How to Repair a Leaking Concrete Birdbath

If water is left in a concrete birdbath in the fall and it freezes, the pressure can cause a hairline crack just big enough to let water through. Jarring and settling over time can cause the cement to weaken and crack as well. If you notice water leaking from the bottom of your birdbath, you can repair the bowl so it holds water again. Choose a time when the weather will be dry for a few days or cover the birdbath with plastic to keep rain off.

Screwdriver, chisel or grinding tool
Epoxy concrete patching compound
Putty knife

Instructions

- 1
  Fill the birdbath with water. Inspect the bottom to find the highest point the water is leaking from. Compare the location of the wet spot to the inside of the bowl. Look for a crack that may extend even farther up the interior.
- 2
  Empty the water from the birdbath. If necessary, wash the bath with soapy water to get rid of scum and let it dry thoroughly.
- 3
  Clean out the crack with a screwdriver, chisel or grinding tool if it's wider than a hairline crack. Remove any loose concrete, dig down to firm concrete and widen the bottom of the crack slightly so it's at least as wide at the bottom as the top, to give a good surface for the patching material to grip. Blow out any debris.
- 4
  Mix epoxy concrete patching compound according to the label directions. With a putty knife, press the compound into the crack and smooth the excess to either side. Coat the interior of the birdbath with a thin layer of the compound to waterproof it, if you desire.
- 5
  Let the epoxy dry for 24 hours or as long as the label suggests before refilling the birdbath.

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