How to Stop a Leak in the Basement With Quikrete Soil
Because they are below ground level, basements are particularly susceptible to water leaks. Basement walls tend to expand and contract naturally in response to temperature changes. Over time, cracks in the walls can develop. In periods of heavy rainfall, water can seep through these cracks and into the basement. Left unchecked, these cracks will only grow larger, and the risk of serious property damage increases. Quikrete produces concrete and cement products, including a concrete patching compound that requires no mixing and is suitable for repairing basement walls. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Wire brush
- Hammer
- Cold chisel
- Eye protection
- Water
- Sponge
- Quikrete concrete patching compound
- Margin trowel (small repair areas)
- Stainless steel pool trowel or plastic trowel (large repair areas)
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Instructions
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Remove any dirt and loose mortar pieces from the leaking area with a wire brush.
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Chisel out any small cracks and holes that surround the leaking area with a hammer and a cold chisel while wearing eye protection.
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Wipe the damaged area down with water and a sponge to remove the mortar dust. Allow the surface to dry completely.
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Apply the Quikrete concrete patching compound across the leaking area with a margin trowel if repairing a small surface area or with a stainless steel pool trowel or plastic trowel for large repair surfaces. If the damaged surface is greater than 1/4 inch deep, apply a 1/8-inch layer and allow at least 24 hours to pass before applying a second layer. Anticipate the curing process to take three days.
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Tips & Warnings
Apply the compound only when the air temperature is between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
References
- Quikrete Concrete Patching Compound Data Sheet
- "Ten Pound Books: Home Repair Guide"; Creative Publishing International; 2007
Resources
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
