Need help for how to repair basement leak in cinder block wall
NJ Gardener
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (8)
Related Discussions
Need help to repair hole in unfinished basement
Comments (12)The plumbing codes specifically state that whenever a pipe is passed through a masonary wall(cement, concrete, stone or brick) the pipe MUST BE SLEEVED. To create a sleeve you first install a short section of schedule 40 iron or plastic pipe at least 2 nominal trade sizes larger than the desired pipe and long enough to pass through the wall with 2" to 3" extending on either side. This "sleeve Pipe may be cast into the wall during the initial concrete pour or it may be installed through a bored hole later. The sleeve may then be sealed to the wall by any practical means whether that is masonary grout, cement, tar based substances or expansion foam. The desired pipe is then passed through the sleeve and the space between the inner wall of the sleeve and the outer wall of the desired pipe is to be filled with expansion foam. The concern is that pipe has a much greater coefficient of thermal expansion than does the concrete, by example, some pipes may expand by as much as 1/10 or an inch per degree of F differential. Consider a 100 foot long water line running from the street main or well to the structure. In mid summer the temperature of the water in the pipe and soil surrounding the pipe may be 55-60degF while in mid winter with frost in the ground the temperature of the pipe may be in the mid 30degF range. This means that the differential may be 25 to 30degF therefore the pipe may expand or shrink by as much as 2 or 3" per 100'. Understanding that the pipe is shrinking or expanding at a rate much greater than the concrete wall, it then stands that the pipe rubs against the concrete as it moves and even though the actual movement is very slow and almost microscopic in nature at any given point on the pipe run, nonetheless it does cause an undue stress and abrasion on the pipe wall which leads to premature pipe failure. In addition, when the masonary material is in direct contact with a metal pipe there is a strong chemical reaction between the lime in the cement or concrete and the metal in the pipe which results in severe corrosion. By making the sleeve larger, then filling the sleeve with the expansion foam the foam will allow the movement without undue damage to the pipe wall and the foam provides a dielectric barrier to help prevent corrosion....See MoreSupport Cinder Block Wall With Wood Posts?
Comments (7)After 1971 quake in San Fernando area my dad talked to man that was really upset about his very long wall & how much it would cost to repair or replace it. Since it was on level ground & just a foot in on his property from sidewalk my dad drew him pilasters to put up every 8-10 ft. They are cement wider at bottom & have rebar in center & are up against side of wall that was leaning out toward street. Wall was only leaning not broken anywhere.At top the cement is narrowed. Looks like it was meant to be that way. I drove by it yesterday & it is still in great shape. About 200 ft. long. He mixed cement up himself after dad helped him brace it with 2x4's once pilasters were cured all braces removed & looks like it is all original. The cement was just smoothed& is narrower both ways at top so from side it is narrower than at bottom & looking straight on it is narrower as goes up. I think dad had him dig down about a foot to embed the rebar, can't remember is dad made him a form or not. Dad is 95 now & had stroke so wouldn't remember but the man saved a lot of money & since it is on a corner it was all his responsibility. No neighbor to deal with. Good luck. Oh, wood rots so cement would be better. If fence in good shape might be able to sink steel poles in next to it but wouldn't look professional like 1 my dad helped guy do.(At no charge I might add)....See MoreCinder Blocks Crumbleing
Comments (2)How long was the water entering? Are you in a freeze zone? Blocks usually stand up to water pretty well, but a saturated block that freezes can crumble. The most likely fix is to cut them out and replace them if needed....See MoreLeaking window repair options
Comments (7)Pictures would certainly help, inside, outside, closeups, head of the window at the exterior, etc. Just remember, caulk is not the primary water deflector. The window and siding all need to be properly flashed with both a vapor barrier and flashing. If you have that much rot you are going to need to rip that wall apart and rebuild plus properly re-mediate that mold. And while your at that I would NOT reinstall a 15 year old vinyl window....See MoreNJ Gardener
6 years agoJoseph Corlett, LLC
6 years agoGN Builders L.L.C
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoworthy
6 years agoGN Builders L.L.C
6 years ago
Related Stories
REMODELING GUIDES11 Reasons to Love Wall-to-Wall Carpeting Again
Is it time to kick the hard stuff? Your feet, wallet and downstairs neighbors may be nodding
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESHow to Turn Your Basement Into an Office
Put your basement to work as a productive, comfortable home office. Here are 12 tips to help you get started
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNWhy a Designer Kept Her Kitchen Walls
Closed kitchens help hide messes (and smells) and create a zone for ‘me time.’ Do you like your kitchen open or closed?
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGNGarden Walls: Pour On the Style With Concrete
There's no end to what you — make that your contractor — can create using this strong and low-maintenance material
Full StoryBASEMENTSDesign Workshop: Is It Time to Let Basements Become Extinct?
Costly and often unnecessary, basements may become obsolete — if they aren’t already. Here are responses to every reason to keep them around
Full StoryLIVING ROOMSBelow My Houzz: An Inviting Basement With Industrial Edge
Reconfiguring a cramped, damp basement opens up a new world of sleek, functional spaces
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDES11 Ways to Finesse Your Finished Basement
Make your hideaway more enjoyable, fun and suited to your style with these useful tips
Full StoryLIGHTINGHow to Get Your Basement Lighting Right
Give your basement a top-notch lighting system with layers of pendants, cans, sconces and more
Full StorySELLING YOUR HOUSE10 Low-Cost Tweaks to Help Your Home Sell
Put these inexpensive but invaluable fixes on your to-do list before you put your home on the market
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESYou Won't Believe What These Homeowners Found in Their Walls
From the banal to the downright bizarre, these uncovered artifacts may get you wondering what may be hidden in your own home
Full Story
worthy