Epoxy Injection for Basement Leaks

Make repairs on a dry day. Locate the cracks in the concrete basement walls that are causing the leaks. Dry up any moisture from these areas using a rag.

Widen each crack so that it is about ½-inch wide and uniform from end to end, using the electric router. Scrub each crack with a stiff-bristled brush to loosen and remove any concrete debris. Make sure each crack is free of dust and dirt.

Open the epoxy repair kit and remove the plastic injection ports. Cut through each tab holding the port cap to the port. Remove the port caps and set them aside.

Push an injection port into the first crack at the highest end. Force the port in as deeply as it will go. Install a second port at the lower end of the first crack.

Place an injection port every inch between the end two along the first crack. Dab the included epoxy adhesive around and between each port, deeply into the crack, with a small paintbrush. Do not paint over any of the ports.

Wait two to three minutes. Slide the tip of the tube of epoxy into the opening of the injection port on the lower end of the crack. Squeeze epoxy into the port until it is visible in the opening of the next-highest injection port.

Cover the filled port with a port cap and fill the next-highest one. Continue in this manner until all of the ports are filled and capped. Repeat steps 4 through 7 for each crack.

Let the epoxy set over the next two days. Grab the top of the first port that you filled with your non-dominant hand. Hit the side of the port at a 45-degree angle with a hammer using your dominant hand to loosen it.

Pull the loosened port out of the crack by hand. Loosen and remove all of the remaining ports. Remove any messy epoxy residue with the sharp edge of a straight-edged paint scraper.