How to Repair a Leaking Wader (Step-by-Step Procedure with Video)

In this article, I’ll show you exactly how to find a leak and repair a leaking pair of waders. There’s no need to panic or chuck them into the bin if you only have a couple of holes in them. If you follow this procedure, you’ll be back on the water and dry in no time at all.

Chris, the videographer who works with me on the videos I do for IFF, and I were out fishing the other day. On our way back he got his new pair of 8Fans waders snagged in an old wire fence. Now, this is quite common if you frequently venture into the unknown.

Fixing a small puncture or tear is relatively easy, and it’s something that I’ve had to do many times. To make the repair easy, we’ll make use of the step-by-step repair instructions that come with every pair of 8Fans waders.

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1. Establish Location of Leak

First off, you need to establish the exact location of the leak. Now in our case, it was pretty easy locating the leak, as I had to basically remove the wire from the waders.

But if you keep getting water in your waders but you don’t know where the leak is, just follow the following steps:

1. Completely dry the waders inside out
2. Wear them for a short period of time in the water
3. You’ll then be able to spot the wet areas on the inside of the waders.

2. Turn the Waders Inside Out

After locating the leak, turn the waders inside out, as you’ll carry out the repair from the inside.

3. Grab a Pair of Fly Tying Scissors

Grab a pair of sharp scissors with a fine point. Here a pair of fly tying scissors work the best.

Carefully separate the inner nylon material from the breathable fabric, being careful not to cut a hole in the waders.

4. Cut a Patch from the Wader Repair Kit

Cut a patch of a suitable size from the wader repair kit, making sure that you have enough overlap to ensure a good repair.

Then cover the wader’s fabric and the inside of the patch with a smooth layer of the glue that comes with the repair kit.

5. Allow the Glue to Partially Dry

Allow the glue to partially dry until it’s tacky, which should take around 5 minutes.

6. Place the Patch over the Leak

Now, place the patch over the leak and get hold of something flat and heavy to apply constant and even pressure with.

Make sure to give it some good time before commencing to the next step.

7. Iron on the Adhesive Tape

Get hold of the adhesive tape piece that also comes included in the kit. Place it over the damaged area and press it with a hot iron.

The iron basically melts the glue on the adhesive tape, which adds an additional layer of protection on joints and repairs.

Make sure that you iron down the corners of the adhesive tape too to prevent it from pulling loose.

Watch the Wader Leak Repair Video

And that’s it, your wader should be good as new after carrying out this simple repair. I hope this helps you out and that it keeps you on the water for longer.

Until next time.