A water wall is one of the ultimate water features – stylish, gentle and soothing.  Best of all, they look great in any garden!  However, your perfect water wall can soon become a hassle if you make a mistake in the installation process.  Here are some of the most common mistakes made with water walls.  For advice on how to get your water wall right the first time and avoid these mistakes or others, have a chat with your local water features supplier. They’ll be only too happy to help.

Ordering the Wrong Type of Water Wall

One of the more common mistakes that people make is to order the wrong type of water wall for their needs.  There are two types of water walls – sheet descent water wall troughs and projecting water wall units.  A sheet descent water wall causes water to flow over a spout or lip and down the actual surface of the wall into the catchment area.  A projecting water wall pushes water out from the wall in an arc, around 20cm away from the wall, and the water is then caught in the pond beneath.  Sheet descent water walls are quiet and subtle while projecting water walls are louder and provide a more dramatic look.  Make sure you know which effect you want before you buy your water wall!

Installing the Trough Incorrectly

Another mistake that people often make with water walls is to install the trough incorrectly.  The trough is a vital part of the water wall as that’s where the water comes from to create the “sheet” of water that you see.  Make sure that the trough is completely level so that the water flows evenly.  Also make sure that it is at the correct level on the wall – don’t install it too high!  The maximum height above the pond or water catchment area is 2 metres for a sheet descent water wall and 1.2 metres for a projecting water wall.  If you install the trough higher than that, you won’t get an even sheet effect and the water will look uneven.

Using the Wrong Size Pond/Catchment

The pond or catchment is the pool at the bottom that catches all the water that comes from the water wall. There is usually a pump to keep the water going around.  Make sure you choose a pond or catchment that is large enough to catch the splash from the water wall.  If it’s not, you’ll lose massive amounts of water.  Your supplier will be able to tell you the minimum sizes that will work for your situation.

Not Waterproofing the Wall Properly

As water is running down the surface of the wall constantly when the water wall is turned on (and they’re often turned on permanently), it is vital that the wall is correctly waterproofed, no matter what it is clad with!  If it is not, water will make its way past the cladding and cause rot, warping, and a whole host of other issues.  Make sure that the wall is waterproofed using a high quality waterproofing membrane.