How to Fix a Leak in Waders

The last thing you want to find when you wade out into your fishing river or stream is a leak in your waders. Fishing waders are made to be waterproof to keep legs and feet dry. If you have leaks in your waders, repair them before you head out into the water. The process is twofold: locate and isolate the leaks; seal and repair them.

Things You'll Need

  • Marker
  • Rubber seam sealer glue
  • Neoprene fabric patch
  • Sandpaper
  • Cutting tool
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Instructions

  1. Locating the Leaks

    • 1

      Fill a bathtub with water. Dip the waders into the water. Keep the waist above the water so it does not pour inside the waders.

    • 2

      Look for air bubbles rising from the water. Pull up the area of the waders where air bubbles are rising and hold the section up to a light bulb. Find the holes.

    • 3

      Circle the holes with a marker.

    Seal the Leaks

    • 4

      Dry the waders completely on a drying rack or clothes line.

    • 5

      Turn the waders inside out and sandpaper the area around the leaks. For leaks smaller than 1/2 inch, sand no more than 1/2 inch around the leaks. Sand up to an inch for rips or tears larger than 1/2 inch.

    • 6

      Cut a patch out of the neoprene fabric 1 inch larger than the leaky area. Apply the seam sealer glue to the back of the patch and to the sanded area on the wader.

    • 7

      Pinch the leak together and apply the patch. Hold the patch firmly against the waders for five minutes to set the glue. Let the glue cure for six to eight hours.

    • 8

      Apply seam sealer directly to small pinhole leaks or those under 1/4 inch. Seam sealer fills in the small holes without the need for a patch.