How to Repair a Cracked Birdbath

Courtesy David Heilman

Fix Cracked Birdbaths with Glue

Kathlene Freitas of Aurora, Colorado, asks, “What can I use to repair my plastic birdbath that has a crack in it?”

We applaud your interest in repairing your birdbath rather than simply throwing it away and buying a new one. We’ve had success sealing cracks in birdbaths with clear waterproof silicone glue. It comes in a tube and is available at most hardware or home improvement stores. It’s safe for home use. As long as you allow ample time for it to dry before refilling the birdbath with water, it will not pose a threat to birds or other wildlife. Ask a sales associate for guidance in selecting the right product. This is how to attract birds to use a birdbath.

Apply Sealant to Concrete Birdbaths

“The cold and ice have caused my concrete birdbath to leak. Is there something I can seal it with that won’t harm the birds?” asks Janet Newton of Hartsville, South Carolina.

It depends on the kind of leak. If water is seeping through the concrete, you may have to use sealant on the whole inner surface. If cracks are letting the water out, you can fill and seal them. Silicone caulk fills cracks permanently, and it comes in tubes that make application easy. Be sure to do this in a warm and well-ventilated place. The caulk may smell bad for a couple of days, but after it dries thoroughly, it’s harmless to birds. Experts at home improvement or hardware stores can show you safe and effective products to use.