---
title: How do I troubleshoot small water leaks during or after assembly?
description: Common causes of leaks, how to diagnose them, and the correct steps to fix minor seepage
---
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# How do I troubleshoot small water leaks during or after assembly?
## Common causes, how to diagnose them, and the correct steps to fix minor seepage
Small leaks are almost always related to installation steps that need tightening, sealing, or adjustment. Ekodome frames and panels are engineered so that once everything is secured and sealed correctly, the structure remains watertight. Below are the most common causes of minor seepage and how to fix them safely.
### **1. Check for Loose Strut Caps or Hub Caps**
If any cap isn’t fully tightened, the panel beneath it may not be compressed properly. That tiny gap can allow water to creep in during the first heavy rain.
**Fix:**
Use a screwdriver or hex bit to re-tighten the hub caps and strut caps in that area. Even a small adjustment can close the gap.
### **2. Inspect Panel Alignment**
Each triangle must sit fully in its metal bed. If a panel edge is slightly lifted or shifted, water can track along the edge.
**Fix:**
Gently lift the cap, nudge the panel back into its seat, then retighten.
Panels should sit flush with no visible spacing at the edges.
### **3. Seal Any Exposed Gaps With the Correct Silicone**
Every dome requires spot-sealing in areas where water can naturally track. This is normal for hard-shell modular systems.
**Use the correct sealant:**
We recommend **DOWSIL 791**, **DOWSIL 795**, or **equivalent architectural-grade neutral-cure exterior silicone**. These remain flexible and are safe for aluminum, HPL, glass, and polycarbonate.
Apply sealant to:
• the small seams where caps meet each other
• panel-to-panel intersections where water may collect
• any hairline gaps revealed during inspection
### **4. Confirm Base Area Is Sealed Properly**
Ekodomes do **not** use base gaskets. The base sealing is created by:
• correct panel seating
• correct placement of base cover metal trims
• silicone applied at the bottom perimeter where needed
If water appears only at the base after heavy rain, it is almost always a sealing issue.
**Fix:**
Run a neat exterior bead of silicone along the inner or outer edge where the panel meets the base cover.
### **5. Check Anchoring and Foundation Level**
If the foundation is uneven or allows water to pool against the dome, it can push moisture into vulnerable points.
**Fix:**
Improve water runoff or add a perimeter flashing to redirect water away from the base.
### **6. Address Issues Early**
Small leaks caught early are easy to fix. If water is left to travel, it can appear far from the actual entry point, making troubleshooting harder.
### **If You Need Help**
You can always contact our after-sales team at **aftersales@ekodome.com** with photos or short videos. They’ll guide you step-by-step and tell you exactly where to seal, adjust, or tighten without guessing.
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