|
 Determine the lowest
point in your pond if possible. Dig the bottom of
your pond at an approximate 30°
downward slope to create a small area where water flow will cause
debris to collect.
Install all necessary drainage
pipes including a 3" ABS elbow
(90°) directly underneath the
lowest point in your pond. This
is where the bottom drain will be installed.
Install the lower half of the
bottom drain at the predetermined point in your pond, attaching
it to the ABS elbow pipe with ABS glue
available at plumbing supply and hardware stores, and home centers.
It is important that this connection is totally secure. When
this step is complete, the installed piece should be recessed
at least 3/4"
below the level of the pond bottom.
Install your TetraPond
45 mil EPDM liner. After your liner is fully installed,
locate the spot where the lower half of the bottom drain has
been installed underneath the liner, and using
your fingers, find the six screwholes
located in the gasket and rim of the bottom drain lower half.
With a white pencil mark your liner
with the location of the screwholes. Using an awl of leather
punching tool punch through the liner at the pencil markings
being careful that the diameter
of the punched hole is not wider than the diameter of the screwhole
in the rim of the drain underneath the liner.
Apply a light coating of silicone sealant to the liner in
the circular area directly covering the drain. Then align the screwholes in the upper
half of the bottom drain with the holes punctured in your liner,
and using the six flat head machine screws provided attach the
upper half to the lower half. It is important that the studs
on the rim of the upper half of the drain should point upward,
the flat surface of the rim should be flush with the liner. Do not overtighten at this point,
the liner should be firmly sandwiched
between the halves of the bottom drain, and the rim of the upper
half should be level or slightly below
the bottom of the pond. This will create a final drop
into the drain.
Once
the halves have been securely joined, carefully cut away the
circular portion of the liner inside the drain, making
sure to trim the liner flush with the inside edges of the drain.
Apply a light coating of silicone sealant
to the inside surface of the drain.
 The white gaskets on the
two halves of the drain are made of closed cell material. The
resulting compression of these gaskets
against the liner provide a water tight seal.
Fill the drain cover dome with
pea gravel or aquarium gravel until nearly full, then glue the
plug using PVC or ABS glue into the
bottom of the cover.
Align
three studs on the bottom of the cover with studs
on the rim of the upper half of the drain and insert. Press down
until securely sealed. Do not glue or
cement in place! The cover dome is meant to be removable
for cleaning.
The shape of the cover dome is
designed to force debris and water to flow into the drain inlet.
Do not place potted plants, stones or
decorations to the bottom drain in a manner that could impede
proper water flow.
Periodically remove the cover
dome and inspect drain for blockage.
[Return to 3" Tetra
Bottom Drain]
|
[View
Cart or Checkout]