How to Fix a Kayak Leak

Hazards, rocks and normal wear and tear may cause your kayak to leak. With self-diagnosis and supplies you can order online or purchase at a sporting goods store or the hardware store, fix leaks at home. From cracks to holes and leaking hatches, most repairs can be done independently with some concentration. After letting the kayak dry for a few hours, you can be up and paddling again.

Things You'll Need

  • Polyethylene plastic weld rod
  • Wire cutters
  • Gloves
  • Surform scrapper or rasp
  • Silicone sealant
  • 6-inch or 8-inch hatch
  • O ring
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Instructions

  1. Cracks

    • 1

      Heat 1/4 inch of the plastic rod to the point of visible melting, using a heat gun. This means the rod should be limp.

    • 2

      Put the rod onto the kayak plastic, approximately 1/2 inch above the crack you need to seal. The rod should be angled the opposite direction of where you will hold the heat gun.

    • 3

      Aim the nozzle of the heat gun at the base of the plastic rod. Hold the gun 1 1/2 inches away from the boat at the end so you are applying heat to both the rod and boat.

    • 4

      Push the rod carefully forward and toward the crack. There should be a bead of plastic in front of the rod as you push it into the crack.

    • 5

      Completely close the crack off with the melted plastic. Your weld should extend at least 1/2 inch beyond the crack length to ensure proper sealing.

    • 6

      Smooth out the area you filled with your gloved hand and cut any excess weld with wire cutters.

    • 7

      Flatten the weld spot using the Surform scrapper or rasp tool. Let the kayak cool for a few hours before use.

    Holes

    • 8

      Fill the hole with a silicone lubricant. Let the silicone dry for at least an hour.

    • 9

      Put water into the kayak and test to see if that fixed the leak.

    • 10

      Take a plastic welding rod and pre-heat one end of it with a heat gun if the silicone does not fix the leak. It is ready when the rod is limp and is at a visible melt.

    • 11

      Place the plastic rod in the hole and twist slowly. While twisting, continue to heat the other end of the rod that is above the boat. Stop twisting when the hole is completely full.

    • 12

      Cut off any additional rod remaining, using wire cutters.

    • 13

      Smooth out the area you filled with your gloved hand. Let the kayak cool for a few hours before use.

    Hatch Leaks

    • 14

      Add new silicone lubricant to the outside and inside edges of the leaking hatch. Let the silicone dry for at least an hour.

    • 15

      Put water into the kayak and test to see if that fixed the leak. If you have an 8-inch hatch, the next step is to bring the kayak to a shop for hatch replacement.

    • 16

      Look at the seal at the 6-inch hatch opening if the silicone does not fix the leak. Make sure the threads of the lid are even and smooth.

    • 17

      Inspect the O ring and make sure it is working properly. If not, replace the ring to see if it fixes the problem.

    • 18

      Call your local shop or the manufacturer if the hatch still leaks.