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While knowing how to fix leaky waders may not be crucial in the summer, they can become a real danger during duck hunting or winter steelhead fishing. Leaky waders pose a high risk of making your day miserable and can even lead to hypothermia if left unaddressed in cold conditions. Some may opt to buy a new pair, and depending on the damage, that may be the best option. However, a small leak in a pair of waders is an easy fix that can save money and keep your trip on track.
Remember that the best way to prevent leaks in your waders is to know how to avoid them. Not all waders are equally durable, but no matter the brand, they benefit from proper storage and cleaning after use. Keeping waders clean promotes longevity and prevents premature breakdown of the materials.
How to Repair a Small Puncture
Small, pinhole punctures are the most common leaks in waders. Pinholes can also be difficult to repair because they are hard to locate. Here's what you need and how to get started.
Materials needed:
Isopropyl alcohol
Spray bottle
Marker
How to repair pinhole punctures:
Make sure the waders are clean and dry.
Turn the waders inside out.
Spray a fine mist of isopropyl alcohol onto the suspected leak area.
Small, dark spots should appear where the hole is located.
Draw a circle around the identified leak at least ¼ inch away from the hole.
Allow isopropyl alcohol to dry.
Apply Aquaseal FD to the circled area using the brush provided.
Let the Aquaseal dry and cure for full waterproof capabilities (24 hours).
Any waterproof urethane adhesive will work for this repair. For best results, follow the instructions provided on the sealant.
How to Repair Rips and Tears
Rips and tears are equally easy to repair, depending on their size. Most small rips can be repaired with a patch. If you are dealing with a large repair area, we recommend contacting the wader company for further instructions or to see if they perform repairs on their products.
Materials needed:
Patch or Tenacious Tape
How to repair small rips and tears:
Clean and dry the waders.
Turn the waders inside out.
Trim the repair patch provided with the waders to the appropriate size.
Apply Aquaseal around the tear and push the edges together.
Once the Aquaseal adhesive feels tacky, apply a patch to the area.
Press the patch firmly, starting from the middle and working outward. Make sure no air bubbles are present underneath the patch.
Allow Aquaseal and patch adhesive to cure and dry for about 24 hours.
To perform this repair using Tenacious Tape, apply adhesive to the inside of the waders and tape to the outside. We prefer performing this type of repair with a patch provided by the wader company, which matches the fabric type and provides a better bond. Most companies sell aftermarket patches if a patch kit does not come with your waders.
FAQ
Q: Can you fix a leak in the wader stocking feet?
Yes, stocking feet can be repaired using a patch for larger holes or by generously applying Aquaseal FD to the hole area. Always give the adhesive enough time to cure to ensure waterproofing.
Q: Why do my waders keep leaking?
Pinhole leaks or leaks in the stocking feet are common areas where wader leaks occur. These leaks can be caused by studs in boots, long toenails, folding or creasing wader materials, improper storage, and infrequent cleaning.
Q: Can neoprene be patched?
Yes, neoprene can be patched with the right repair materials. Gear Aid sells a very effective iron-on neoprene patch that utilizes Tenacious Tape. It is quick and straightforward to use. All you need to do is cut the patch to size and use your household iron to bond the adhesive to the neoprene.
Q: How long should a pair of waders last?
A pair of mid-range waders with moderate use should last at least 3-4 seasons. If you use waders far more or far less, expect different time frames. Remember that waders can have a long life if well-maintained.
