How to Fix a Leaky Soccer Ball

Attempting to fix a leaky soccer ball without the proper instruction can yield unsuccessful results causing the need to begin the process all over again from the beginning. It's important to understand the reason for the loss of air inside the soccer ball so you can take the appropriate steps to inflate the ball with air while at the same time fixing the air leakage problem. When this is achieved, your soccer ball will be ready to play with again.

Things You'll Need

  • Ball air pump
  • Tape
  • Rubber cement
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the ball underwater either in a pool, bathtub or large bucket. Search and locate the source of any air bubbles that rise from the ball. If there are no air bubbles escaping from the ball then it means that the ball lost air naturally over time or the flatness is due to air molecules shrinking in colder weather. If this is the case, move directly to Step 5.

    • 2

      Place your finger over the hole on the ball, dry the area and mark the hole with tape. Dry the ball completely before moving on.

    • 3

      Place the needle of the air pump inside the ball and release most of the air. This is important to do before patching the hole because an air-filled ball will continue to leak by pushing air through the wet seal before it can dry.

    • 4

      Remove the tape from the hole and place a dab of rubber cement over the hole. Allow the recommended time for the rubber cement to dry according to the directions on the label. Wipe away any excess rubber cement from the ball.

    • 5

      Place the needle from the air pump into the ball, pull the plunger up and then down. This motion is called a pump. Pump the ball until it is filled with air.