How to find a leak in hunting waders

[NW-GSP]

To find a leak I fill them up with water until I find where the water starts leaking out. For the boot im going to gently sand the area up and use rubbing alcohol to clean it before applying shoe goo.

[Tealer]

Replace them. The hole in the boot will be a problem forever.


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[NW-GSP]

Replace them. The hole in the boot will be a problem forever.


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that's what I'm afraid of, only had these for two hunting seasons.

[ghosthunter]

I replace mine every 3rd year usually. Repairing never holds up.

[Bullkllr]

I have successfully repaired much worse holes than that. Sure, you'll have to replace eventually, but if the waders are otherwise solid, that looks very repairable imo.

The basic method you describe for repair (roughening, cleaning) sounds good. I never had good luck with Shoe-Goo on waders. It does not seem to bond well or hold up over time. Much better results with Aquaseal. A patch of material over that spot on the boot may also help strengthen the repair.

[Jonathan_S]

I would say it's easier to jump in the water to find a leak   

[seth30]

With all the brush hunting I do, there has never been a pair that has lasted past 3 seasons 

[Jonathan_S]

With all the brush hunting I do, there has never been a pair that has lasted past 3 seasons 

Yeah I usually get one season from my waders.  When I am water trapping a lot, my waders might last four months    but then again, trap lines are a lot more involved than waterfowl hunting.

[Tealer]

Replace them. The hole in the boot will be a problem forever.


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that's what I'm afraid of, only had these for two hunting seasons.

That's why USIA is my wader of choice.


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[irishevox]

put soap and water in the boot and press on it.  It will bubble

[vandeman17]

Who needs waders? What a bunch of nancies! I just wear my camo board shorts and call it a day!

I have had plenty of splits and holes in my boots that I have repaired. My current pair I repaired last year early in season and they are still going strong. I to agree that 3 years is the max I get from a pair of waders.

[gaddy]

I always use urethane wind shield adhesive on my neoprene's. put the primer on and then a light coat of the adhesive, smooth out and done. the urethane will out last the waders and is flexible when put on thinly. works on rubber waders as well. And yes, the waders themselves usually tell me where the leak is at.