Looking for advice on (temporarily) plugging a culvert

[Ellen B]

Can a section of PVC (or similar) pipe be forced inside the culvert? You'd have to closely match diameters, then maybe pour concrete around the coupled area to seal leaks.

If you want a positive seal, then it will have to be a wooden gate, rounded to the bottom shape of the culvert. It could be jammed down into one of the culvert grooves. Line the bottom of the wooden gate with some type of rubber - as a gasket. Heavy foam rubber or something similar.

Or, as Diggin It, suggests. Only, use high density expanding foam to seal around the coupled area. With a chunk of PVC extended out into the pond - a sealed gate would be easy to fabricate.

BTW - the pics are a BIG help.

Do you guys think this 15 gallon steel drum would work with what you're suggesting for an insert? The outside diameter is around 14", and I'd be able to simply install or remove the lid to open or close it. And oosik, are you referring to that foam they sell for setting fence posts now? If so, is that something that would remain watertight over time?

 

[Ellen B]

I would form and place a concrete head wall (needs it anyway) then bolt a slide gate assembly onto the head wall. Probably need to reroute the 4" PVC to clear the gate.

Ron

Thanks, I'm still leaning towards trying to insert something to extend the culvert into the pond simply because it'd be a lot less hassle, but if that doesn't work out I'll probably go with what you're suggesting. To make sure I'm clear on what you mean, you're talking about something like the picture below, but on the pond side, correct?

 

[Jstpssng]

just don't underestimate the power of flowing water, if you get frogging around near the mouth of the culvert.

 

[Larry Caldwell]

Don't forget that anything you extend out into the pond will want to float if it's empty. Put a lid on a barrel and it will lift pretty hard.

 

[newbury]

Maybe put the inner tube inside a fire hose.

All the above are good, or wrap the outside of the tire tube with some cloth or canvas before you inflate them.

Yup. Get a big plug w/ inner tube protected by fire hose. Then you can wiggle it in, inflate. Deflate and wiggle it out.

Fire hose can often be gotten free from your Fire Department because most of them have to toss old hoses. Or gotten at Surplus. I got about 200' in maybe 8 rolls from a surplus sale for about $50. I'd give you some but shipping would be a bear It's as heavy as all get out.

 

[3Ts]

And oosik, are you referring to that foam they sell for setting fence posts now? If so, is that something that would remain watertight over time?

I think you will find it degrades over time due to UV light. It will probably last for years though. There is also a black foam made for landscaping and water features that contains UV inhibitors and is waterproof. You can find it at shops that do waterfall features. Be sure to check the directions for use - some require it to dry for 2 days before getting wet, some don't. Here are some examples, there are others on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/GREAT-99112849-Dispenser-Insulating-Sealant/dp/B07GL5MP2X/ref=sr_1_12?keywords=black+waterfall+foam&qid=1564110641&s=gateway&sr=8-12

-or-

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Waterf...aterfall+foam&qid=1564110641&s=gateway&sr=8-6

You may want to use the fence post foam then once it cures, cover it with the black foam or anything else that will keep sunlight off the foam.