How to Reuse Mortar for Concrete Block

When you are building a concrete block wall with mortar, there is always excess that needs to be cut away from the joints as you tap the pieces together and the weight of the upper levels compresses against the horizontal joints. As this mortar falls to the ground, it will begin to harden. Once concrete comes into the presence of water it starts a chemical reaction that cannot be stopped. You have between one and two hours of working life once concrete is initially mixed, and you can incorporate this dropped mortar into your mix to reuse it as you go.

Work gloves
Dust mask
Safety glasses
Mason trowel

Instructions

- 1
  Cut away the excess mortar as you work your way up the wall. As you set each new block and tamp it in place, use the edge of the trowel to cut away the excess and keep the joints flat and flush with the overall block. Use your off hand to keep the mortar from falling down to the ground, and toss it back into your mixing container.
- 2
  Remix the concrete in your working container -- a bucket or wheelbarrow that is located in your work area -- periodically with your mason trowel. This is known as chopping the mud. As the excess mud sits on the surface of the other concrete, chop it into the mixture with the edge of your mason trowel to mix it in with the old batch and reuse it.
- 3
  Throw the excess mud back into the concrete mixing machine for the best results. The mixing machine is left running to keep the concrete continually turning so that it doesn’t have a chance to rest. This helps the concrete last longer before it begins to cure. However, you must throw the mud back into the mixer within several minutes of it separating from the main batch or it will begin to dry out and harden, rendering it useless.

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