to know it better (and yes, if you are preparing for a specific project you might become an expert for this specific task) and was not selfconfident enough to see somebody going the wrong direction - and not telling him because I was younger then him or not the professional in this situation. I have learned that it is much harder to stop than instruct someone. As someone started doing something and I am not satisfied it will end up either a Desaster or in loosing the face. Both not nice options. Good decision to fix the problem. Keep on. :)

[@savagefirewood]

Awesome video Adam as always. Life is a learning lesson and I and many others have learned a great deal about ponds from you’re experience. That was one massive undertaking so kudos to you! Cheers my friend👌🏻🔥🇨🇦

[@Dobbs103]

Looking forward to more pond content. When it's all said and done you'll just enjoy it more. I actually went to a Pond clinic and used some of the info I learned from your experience when talking and people thought I knew what I was talking about lol.

[@paulvoss3247]

Thanks for the update

[@Trobertsdsgmach1]

You have good friends and neighbors!

[@joylynnburkhardt3202]

Good luck!! I’m down in South Texas and our heat index today is 119! Your pond looks so cool and inviting! Hopefully it will work out this time!

[@OldIronAcres]

Awesome recap Adam! I appreciate it. I hope the new clay liner does the job! - - Cracked me up when you said "When an Accountant Builds a Pond" - - almost sounded like a good title for this! LOL

[@CERIHATTON]

Thumbs up from the UK.

[@andystampfli9127]

First of all the best sign of a true leader is to own the mistakes 👍 If it was truly as easy as dog a hole it will fill with water, there wouldn't be a desert on earth. You're trying to make a reservoir on practically dry land. You had to know failure was an option. You have learned now it's just moving on with a better plan.

[@rodneyblackley5573]

look into soil cement. essentially mixing portland cement into your soil with farm type plows. It will change the soil composition and make compaction better.

[@frijoli9579]

Sorry to hear this is such an ongoing issue. Looking forward to seeing the "new" results.

[@JustinVelasquez-c7j]

Bentonite will seal it up , comes in powder, granular, and chips let it dry up then put it down as ur filling up. Just a suggestion worked great on mine and the walls and dam are pretty much sand

[@haroldphipps3457]

That proves the value of soil testing!! The makeup of the soil dictates what is needed. Bentonite is a common component for pond building. IF it is needed.

[@richardmain8059]

Hi Adam, appreciate your honesty. We all learn from our mistakes, hope your plan and your process goes smoothly and in your favour. 👍👍👍 Over and Over your showing that you are the CEO of your life and it reflects well on your Character as a Individual. 💪💪💪

[@markknister6272]

Experience is a wicked teacher! Might you want to put some of that sealer in as you add clay?

[@johnelliott6738]

That is frustrating. Wishing you the best of luck in a proper build!

[@davidedwards3734]

Bet Neighbor Doug would help you play in the dirt!!! Its frustrating but makes us stronger in life!!! Stay Hydrated and Have a Safe Day

[@robert.brokaw3829]

Good luck with the rebuild, Stay safe.

[@okanagansawmill]

Hey Adam great video really clear and concise on the pond so far, we can't win them all we just have to hope we can learn for next time :) look forward to the progress on this.

[@SN-tx9yh]

Great story