How to Repair Holes in Basement Walls That Release Sandy Substances

This method is so quick and easy it may seem like cheating.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Plaster or Fine Grain Cement
• Tissue or Toilet paper
• Water
• Spatula or Putty Knife preferably bigger than the hole
• A flat, plastic box that can hold the water and cement- Tupperware works well and can be cleaned easily for reuse even with food.

1. Clean around the hole and if there is a lot of sand or granual dirt inside the hold get out the big stuff but don't sweat the small stuff.
2. Take a wad of tissue or toiletpaper, wet it and squeeze out the excess water- it should be damp but not dripping. Fill the hold with it until it is nearly flush witht he wall. This works best if the hole is smaller than 10 cm diameter but will work for larger holes if you are patient because you have to wait until the tissue paper is dry on the exposed surface (will feel stiff). Professionally, they use course animal hair (like from horse tails) or similar fibers to fill such holes. Don't worry about that unless you have a really big hole.
3. While you wait for the tissue paper to dry on top, mix the cement or plaster as per instructions. It's easiest to add the water to the plaster rather than the other way around. Add a little water and mix. Still dry? Add a little bit more water. You want to make something with the consistency of toothpaste (which is why college kids fill the pin holes in their dorm walls with white toothpaste to pass the damage inspection).
4. Use your putty knife to fill the hole. Expect to make a mess about twice the size of the hole as you spread the plaster across. Most plaster or cement will shrink when it dries and leave a visible indent. You can even it out with plaster again if that happens but you can be sure it won't ever be absolutely perfect so don't get down on yourself if it's not.