How to Fix a Poured Concrete Basement Leak

Cracks in poured concrete are not uncommon. Your concrete is likely to generate at least a few hairline cracks if you live in an area subject to extreme cold. Not all cracks are problematic, however. Thin, tiny cracks are not likely to not penetrate the concrete and allow water to leak into your basement. If you do start noticing water, you can plug the crack with a low-pressure injector kit and polyurethane elastomeric foam.

Wire brush
Low-pressure injector kit with injector ports epoxy, applicator, foam and gun
Paper plate
Mixing stick
Putty knife
Disposable cup
Sandpaper

Instructions

- 1
  Clean the surface with a wire brush. This removes paint and debris and roughs up the concrete. Clean a 1-inch area on each side of the crack.
- 2
  Mark the port locations with a pencil. Start 4 inches from the end of the crack. Measure each additional mark at 6 inches. Make the marks far enough away from the crack to avoid covering them with epoxy.
- 3
  Squeeze two-part epoxy paste from an applicator over a paper plate and mix the it with a stick. Mix only as much epoxy as you need to cover the surface of the crack. Follow the directions with the product to load and fire the epoxy applicator.
- 4
  Spread the mixed epoxy over the surface of the crack with a putty knife.
- 5
  Dab the base of an injector port with epoxy and push it over the crack at the first mark. Cover the base with additional epoxy to seal it to the wall. Repeat the process until you have inserted all necessary injection ports. Allow the epoxy to cure, following the instructions provided with the product. It should take approximately 30 minutes.
- 6
  Load the injection gun following the directions provided with the tool. Allow the first few ounces of the sealant to drip into a disposable cup. This removes air from the line.
- 7
  Press the tip of the injector hose into the lowest port and push the trigger with slow, even pressure. Keep dispensing the liquid until the port will no longer accept it. Pull out the tip and move up to the next port. Press a cap into the filled port and repeat the application for all ports. Let the injection liquid set following the instructions on the kit. It may take as long as 24 hours.
- 8
  Snap off the injection ports with your hand once you are done. Sand down the wall and paint it if desired.

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